I’m new to working for myself. What does Pampa take care of, and what’s up to me?

Finding customers

Customers within the distance you travel can find you on the Book tab once you have at least one service and are free on the day they pick. You set your prices, your hours and how far you travel.

You don’t have to write your menu from scratch. The Pampa Catalog has services already written up, with the steps and where each one usually sits on price. You set every price.

Bookings and payment

Requests come to you under Pending, and you choose which to accept. When you accept, an invoice goes to your customer, who has 60 minutes to pay. You don’t take cards or chase payment. You and your customer both get reminders a week before, a day before and about an hour before a paid booking. The week reminder only goes out for a booking made 8 or more days ahead, and the day reminder for one made 2 or more days ahead.

Every booking follows Pampa’s cancellation policy. If a customer cancels within 24 hours of the start time, they get half back and you keep half your service price.

Pampa takes no commission from your price. Card processing is 1.7% + $0.30 per payment, so on a $100 booking you receive $98.00. Request a payout from Earnings when you’re ready. Payouts are free and the minimum is $10.

If you already keep a calendar, open Profile › Calendar › Connect a calendar. Pampa then shows you when you’re already busy. It’s a heads-up only: it never declines a booking for you.

Safety at home visits

During an appointment, Pampa checks in on your phone with one quick question. Only Pampa sees your reply, never your customer.

If you feel unsafe, tap Need help with this booking? on your booking card, then I need help now, and the Pampa team is alerted. If you’re in danger, call 000 and leave.

What’s up to you

On Pampa you’re an independent professional, not an employee of Pampa. A few things are yours to sort out. The links below go to the Australian Government pages that explain them.

Insurance. Pampa doesn’t insure you, your staff or your services. We strongly recommend public liability insurance. Once you add it to your profile, customers see Insured.

An ABN. You don’t need one to take bookings on Pampa. Whether you need one depends on whether you’re running a business, and registering is free through the Australian Business Register. Once your ABN is verified on Pampa, customers can see Registered Business on your profile.

Tax. Pampa doesn’t withhold tax from what you earn. Income tax is yours to manage, and you must register for GST once your GST turnover reaches $75,000 a year. For advice, speak to a registered tax agent or the ATO.

Licences and registration. Some treatments need a licence, or registration with your state or local council, depending on where you work. The Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) lists what applies to you.

Qualifications. Pampa doesn’t check qualifications. Verified Pro confirms who you are. Anything else you list, such as certifications or the products you use, shows as provided by you.

Your kit and travel. You bring your own products and equipment. You can set a free travel distance and a flat travel fee beyond it, and the travel fee is yours in full.