Frequently Asked Questions

Creating a DigiService involves several steps to detail your offering:

1. Basic Information: Navigate to the DigiService creation section. You'll provide a DigiService Title (max 100 chars, e.g., "I will do..."), a concise Brief (max 100 chars), select the main Category, Target Industry, and write a detailed Service Description using the provided editor.
2. Cover Image: Upload a professional cover image. The recommended size is 1000x600 pixels. Supported formats are JPG, PNG, WEBP, with a maximum file size of 5MB.
3. Service Offerings: Define the specific tasks or packages within your DigiService. For each offering, add a name, description (max 500 chars), price (up to $500), and delivery days (up to 30). You can mark services as "Required" or "Optional" and reorder them.
4. Payment Structure (for the DigiService): Define how the buyer will pay you directly after the initial platform fee. Set the "First Payment" percentage (0-50% of the remaining amount) and specify which service offering completion triggers this payment. If set to 0%, the full remaining amount is paid upon final project completion. The platform fee percentage is determined by APSense and your membership level.
5. Publish: Review all sections using the "Completion Checklist". Once all items (Basic Info, Cover Image, Service Offerings, Payment Methods for the DigiService) are complete, you can submit your DigiService for approval by the APSense team.

Your DigiService can be "Public" (listed in DigiService Marketplace) or "Private" (accessible only via direct link), a choice made at creation and typically unchangeable later.

APSense DigiService features a seller-friendly commission structure. The platform charges a service fee to the buyer (e.g., 10-15% of the total project value). APSense then takes a commission only on this platform service fee, not on the entire project value that the seller receives directly from the buyer.

The commission APSense takes from the platform service fee depends on the seller's APSense membership level:

• Deluxe Members: Benefit from the lowest commission rates on the platform service fee (e.g., potentially 8-10% of the fee).
• Premium, Pro Members: Have reduced commission rates compared to Basic.
• Basic Members: Pay the standard commission rate on the platform service fee (e.g., 15% of the fee).

Example:

• Project Total: $1000
• Platform Service Fee paid by Buyer to APSense (assume 15% for this example): $150
• If Seller is Deluxe (assume 10% commission on fee): APSense commission = 10% of $150 = $15.
• Amount paid directly from Buyer to Seller: $850.
• Effectively, the seller receives $1000 (from buyer) - $150 (platform fee portion) + ($150 - $15 APSense share of fee) = $850 + $135 = $985. The actual direct payment is $850, the platform handles the fee and its own commission. The seller's "cost" is effectively the APSense share of the platform fee.

This model means sellers keep a significantly larger portion of their earnings compared to platforms that charge a commission on the total project value. Upgrading your APSense membership can further reduce the platform's share of the service fee, increasing your net earnings.

To receive direct payments from buyers for the main portion of the project value, you need to configure your payment settings by agreeing to the APSense DigiService Agreement for Sellers. This involves:

• Selecting Accepted Methods: Choose which direct payment methods you will accept from buyers. Options include:
  • PayPal
  • Credit Card (Stripe)
  • Bank Transfer
  • Wise (TransferWise)
  • Alipay
  • WeChat Pay
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Other (you specify)
• Providing Account Details: For each selected method, you must provide the necessary account information (e.g., PayPal email, bank account details, Stripe Account ID, crypto wallet address). This information is securely stored and only shared with a buyer after they have placed an order with you.
• Communication Methods: You also set up your preferred communication methods (e.g., Email, Phone, WhatsApp, Teams, Zoom) and provide corresponding contact details in this section.

You must select at least one payment method and provide valid, complete details for it. Failure to do so might prevent you from fully utilizing the DigiService or receiving payments efficiently.

These settings are for your receipt of direct payments. This is separate from the "Payment Structure" you define within each DigiService, which dictates to the buyer the stages (Platform Fee, First Payment, Last Payment) of the project's payment flow.

While APSense DigiService facilitates direct payments for the main service value, the platform still offers a framework for dispute resolution:

1. Direct Communication First: We strongly encourage both buyers and sellers to first attempt to resolve any payment or service issues through direct, professional communication via the platform's messaging system. Clear communication can often resolve misunderstandings.
2. Document Everything: Keep all project-related communications, agreements on scope changes, proof of work, and records of payments (even direct ones) documented within the APSense platform messaging or through mutually agreed records.
3. Mediation Request: If direct resolution fails, either party can request mediation through their project dashboard on APSense.
4. Evidence Submission: Both parties will be asked to submit relevant evidence. For sellers, this might include proof of service delivery, communication logs, and any agreements made. For buyers, it might include evidence of issues or payments made.
5. APSense Review: Our support team will review all submitted information, project terms, and communication history to help mediate the dispute.

Important Considerations for Direct Payments:

• APSense is not a party to the direct payment transactions between buyer and seller and does not typically reverse direct payments. Our role is to mediate based on the service agreement and evidence of service fulfillment.
• The terms of service you agree to when using DigiService will outline the extent of APSense's involvement in disputes over direct payments.
• Using reputable payment methods that offer their own buyer/seller protection (like PayPal for goods and services) can provide an additional layer of security for both parties.

Ultimately, clear service agreements, ongoing communication, and professional conduct are key to preventing and resolving payment disputes.

Your DigiService goes through several statuses from creation to being live on the marketplace:

• Draft: The initial status when you are creating or editing your DigiService. It's saved but not yet submitted for review and is not visible to buyers.
• Pending Approval: After you complete all required information and submit your DigiService, it enters this status. It means your DigiService is awaiting review by the APSense DigiService team.
• Declined : If your DigiService does not meet the platform's guidelines or requires changes, it will be marked as Declined. You will receive feedback on the reasons and can make the necessary edits to resubmit it for approval.
• Published: Once approved, your DigiService is live and visible to potential buyers in the DigiService Marketplace. You will get a shareable URL for your service.

If you edit a published DigiService, the changes might require re-approval. The "Publish" page will show a "Completion Checklist" to ensure all sections (Basic Information, Cover Image, Service Offerings, Payment Methods) are complete before you can submit or resubmit.

APSense DigiService Marketplace is designed to help you find specialized digital marketing expertise. Here's how:

• Browse Categories: Explore DigiServices based on marketing domains like Search Engine Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing, etc.
• Filter by Industry: Look for DigiServices specifically tailored to your industry (e.g., restaurants, retail, museums). Sellers can target their services to specific industries.
• Review DigiService Details: Each DigiService has a title, brief, detailed description, and a list of specific service offerings with their prices and delivery times.
• Check Seller Profiles: Learn about the seller's experience and expertise.
• Initiate an Inquiry: If a DigiService looks promising but you have questions or need customization, use the "Inquiry" feature to start a pre-order discussion with the seller. You can discuss your specific needs, and the seller can tailor a package for you.

An "Inquiry" on APSense DigiService is a pre-order discussion or consultation between you (the buyer) and a seller about a specific DigiService or your project needs.

How it works:

1. Initiate: You can start an inquiry from a DigiService page or by contacting a seller if that option is available.
2. Discuss: Use the platform's messaging system within the inquiry to discuss your project requirements, goals, budget, and any questions you have about the seller's services.
3. Customization: The seller can edit the inquiry to create a custom proposal for you. This includes:
   • Modifying the list of service offerings, their descriptions, prices, and delivery days.
   • Adjusting the overall inquiry title.
   • Defining the payment structure (e.g., the percentage for the "First Payment" direct to them and which service item triggers it).
   • Confirming the direct payment method they will use for the project.
4. Agreement: Once you and the seller agree on the customized terms within the inquiry, the seller can "Enable Payment".
5. Order Placement: After payment is enabled, you can proceed to formally start the project by paying the initial Platform Service Fee.

The inquiry system ensures that both parties are clear on the scope, deliverables, and terms before a project begins, especially for customized services.

Once you and the seller have agreed on the project details within an inquiry and the seller has "Enabled Payment" for that inquiry, you can proceed to start the project:

1. Review Final Terms: Ensure the inquiry details accurately reflect your agreement (service items, prices, payment stages). The "Service Information" section in the inquiry will show the total package amount and payment stages.
2. Proceed to Order: There will be an option like "Start Project" or similar. Clicking this will take you to the payment page for the initial Platform Service Fee.
3. Agree to Terms: You will need to acknowledge and agree to the APSense DigiService Agreement for Buyers. This agreement outlines the payment process, responsibilities, and terms of using the platform.
4. Pay Platform Fee: You will pay the calculated Platform Service Fee (e.g., a percentage of the total project value) to APSense.com. This is often done via PayPal or other methods supported by APSense. This payment officially initiates the project.

After the platform fee is paid, the project is considered active, and the seller can begin work. Subsequent payments (First Payment, Last Payment) will be made directly to the seller as per the agreed schedule and their chosen payment methods.

If you're not satisfied with the work delivered by a seller on DigiService, here's how you can address it:

1. Communicate Clearly: First, discuss your concerns directly with the seller through the platform's messaging system. Clearly explain which aspects of the deliverables do not meet the agreed-upon requirements or quality standards. Provide specific examples if possible.
2. Request Revisions: Most sellers offer revisions as part of their service. Request specific changes based on the original project scope.
3. Review Project Terms: Refer back to the agreed service offerings, descriptions, and any custom terms set in your inquiry to ensure your expectations align with what was promised.
4. Utilize Staged Payments: The direct payment model gives you control. If a "First Payment" milestone is due and you are not satisfied with the initial work, communicate this before making the direct payment. Similarly, ensure all work is satisfactory before making the "Last Payment."
5. Mediation: If direct communication doesn't resolve the issue, you can request mediation through APSense. Both parties will be asked to provide evidence (communications, deliverables, original requirements). APSense will review the case to help facilitate a resolution.
6. Cancellation Rights: As per the APSense DigiService Agreement, buyers generally have the right to cancel a project and withhold further direct payments if dissatisfied with the seller's work. Note that the initial Platform Service Fee paid to APSense is typically non-refundable once the project has started.

It's important to maintain professional communication and keep records of all interactions and agreements within the platform to support any dispute resolution process.

When you view a DigiService, the "Service Offerings" section details the individual components or tasks that make up the seller's service package. For each offering, you will typically see:

• Service Name: A clear title for the specific task or deliverable (e.g., "Keyword Research," "Social Media Post Creation," "Website Audit").
• Description: A brief explanation of what is included in that particular service item, the deliverables, and its benefits.
• Price: The cost for that individual service item.
• Delivery (Days): The estimated number of days the seller needs to complete that service item.
• Type (sometimes indicated): Whether the service is "Required" (a core part of the package) or "Optional" (an add-on you can choose). In an inquiry, all chosen services form the package.

The sum of the prices of the selected service offerings usually makes up the total project cost (before the platform fee is applied). This breakdown helps you understand exactly what you are paying for and what to expect at each stage of the project.

In an inquiry, the seller can customize this list for you, adding, removing, or modifying service offerings to perfectly match your project requirements. The "Service Details & Payments" modal in an inquiry will show the agreed-upon list of services, their prices, and how payment stages align with service completion.

The Platform Service Fee is a one-time charge paid by the buyer to APSense.com when initiating a project on DigiService. This fee supports the platform's operation, including project management tools, secure communication, and dispute resolution services.

Calculation: The Platform Service Fee is typically a percentage (e.g., 10-15%) of the total agreed-upon project value (the sum of all service offerings in the order). The exact percentage can vary, sometimes influenced by the seller's APSense membership level, which might offer them better terms that can reflect on the overall structure.

Example: If the total value of the services in your order is $1,000 and the current platform fee rate is 15%, the Platform Service Fee would be $150. This $150 is paid to APSense to start the project.

This fee is separate from the payments made directly to the seller for the services rendered.

When a buyer initiates a project, the Platform Service Fee is paid to APSense.com. The common payment methods accepted for this fee include:

• PayPal: You can use your PayPal account to make this payment. The system often redirects to PayPal's secure payment page.
• Credit/Debit Cards: Major credit and debit cards are typically accepted through our payment processor.

The specific options available will be presented at the checkout stage when you are about to pay the platform fee for an inquiry/order.

After the initial Platform Service Fee is paid to APSense, all subsequent payments for the actual service value are made directly from the buyer to the seller.

Key aspects of direct payments:

• Payment Stages:
  • First Payment (Optional): If the seller has structured the DigiService with a "First Payment" (a percentage, e.g., 0-50%, of the remaining amount), this is paid directly to the seller after they complete a pre-defined initial service/milestone.
  • Last Payment: The final remaining amount is paid directly to the seller upon satisfactory completion of the entire project.
• Seller's Chosen Method: The buyer uses one of the payment methods that the seller has specified they accept (e.g., PayPal, Bank Transfer, Stripe, etc.). Sellers configure these in their "My Settings" / Agreement section.
• APSense Non-Involvement in Transaction: APSense.com does not process, hold, or escrow these direct payments. The transaction is solely between the buyer and the seller.
• Responsibility: Buyers are responsible for making these payments as agreed, and sellers are responsible for confirming receipt. While APSense provides a platform for project management and dispute mediation, the financial responsibility for direct payments lies with the transacting parties.

This system allows sellers faster access to their funds and can reduce overall transaction costs compared to platforms that process all payments.

Sellers on APSense DigiService can choose to accept direct payments from buyers through a variety of methods. They configure these options in their account settings after agreeing to the Seller Agreement. Accepted methods can include:

• PayPal
• Credit Card (via Stripe)
• Bank Transfer
• Wise (formerly TransferWise)
• Alipay
• WeChat Pay
• Cryptocurrency
• Other (as specified by the seller)

When a seller creates or edits an inquiry for a buyer, they will typically confirm which of their accepted direct payment methods will be used for that specific project. This information is then visible to the buyer in the inquiry details.

Buyers should confirm the seller's preferred direct payment method and any necessary details before proceeding with those payments.

Generally, the Platform Service Fee paid to APSense.com to initiate a project is non-refundable once the project has started. This fee covers the cost of using the DigiService platform, including access to project management tools, secure communication channels, and the dispute resolution framework.

The APSense DigiService Agreement, which buyers agree to before paying the platform fee, typically clarifies this policy. While the platform fee itself is non-refundable post-initiation, issues with service delivery are addressed through communication with the seller, revision requests, and, if necessary, the platform's dispute mediation process concerning the direct payments for services.

If a project is cancelled by mutual agreement *before significant work has commenced*, or under exceptional circumstances, any potential for a partial refund of the platform fee would be at the sole discretion of APSense.com and handled on a case-by-case basis.

When uploading a cover image for your DigiService, please adhere to the following guidelines:

• Recommended Size: 1000 x 600 pixels for optimal display.
• Supported Formats: JPG (image/jpeg), PNG (image/png), WEBP (image/webp).
• Maximum File Size: 5MB.
• Content Tips:
  • Use high-quality, professional images.
  • Choose images relevant to your service.
  • Ensure good contrast if text is part of the image (though text is generally better in the title/description fields).
  • Avoid copyrighted images for which you don't have rights.
  • Do not use low-resolution or blurry images.
  • Avoid overly busy backgrounds that can distract from your service's message.

An appropriate and professional cover image significantly helps your DigiService stand out.

Yes, there are some limits and guidelines for creating your DigiService content:

• DigiService Title: Maximum length of 100 characters. It should be clear and compelling.
• DigiService Brief: Maximum length of 100 characters. Provide a concise summary. The system may warn if it's too short.
• DigiService Description: While no explicit max length is stated for the main description in `info.php`, it uses a Summernote editor, so it can be substantial. However, the system may flag if the description is too short (e.g., less than 100 characters).

For individual Service Offerings within your DigiService:

• Service Name: No explicit limit stated, but should be descriptive yet concise.
• Service Description (for individual offering): Maximum 500 characters. A character counter is provided in the interface.
• Service Price: Minimum $1, Maximum $500 per individual service item.
• Service Delivery (Days): Minimum 1 day, Maximum 30 days per individual service item.

Adhering to these limits ensures your DigiService is presented effectively and functions correctly within the platform.

If the "Publish DigiService" or "Resubmit for Approval" button is disabled, it's almost always because one or more items in the "Completion Checklist" are marked as incomplete.

Please check the following sections of your DigiService to ensure they are fully completed according to platform requirements:

• Basic Information: Ensure your DigiService Title, Brief, Category, Target Industry, and detailed Service Description are filled out. The system might also check for minimum lengths for title, brief, and description.
• Cover Image: A cover image must be uploaded and meet the specified requirements (format, size).
• Service Offerings: You must have at least one service offering defined with a name, description, price, and delivery days.
• Payment Methods (DigiService Payment Structure): The payment structure for the DigiService itself (how the buyer will pay you, e.g., the First Payment percentage) must be configured.

Navigate to the "Publish" tab for your DigiService. The Completion Checklist there will explicitly show which sections are considered "Complete" Complete or "Incomplete" Incomplete. Address any incomplete sections, save your changes, and the publish button should become active.

If you have made changes to an already published service and the button is for re-publishing, ensure all checks are still met with the new changes.

Once your DigiService is published (Status 11), its unique URL will be displayed on the "Publish" tab of your DigiService management page.

To copy the URL:

1. Navigate to "My DigiServices" and select the DigiService you wish to share.
2. Go to the "Publish" tab for that DigiService.
3. If the service is published, you will see an input field labeled "DigiService URL" (or similar) containing the full URL (e.g., `https://www.apsense.com/digiservice/your-service-tag`).
4. Next to this field, there is a "Copy" button.
5. The URL will be copied to your clipboard. The button text may temporarily change to "Copied!".

You can then paste this URL to share your DigiService directly with potential clients or on your promotional materials.

The Service Offerings editor uses JavaScript to manage adding, editing, deleting, and reordering services dynamically. If you encounter issues:

• Browser Compatibility: Ensure you are using a modern, up-to-date web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari). Outdated browsers might have compatibility issues with JavaScript.
• Clear Cache & Cookies: Sometimes old browser data can interfere. Try clearing your browser's cache and cookies for APSense.com and then try again.
• Disable Browser Extensions: Certain browser extensions (especially ad blockers or script blockers) might interfere with the page's JavaScript. Try temporarily disabling them to see if it resolves the issue.
• Check Required Fields: When adding or editing a service offering, ensure all required fields in the modal/form (Service Name, Description, Price, Delivery Days) are filled correctly and meet the specified limits (e.g., price max $500, days max 30, description max 500 chars). The form has built-in validation that might prevent saving if data is invalid.
• Internet Connection: While much of the editing is client-side, saving the changes requires an active internet connection to communicate with the server. Ensure your connection is stable.
• JavaScript Errors: If you are technically inclined, you can open your browser's developer console (usually by pressing F12) and check the "Console" tab for any JavaScript error messages that might indicate the problem.
• Refresh Page: A simple page refresh can sometimes resolve temporary glitches.

If problems persist after trying these steps, please contact APSense support with specific details about the issue you're experiencing, including any error messages you see and the browser you are using.