How Pay-to-Unlock Works | Get Paid Before Delivery

Learn how LinkVault's Pay-to-Unlock feature works. Secure your files, allow clients to preview them with watermarks, and release the original download only after payment.

Stop Chasing Payments. Start Gating Deliverables.

The traditional 'Trust but Verify' model of freelancer delivery is broken. You send the work, then you send the invoice, and then you hope the client pays. This 'honor system' leads to ghosting, late payments, and unnecessary stress.

LinkVault flips the script. You send a secure preview link. The client reviews the work in a protected viewer (with your watermark). To download the original, high-resolution source file, they simply click 'Unlock' and pay your invoice right there. No payment, no download.

Want to stop chasing client payments?

Join freelancers and agencies using LinkVault to lock files behind a Stripe paywall.

The 3-Step Workflow

1. Upload and Set Your Price

Upload your deliverable to LinkVault. Set the price you want to charge for the unlock. You can choose from dozens of currencies supported by Stripe.

2. Share the Secure Preview

Send the LinkVault URL to your client. They open it in their browser and see a professional, watermarked preview of your work. They can't download, print, or save the original file yet.

3. Instant Payment and Unlock

Once the client is happy, they pay the unlock fee using Stripe's secure checkout. The moment the payment is confirmed, the 'Unlock' button turns into a 'Download' button, and they get their files instantly.

Why Professionals Choose Pay-to-Unlock

It's not just about getting paid; it's about the professional experience. Using a payment-gated delivery system shows your clients that you value your work and have professional processes in place.

  • Zero ghosting risk: The client cannot have the work without paying.
  • Faster cash flow: Get paid the moment the work is approved.
  • Professional image: Provide a seamless 'Pay & Download' experience like a high-end agency.
  • Reduced friction: No more bank transfers or chasing overdue invoices manually.

Ready to secure your documents?

Join thousands of professionals sharing sensitive files with confidence.