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Payout System

Panels Store processes monthly payouts via Stripe Connect, transferring your earnings directly to your bank account. Here's everything you need to know about getting paid.

Payout Schedule​

Payouts are processed on the 1st of each month for the previous month's sales.

Weekend/Holiday Delays

If the 1st falls on a weekend or bank holiday, payouts may be processed on the next business day. Stripe handles the actual transfer timing.

Example Timeline​

📅 March Sales
├─ March 1: Reader buys your comic for $4.99
├─ March 15: Another sale for $4.99
├─ March 28: Final sale for $4.99
│
└─ April 1: Payout of $11.97 sent instantly to your Stripe account

Minimum Payout Threshold​

To receive a payout, your balance must meet your configured minimum threshold.

How It Works​

  • Default Minimum: $50 (recommended)
  • Configurable Range: Starting at $4
  • If Below Threshold: Balance rolls over to next month
  • No Expiration: Your balance never expires

Why Set a Higher Threshold?​

Higher thresholds mean fewer transfers and lower total fees:

Scenario A: $4 threshold (monthly payouts)
├─ Month 1: $50 payout → $4.00 fee
├─ Month 2: $50 payout → $4.00 fee
├─ Month 3: $50 payout → $4.00 fee
└─ Total Fees: $12.00

Scenario B: $150 threshold (quarterly payout)
└─ Month 3: $150 payout → $4.75 fee (0.5% of $150)
└─ Total Fees: $4.75

Savings: $7.25 over 3 months by using a higher threshold!

Recommended Strategy

Set your threshold to $50-$100 to balance regular payouts with fee efficiency. Adjust based on your sales volume.

Payout Fees​

Stripe charges a fee for each transfer to your bank account. To cover Stripe fees, we set the following fees for every payout:

  • Fee Rate: 0.5% of the payout amount
  • Minimum Fee: $4.00 per transfer

Fee Calculation Examples​

Payout AmountFee CalculationActual FeeYou Receive
$500.5% = $0.25$4.00 (minimum)$46.00
$1000.5% = $0.50$4.00 (minimum)$96.00
$2000.5% = $1.00$4.00 (minimum)$196.00
$5000.5% = $2.50$4.00 (minimum)$496.00
$8000.5% = $4.00$4.00$796.00
$1,0000.5% = $5.00$5.00$995.00
$2,0000.5% = $10.00$10.00$1,990.00
Minimum Fee Applies

For payouts under $800, you'll always pay the $4 minimum fee. Above $800, you pay the calculated 0.5%.

Balance Rollover​

If your balance doesn't meet the minimum threshold, it automatically rolls over:

January: $30 earned
└─ Below $50 threshold → Rolls over

February: $25 earned
├─ Total balance: $55
└─ Meets $50 threshold → Payout of $51 (after $4 fee)
Track Your Balance

Monitor your current balance in your Panels Store dashboard (My Store → Sales) to see when you'll receive your next payout.

Payment Method​

Payouts are sent via Stripe Connect to the bank account you configured during Stripe onboarding.

Stripe Connect Only

Currently, we only support payouts through Stripe Connect. We're looking to expand to additional payment providers in the near future.

Supported Regions​

  • 🇪🇺 European Union
  • 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
  • 🇺🇸 United States
Other Regions

If you're outside EU/UK/US, contact publish@panels.store to discuss your options.

When Funds Appear​

After the payout is initiated on the 1st, funds are sent to your Stripe Connect account via instant payout—meaning you'll receive your money immediately.

Instant Payouts

Stripe processes the payout instantly, so your funds appear in your connected Stripe account right away.

Configuring Your Payout Settings​

Changing Your Minimum Threshold​

  1. Go to My Store → Settings
  2. Find Payout Settings
  3. Adjust Minimum Payout Threshold
  4. Save changes

Changes take effect for the next payout cycle.

Updating Bank Details​

Your bank account is managed through Stripe:

  1. Visit your Stripe Dashboard (accessible from your Panels Store settings)
  2. Go to Settings → Bank Accounts
  3. Update or add a new account
  4. Verify the account as required
Verification Required

Bank account changes may require verification before the next payout. Update well before month-end to avoid delays.

Payout Notifications​

Stripe will send you email notifications when you receive a payout to your connected account. Make sure your email address is current in your Stripe account settings.

Troubleshooting Payouts​

Why Didn't I Receive a Payout?​

Common reasons:

  • Balance below minimum threshold
  • Bank account verification incomplete
  • Stripe account issue or under review
  • First month of sales (wait until next month)

Payout Failed or Bounced​

If a payout fails:

  1. Check your bank account details in Stripe
  2. Verify your account is active and can receive transfers
  3. Contact Stripe support if account is under review
  4. Email publish@panels.store if you need assistance

The funds remain in your balance and will be included in the next successful payout.

Viewing Payout History​

Track all your payouts:

  • Panels Dashboard: My Store → Payouts
  • Stripe Dashboard: Complete transaction and payout history

Tax Considerations​

Tax Responsibility

You are responsible for reporting and paying taxes on your earnings. Panels Store does not automatically withhold taxes.

Consult with a tax professional about:

  • Self-employment income reporting
  • Sales tax obligations (varies by region)
  • International tax treaties (if applicable)
  • Record-keeping requirements

Stripe may provide tax documents (like 1099 forms in the US) depending on your region and earnings.