WP Sell Services includes a full structured dispute workflow as a core feature, not an add-on. Here is how the flow works in practice:
- Three-state workflow: disputes move through open, in review, and resolved states with audit trail
- Evidence submission: both buyer and vendor upload files, screenshots, and written statements as attachments
- Admin mediation interface: you see both sides, all evidence, and the full order history on one screen
- Dedicated messaging thread per dispute: so conversation is separated from the original order chat
- Four resolution types: full refund, partial refund, forced revision, or mutual agreement
Because the dispute is tied to the order record (which lives in one of 17 custom database tables), refund amounts are calculated against the actual order value, not manually typed. Commission reversals on partial refunds also adjust the vendor earnings ledger correctly.
Honest limit: admin mediation is the final arbiter, there is no third-party escrow or independent reviewer, you are the judge. For most marketplaces that is exactly what you want. The plugin also handles vendor vacation mode so sellers dealing with open disputes cannot keep taking new orders while under review.
