Beffer - Professional UK Supplier Network

Core Principle

Beffer mirrors the supplier's payment terms. Beffer does not set pricing, markups, or payment schedules. The supplier defines their commercial terms; Beffer facilitates collection on those terms.

Payment Structures Supported

Beffer supports any payment structure the supplier defines:

Pro Forma

Full payment before goods are dispatched or work begins. Example: Supplier quotes £5,000 for security doors, payment terms "pro forma." Buyer pays £5,000 in full before the supplier dispatches. Supplier receives payout after Stripe processing.

Payment on Account (Net 30/60/90)

Invoice issued on delivery, payment due within the agreed period. Example: Supplier quotes £12,000 for steel fabrication, payment terms "30 days." Buyer receives an invoice on delivery. Payment is due within 30 days.

50/50 Deposit and Balance

Half upfront, half on completion. Example: Supplier quotes £8,000 for installation work. Buyer pays £4,000 upfront. Supplier begins work. Buyer pays remaining £4,000 on completion.

Staged or Milestone Payments

Multiple payments at defined milestones. Example: Supplier quotes £25,000 for a larger project — 25% on order, 50% at delivery, 25% on completion. Three payment requests are created at each milestone.

Other Supplier-Defined

Any other structure the supplier specifies. Beffer creates payment requests according to whatever terms are agreed.

How It Works Step by Step

Supplier submits a quote with their price and payment terms
Buyer accepts the quote, agreeing to those terms
Beffer creates payment requests matching the supplier's terms
Buyer pays via Stripe at each payment point
Beffer releases funds to the supplier per the agreed schedule

Who Charges Whom — Merchant of Record

Beffer acts as a payment facilitator via Stripe Connect, not a reseller. Beffer does not buy from the supplier and resell to the buyer. The commercial relationship is between buyer and supplier. Beffer processes the payment on behalf of the supplier.

The buyer's payment reflects the supplier's quoted price. The supplier receives a separate platform fee invoice from Beffer. Beffer does not add markups to the buyer's price.

Platform Fees

Beffer charges suppliers a platform fee that varies by subscription plan. This fee is deducted from the payment before payout, or invoiced separately depending on the arrangement. The fee is not added to what the buyer pays.

For Buyers

At checkout: You see the supplier's quoted price and payment terms clearly before paying.
Evidence: You receive payment confirmation and receipt for each transaction.
Disputes: Contact support@beffer.co.uk — Beffer mediates between buyer and supplier.

For Suppliers

Stripe Connect: Set up during onboarding. Links your bank account for payouts.
Payout timing: Typically 2–7 business days after buyer payment, depending on Stripe settings.
Reconciliation: Stripe provides statements and remittance reports. Platform fees are invoiced separately.

For Accountants and Bookkeepers

Stripe statements show individual payouts matched to orders.
Platform fee invoices from Beffer are separate documents with VAT where applicable.
VAT on platform fees is charged by Beffer to the supplier. VAT on products/services follows normal supply rules between supplier and buyer.
Reconciliation: Match Stripe Connect payouts to orders fulfilled; match Beffer invoices to your subscription and fee schedule.

How Beffer Payments Work