Customer Portal FAQ & Troubleshooting
Common questions and troubleshooting
At a Glance
- No account needed — portal links provide direct access to documents
- Payments are secure through PCI-compliant providers (Stripe, PayPal, Square)
- Links remain active; contact the business if you need a new link sent
Customer Portal FAQ & Troubleshooting
Answers to common questions and solutions for portal issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Do I need to create an account to view my documents?
No. The customer portal uses secure links that don't require login. Simply click the link in your email or message to access your document.
Is it safe to pay through the portal?
Yes. All payments are processed through secure, PCI-compliant payment providers (Stripe, PayPal, or Square). Your payment information is encrypted and never stored in WorkSnap.
Can I access my documents later?
Yes. Invoice and estimate links generally remain active. If a link stops working, contact the business to request a new one.
Why didn't I receive an email?
Check your spam/junk folder first. If not there, verify your email address with the business and ask them to resend.
Can I forward the link to someone else?
You can, but be careful—anyone with the link can view the document. Only share with people who should have access (like a spouse reviewing a household expense).
Invoice Questions
How do I know my invoice is legitimate?
Legitimate invoices:
- Come from an email address you recognize
- Reference work you agreed to
- Match amounts you expect
- Show the business's correct name and contact info
If anything seems suspicious, contact the business directly using contact information you already have (not from the email).
Can I pay part of my invoice now?
If the business allows partial payments, you'll see an option to enter a custom amount. If you only see a Pay Now button for the full amount, partial payments aren't enabled for that invoice.
What if I disagree with the invoice amount?
Click Contact or Ask a Question on the invoice page to send a message to the business. Or contact them directly using their business phone number or email.
My invoice says "Overdue"—what does that mean?
The due date has passed and payment hasn't been received. Pay as soon as possible to avoid any late fees (if applicable) and to maintain your good relationship with the business.
I already paid—why does my invoice still show a balance?
Possible reasons:
- Payment is still processing (especially bank transfers, which take 3-5 days)
- Payment was recorded but not yet synced
- You paid through a different method that wasn't recorded
Contact the business to verify payment status.
Estimate Questions
What happens when I approve an estimate?
When you approve:
- You'll sign electronically (type or draw your signature)
- If a deposit is required, you'll pay it
- The business is notified
- Work can be scheduled
Approving an estimate is typically agreeing to the scope and pricing outlined.
Can I ask questions before approving?
Yes. Click Ask a Question on the estimate to send a message to the business. They'll respond to clarify before you need to decide.
What if I want changes to the estimate?
Click Ask a Question or contact the business directly. They can revise the estimate and send you an updated version to review.
Does "Decline" mean I'm canceling forever?
Not necessarily. Declining indicates you don't want to proceed with that estimate as written. You can always discuss changes with the business and they can send a new estimate.
The estimate says it's expired—what do I do?
Contact the business. They can send a new estimate if you're still interested. Pricing may change on a new estimate.
Payment Questions
Why isn't there a "Pay Now" button?
The business may not have online payments enabled. Contact them directly to arrange payment by check, cash, or other method.
Which payment methods can I use?
Options vary by business. Common options include:
- Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover)
- Bank transfer (ACH)
- PayPal
You'll see available options when you click Pay Now.
Is there a fee for paying online?
The business determines whether to pass along any processing fees. Any fees would be shown before you confirm payment.
How long until my payment shows up?
- Credit/debit cards: Usually immediate or within minutes
- Bank transfers (ACH): 3-5 business days
- PayPal: Usually immediate
Can I get a receipt?
Yes. After payment:
- A receipt shows on screen
- A receipt is emailed to you
- You can download/print the receipt
Can I pay with Apple Pay or Google Pay?
This depends on the business's payment setup and your browser. If available, these options appear during checkout.
Download & Print Questions
How do I download a PDF?
Click the Download PDF button or download icon on the document page. The PDF saves to your device's default download location.
Can I print the document?
Yes. Either:
- Click Print if available on the page
- Download the PDF and print from your PDF reader
- Use your browser's print function (Ctrl/Cmd + P)
The PDF won't open—what's wrong?
You need a PDF reader. Most devices have one built in. If not, download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) or use your browser's built-in PDF viewer.
Signature Questions
How do I sign an estimate?
When you click Approve:
- Review the estimate details
- Choose signature method (type or draw)
- Type your name or draw your signature
- Click Submit or Confirm
My signature didn't save—what happened?
Try:
- Using a different browser
- Using your phone/tablet (touchscreen works well)
- Ensuring stable internet connection
- Clicking the save/submit button (don't just close the page)
Is an electronic signature legally binding?
Electronic signatures are legally recognized in most jurisdictions for contracts like service estimates. The signature is timestamped and recorded.
Troubleshooting Guide
Link and Access Issues
"Link Expired" or "Link Not Found"
Problem: The portal link doesn't work or shows an error.
Solutions:
- Check if the estimate has expired (estimates have validity dates)
- Contact the business to request a new link
- They can resend the document, which generates a fresh link
Link Opens Wrong Document
Problem: You clicked a link but see a different document than expected.
Solutions:
- You may have clicked an old link
- Check your email for the most recent message
- Contact the business for the correct link
Page Won't Load
Problem: Clicking the link shows a blank page or loading forever.
Solutions:
- Check your internet connection
- Refresh the page (Ctrl/Cmd + R)
- Clear browser cache
- Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
- Disable ad blockers temporarily
- Try incognito/private browsing mode
"Access Denied" or "Unauthorized"
Problem: Error message saying you can't access the document.
Solutions:
- The link may have been deactivated
- Contact the business for a new link
- Verify you're using the correct link
Payment Issues
Payment Failed/Declined
Problem: Payment doesn't go through.
Solutions:
- Check card details - Verify number, expiration, CVV
- Check funds - Ensure sufficient balance
- Contact bank - They may have flagged the transaction
- Try different card - Use another payment method
- Try later - Temporary issues sometimes resolve
"Payment Processing" Stuck
Problem: Payment seems to be processing endlessly.
Solutions:
- Don't click pay again (may cause duplicate charge)
- Wait a few minutes
- Check email for receipt (may have processed)
- Refresh the page to see updated status
- Contact the business if unsure
Charged But Invoice Still Shows Balance
Problem: You paid but the invoice doesn't show it.
Possible causes and solutions:
- Processing delay - Wait a few minutes and refresh
- Bank transfer - ACH takes 3-5 business days
- Sync delay - Payment will appear soon
- Contact business - They can verify and update if needed
Double Charged
Problem: You were charged twice for the same invoice.
What to do:
- Don't panic—this is usually resolvable
- Document both charges (screenshots, statements)
- Contact the business immediately
- They can refund the duplicate
- If unresponsive, contact your bank
Display and Viewing Issues
Document Looks Wrong or Cut Off
Problem: Formatting issues on the document.
Solutions:
- Try a different browser
- Try a different device (computer vs. phone)
- Download the PDF for proper formatting
- Zoom out if content is cut off
- Rotate device to landscape mode
Images Not Loading
Problem: Logo or other images appear broken.
Solutions:
- Refresh the page
- Check internet connection
- Disable ad blocker
- Images may be blocked by your network
Mobile Display Issues
Problem: Hard to view or use on phone.
Solutions:
- Rotate to landscape mode
- Zoom in/out as needed
- Try a different mobile browser
- Request PDF and view in PDF app
- Use a computer for complex actions
Signature Issues
Signature Box Not Appearing
Problem: Can't find where to sign.
Solutions:
- Click Approve button first
- Scroll down to find signature area
- Try different browser
- Disable browser extensions
Signature Not Saving
Problem: You sign but it doesn't submit.
Solutions:
- Ensure stable internet connection
- Click the submit/confirm button
- Don't close the browser until you see confirmation
- Try drawing signature instead of typing (or vice versa)
- Try different browser or device
Touch Signature Not Working
Problem: Can't draw signature on touchscreen.
Solutions:
- Clean your screen
- Remove screen protector if very thick
- Try using a stylus
- Switch to typing your name instead
- Try different browser
Email Issues
Didn't Receive Email
Problem: No email with document link.
Solutions:
- Check spam/junk folder - Most common issue
- Search email - Search for sender's business name
- Check address - Verify correct email is on file
- Contact business - Ask them to resend
- Whitelist sender - Add their domain to contacts
Email Marked as Spam
Problem: Legitimate emails going to spam.
Solutions:
- Mark message as "Not Spam"
- Add sender to contacts
- Whitelist the sender's domain
- Check email provider settings
Links in Email Not Working
Problem: Clicking link in email doesn't work.
Solutions:
- Try copying link and pasting in browser
- Right-click and "Open in new tab"
- Your email client may be blocking links
- Try viewing email in webmail instead of app
Getting More Help
If you can't resolve an issue:
Contact the Business
The business that sent you the document is your first point of contact:
- Use contact information on the document
- Reply to the original email
- Call their business phone number
- Use the Contact or Ask a Question button in the portal
What to Include When Asking for Help
- Document type (invoice/estimate)
- Document number (if visible)
- What you were trying to do
- What happened (error messages, etc.)
- Device and browser you're using
- Screenshots if possible
If Payment Issues Involve Your Bank
Contact your bank or card issuer if:
- Payment declined for unknown reason
- Suspecting fraudulent use of your card
- Needing to verify a charge
- Requesting a chargeback
Quick Reference
Common Error Solutions
| Error | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| Link expired | Contact business for new link |
| Page won't load | Try different browser, clear cache |
| Payment declined | Check card details, contact bank |
| No Pay button | Business hasn't enabled online payments |
| Signature won't save | Use different browser, check connection |
| Email not received | Check spam, contact business |
Support Contact
For issues with your document, contact the business directly. They can:
- Resend documents
- Update your email
- Adjust amounts
- Process refunds
- Answer questions
Previous: Making Payments Through the Portal Next: Automated Follow-ups & Reminders
What Happens Next
- 1Check spam/junk folder if you didn't receive an email
- 2Contact the business using known contact info if something seems suspicious
- 3Save or bookmark links for future access to documents
Common Questions
- Is it safe to click the payment link in the email?
- Yes, if the email is from a business you recognize. Verify the sender and business name match what you expect.
- Why can't I download the PDF?
- Try a different browser or device. Some mobile browsers have download limitations.
- I paid but the invoice still shows unpaid — what do I do?
- Payments usually update within minutes. If still showing unpaid, contact the business. Keep your payment confirmation as proof.
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