> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://franks-organization-22.gitbook.io/fieldwork-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://franks-organization-22.gitbook.io/fieldwork-guide/fees-and-payments.md).

# Fees and payments

Your initial inquiry is free. Before paid work begins, you and your consultant agree the scope, deliverable, fee, and timing.

## Agree the work first

A new project starts as **inquiry** and **unpaid**. These labels let you discuss the question before deciding to proceed; submitting an inquiry does not create a charge.

Your consultant can mark an accepted engagement **enrolled**. Enrollment and payment are separate: an enrolled project may still be awaiting payment, or the work may be agreed as free.

## Pay using the agreed method

Payments happen outside Fieldwork. Your consultant provides the agreed payment instructions, which may use PayPal, Cash App, an external invoice, or another agreed method.

Fieldwork records the arrangement and payment status manually. Selecting or displaying a payment method does not transfer money or confirm receipt. Your consultant updates the record after checking the payment.

## Understand the payment labels

| Status   | What it records                                                       |
| -------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Unpaid   | Payment has not been recorded as received or waived.                  |
| Pending  | The payment is awaiting confirmation or another agreed next step.     |
| Paid     | Your consultant has recorded payment as received.                     |
| Waived   | Your consultant has agreed and recorded that payment is not required. |
| Refunded | Your consultant has recorded a refund made outside Fieldwork.         |

A status change in Fieldwork does not itself collect or refund money. If the record differs from your understanding, contact your consultant in [your workspace](https://fieldwork.chat/workspace).

## Free, one-time, and recurring work

Free work beyond the initial inquiry is agreed individually and recorded by your consultant. Do not assume an unpaid project is a free engagement; confirm the arrangement together.

A **one-time** or **recurring** label describes the arrangement you agreed. Fieldwork does not automatically charge you or schedule recurring collections. Agree any payment schedule and external payment method with your consultant.

For payment questions, use the project conversation or email <hello@fieldwork.chat>. Email replies are not automatically copied into the workspace.