I received payment outside Elance. Can I record the payments through Elance?

Our Terms of Service require that all payments be made through the Elance Payment Service. 

The Elance Payment Service allows buyers to easily send payments to service providers anywhere in the world at no additional cost.  This is especially useful when quick payments are necessary, such as when the service provider requires partial payment before beginning the project.  The Elance Payment Service also includes a free Escrow option. To learn more about about Escrow click here.

Elance generates revenue by collecting a small percentage (6.75% to 8.75% depending on the service provider's level of earnings) of the billings. Close to half of this amount goes to payment processors such as credit card companies and banks, when Elance collects payment from the employer and transfers the money into your account.  In comparison, traditional staffing firms and other internet sites will charge between 10% and 30% for similar services.

When registering with Elance both you and the buyer have agreed to use the Elance Payment Service to enable Elance to collect the fee for the services we provide.  If a buyer asks you to go outside the Elance Payment Service to negotiate lower pricing by avoiding our fee, please immediately report the violation.