Stripe withholding $100K from popular Mac utility developer

AppleInsider

The developer of the NotchNook app for the MacBook Pro isn't getting paid, with Stripe allegedly closing an account and preparing to refund approximately $100,000 in sales.

Stripe is withholding $100k from NotchNook developer Io.Cafe

IO.Cafe developed and released NotchNook, a macOS app that adds Dynamic Island-style behavior to the MacBook Pro's notch.The app was very well received by consumers, generating approximately 7,700 successful purchases and a mere seven disputed payments.

While this has resulted in approximately $100,000 in revenue, it seems the developer may not necessarily get those funds at all.

In a LinkedIn post, Igor Marcossi claims payment processor Stripe performed actions to withhold the funds from the company. Despite Marcossi insisting Stripe already had all the relevant documents, Stripe apparently paused payments to the company bank account unless more proof was provided.

Marcossi says that Stripe decided that the "bank owner account wasn't aware about where the money was coming from." Stripe therefore decided to close the account without any notice, he adds.

The developer says that they cannot sell any more products via Stripe, and that the payment processor says that refunds to consumers will be processed in five days.

On calling customer support on Monday, Marcossi was assured that an urgent ticket was opened with a specialized team. An email was returned, with Stripe saying that after further review, it won't accept any more payments moving forward, and that refunds will continue.

However, it is unclear exactly why Stripe is not allowing purchases to continue, other than the obtuse claim of a lack of awareness of where payments are coming from. None of the communications shared by Marcossi explains why the closure is happening in the first place.

Since the posting, a member of Stripe's Operations team has commented on the post, insisting the company is "digging into things now." Marcossi responded with comments that Stripe's Sao Paulo HQ will receive a "medida de seguranca," a notice that the developer says will "make you pay anyways."

AppleInsider has reached out to Stripe for clarification.



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appleinsideruser

Stripe have a lot going for them, but they are a little arrogant in their approach. Turnover over a million and you get human contact and some dialogue, but otherwise, suck up whatever they say.

dewme

I searched and could not find any reference to "Apple" in this story. What am I missing? How is Apple involved?

cloroxo

I had a very similar experience with Stripe last month. Refused to allow my account, which was 3 years old, to accept anymore payments until they had “more proof of services and products.” Then after I proved all the documentation I was shuffled around to 8 different support people. It took 6 weeks from start to finish. 

For what it’s worth, once I posted on X about my experience their Twitter Support team got it fixed in a day.

Curiouserandcurious

dewme said:

I searched and could not find any reference to "Apple" in this story. What am I missing? How is Apple involved?

NotchNook. Mac app. It is on my list to purchase, but perhaps I need to wait a bit!  Good job Stripe. I’ve avoided doing business with you for the most part - you really need a payment processor with a front end relationship. Sure fintech has simplified onboarding and access, but here’s the price.