Disputes might not be the flashiest part of running a business—but they’re something every entrepreneur should be prepared for. In our latest MoneyTalks session, RPC Co-founder Elizabeth Sheils sat down with Dabby Nwabueze, a Payments Fraud Specialist at Stripe, for a candid and super informative conversation on how to prevent, manage, and respond to payment disputes with confidence.
Whether you’ve handled one before or want to be ready just in case, here’s what you need to know.
A few key takeaways from the conversation:
- Disputes aren’t always about something going wrong. Most stem from confusion—like unrecognized charges or clients skipping communication and going straight to the bank. Clear contracts help, but clear communication matters even more.
- Wedding pros face unique risks. From weather cancellations to parent-payor mix-ups and damage fees, the event industry brings added emotion and complexity. Setting expectations early is key.
- Prevention starts before money changes hands. Transparent refund terms, signed contracts, and consistent client updates help avoid issues. Tools like Stripe Verify can also reduce chargebacks before they happen.
How Rock Paper Coin Has Your Back
If a dispute does happen, you’re not left to figure it out alone. Rock Paper Coin members never pay dispute fees, and you’ll be personally contacted by your account manager with guidance on what to do next. We’ll help you gather the right documentation, explain what’s needed, and often even help draft your response.
In fact, many RPC members get support directly from Elizabeth, who brings years of experience helping wedding pros respond effectively and win back their hard-earned revenue.
Disputes Happen—But You’re Not Alone
Disputes can be stressful—but they’re manageable when you have the right systems in place and the right people in your corner. With Stripe’s insights and RPC’s hands-on support, you can move through payment disputes with clarity and confidence.
Watch the full replay here, and make sure you’re signed up for our next MoneyTalks session—we’re keeping the conversations real, relevant, and ridiculously helpful.
