How do I handle prepaid photo sessions?

[Photog317]

Hello!  Yesterday I opened a PayPal Business account, I have a personal one as well, to help me collect payments for photography portrait sessions taking place in early October.  In my business, it's standard to plan photo sessions months in advance, especially for the Fall/holiday season. A new program I use to book sessions recommended PayPal Business to collect payments online.  I've had clients book their sessions, and those funds are on hold for 21 days or until I provide proof of delivering/sending goods/products.  My products are digital, as mentioned, and won't be ready until after the said photography sessions taking place in October, when my client will receive the link to their online gallery of images.  My question is, how can I fix this?  Do I need to mark transactions like this - where a client is pre-paying for a service in the future - differently?  Will I lose my money after the 21 days?  I would love to speak to a PayPal agent on the phone for clarification, please!  Thank you so much for your help!

[kernowlass · Accepted solution]

@Photog317 

With payments received for tangible goods Paypal would request valid tracking information confirming the item has been delivered to the buyer. As they can validate the tracking information online, once it is delivered they can release the funds. IF you have received the funds for a service / virtual or digital sale OR no tracking number is applicable Paypal would be unable to release the funds any sooner than 21 days.

HOWEVER if you mark the transaction as processed then the buyer may have the option on their account to mark the transaction as delivery/satisfied. If the buyer confirms this by clicking on the "Confirm Receipt" button, the funds may be released to you sooner ie 7 days after the buyer verifies receipt. This is not always available or guaranteed. 
If not then sadly its 21 days.

[Photog317]

Thank you so much, @kernowlass , I appreciate the information!