Payments go straight to you, never through a middleman — either by card through Stripe or by however you already collect. Here's how it fits together.
The “Connect Stripe” button sits on the Stripe row of Payments, which stands there until you've connected. Stripe moves card payments straight into your bank account — Verbalgerbil never sits in the middle. Free to set up, about 10 minutes.
Card invoices only work once Stripe is connected.
No Stripe required — collect exactly like you do today.
Open the student, go to Billing, and tap “Record a payment” — the amount and date, then “Record payment”. It keeps their balance and your earnings accurate whether or not Stripe is connected.
Set your default rate and model from Make it yours — it drives invoices, the student portal, and your reports.
Open that student's Billing tab and set a “Custom rate”. It replaces your default for them only, until you remove it.
“New invoice” asks for the amount, a due date and “What it's for”; “Create invoice” emails the student a secure pay-by-card link and gives you “Copy link” for sending it yourself.
Appears only once Stripe is connected.
“Needs you” leads with the students who have an open invoice, lessons owed or a used-up pack. Under it, three tiles — “This month”, “Outstanding” and “Active packages” — and everyone else one tap down under “Other students”.
“Earnings · last 6 months”, “Hours taught”, and a “By student” breakdown of what's paid and owed.
Any stretch — a tax quarter, a school term. Set the dates, press “Show this range”, and take the “download this range's payments CSV” link for your bookkeeping.
Stuck anywhere in this guide? Head back to Help — the FAQ covers the odd cases, and the report-a-problem button at the bottom reaches a human.