Money locked until the job is done.
Every dollar on BidVolt is held in escrow until milestones are verified. Customers don't pay early. Contractors know money is committed before they show up. Sales reps get paid the day install closes — automatically.
Property owners pay into escrow. Money releases only after install is verified by BidVolt.
Customer-paid portion is in escrow before any contractor wins. Show up, install, get paid same day.
When verification clears, every party — sales rep, contractor, BidVolt — gets paid automatically.
The exact money flow.
Five milestones from customer signature to final payout. At each milestone, funds move automatically.
Sales rep signs the customer to a verified scope.
Sales rep documents the property, captures fixture inventory, calculates rebate, gets customer e-signature. Listing is published to the marketplace. No money has moved yet.
Winning contractor pays the assignment fee.
Auction closes. Top bidder is awarded the contract. Contractor pays the 15% assignment fee (e.g., $6,075 on a $40,500 contract) into BidVolt escrow before customer relationship transfers. Listing details, customer contact, and project documents unlock for the contractor.
Property owner pays their portion into escrow.
Customer pays the customer-paid portion (e.g., $18,400 on a $40,500 contract — utility incentive covers the rest). Funds are held in BidVolt escrow account. Customer's payment is protected — money releases only after install is verified.
Contractor completes install. BidVolt verifies.
Contractor installs to scope on schedule. BidVolt ops verifies completion (on-site visit, drone photos, or customer sign-off depending on project size). Verification triggers automatic payouts.
Quality buffer releases at 90 days.
5% of the contract value stays in BidVolt's Verified Install Guarantee fund for 90 days. If a callback is needed (defective workmanship, material failure), this covers remediation. If no issues, the buffer releases to the contractor.
Utility incentive payment to contractor flows separately, on the utility's standard 60–90 day cycle. BidVolt is not in this money path.
Total flow on a typical $40,500 contract
| Party | Pays in | Receives out | Net |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property owner | $18,400 | — | −$18,400 out (vs. $40K+ direct) |
| Contractor (winner) | $6,075 | $40,500 (incl. utility) | +$34,425 |
| Sales rep | — | $4,050 | +$4,050 |
| BidVolt | — | $2,025 | +$2,025 |
| Verified Install Guarantee fund | — | $920 (held 90d) | +$920 (released later) |
Utility incentive ($22,100) flows directly contractor ↔ utility on standard rebate-program timing, separate from BidVolt's escrow.
Tech under the hood.
BidVolt uses Stripe Connect for payment processing, a milestone-driven state machine for escrow rules, and a verification workflow operated by the BidVolt ops team.
PCI-compliant, regulated payment processing. Funds held in segregated escrow accounts. ACH, card, and wire supported.
Each project moves through Signed → Awarded → In-Install → Verified → Cleared states. Funds release on state transitions.
Independent verification by BidVolt staff. On-site for $25K+ projects, photo/customer-sign-off for smaller jobs.
Common questions.
What if the customer pays late?
If the customer-paid portion isn't received within 30 days of award, BidVolt may rescind the assignment, refund the contractor's assignment fee, and re-list the project. The contractor never starts work without funds in escrow.
What if there's a dispute over installation quality?
Both parties submit evidence (photos, scope of work, customer feedback). BidVolt ops mediates within 5 business days. If found contractor's fault, the Verified Install Guarantee fund covers remediation. If found customer's fault (e.g., scope change requested mid-install), customer pays the change-order amount.
When does the sales rep get paid?
The day verification clears — typically same day as install completion. Funds hit the rep's account within 1–2 business days via ACH.
Are utility incentives paid through BidVolt?
No. Utility programs pay the installer of record directly on their standard rebate timeline (typically 60–90 days post-install). BidVolt prepares the paperwork and helps ensure approval but does not handle the rebate flow itself.
Are smart contracts (blockchain) involved?
Not currently. BidVolt uses regulated off-chain payment rails (Stripe Connect) with milestone-based escrow logic. We may add on-chain settlement options in future versions for contractors who prefer trustless verification, but it's not required today.
Ready to participate?
Pick your role. The escrow protects you no matter which side you're on.