When to Use This
You're not sure which request type to select
You want to understand the difference between an advance and a draw
You need to know what documentation is required for each type
You want to understand how different requests affect your pay
You're preparing to submit a request and want to choose the right category
Request Types Overview
Sequifi supports several request types:
Advance – Money given now, repaid from future paychecks
Draw – Regular payment against future commissions
Reimbursement – Repayment for business expenses you covered
Bonus – Request for a bonus that was missed or promised
Payroll Dispute – Formal request to review a pay discrepancy
Each type has different purposes, requirements, and impacts on your pay.
Advance
An advance is a lump sum of money given to you before you've earned it, based on expected future commissions or earnings.
When to use:
You need money now but have commissions coming in the future
You have a one-time expense and need funds before payday
You have accounts in your pipeline that will pay out soon
How it works:
You receive the requested amount as a payment
The advance is repaid through deductions from future paychecks
Repayment continues until the full amount is paid back
What to include in your request:
The amount you need
Why you need the advance
Information about your pipeline or expected earnings (if relevant)
Example description: "Requesting $500 advance to cover moving expenses. I have 3 accounts pending installation that should pay out within the next two weeks."
Important considerations:
Advances reduce your future take-home pay
Make sure you can afford the repayment deductions
Your company may have limits on advance amounts
Draw
A draw is similar to an advance but is typically a recurring payment given during periods when commission earnings may be low, such as during training or ramp-up periods.
When to use:
You're new and building your pipeline
You're in a training period with limited sales
Your company offers draws as part of your compensation structure
You need regular income while establishing yourself
How it works:
You receive a set amount on a regular basis (weekly, biweekly, etc.)
As you earn commissions, the draw is repaid
If commissions exceed the draw, you receive the difference
If commissions are less than the draw, the balance may carry forward
What to include in your request:
The draw amount you're requesting
The time period or frequency
Your current situation (new hire, training, etc.)
Example description: "Requesting weekly draw of $400 during my first month while building my pipeline. Currently in training with expected first installations in 2-3 weeks."
Important considerations:
Draws create a balance that must be repaid from commissions
Unpaid draw balances may carry forward indefinitely
Understand your company's draw policy before requesting
Reimbursement
A reimbursement pays you back for approved business expenses that you paid for out of your own pocket.
When to use:
You paid for travel expenses (gas, rental car, hotel, flights)
You purchased supplies or materials for work
You covered a business meal or entertainment expense
You paid for any other approved business cost
How it works:
You submit the request with documentation (receipts)
Your manager reviews and approves the expense
The approved amount is added to your pay
Reimbursements are not deducted from future pay (they're not loans)
What to include in your request:
The exact amount you spent
What the expense was for
When the expense occurred
Attached receipt or invoice
Example description: "Requesting $127.50 reimbursement for rental car during team training in Phoenix, November 5-8. Receipt attached. Rental was pre-approved by manager via email."
Important considerations:
Always attach receipts or documentation
Submit promptly after incurring the expense
Verify the expense is covered by company policy before spending
Be accurate with amounts (match your receipt exactly)
Bonus
A bonus request is used when you believe you're owed a bonus that wasn't paid, such as contest winnings, hiring bonuses, or performance incentives.
When to use:
You won a sales contest but didn't receive the prize
Your offer letter included a hiring bonus that hasn't been paid
You hit a performance milestone with a bonus attached
You were promised a bonus that didn't appear on your pay
How it works:
You submit the request explaining what bonus you're owed
You provide documentation supporting your claim
Your manager verifies and approves
The bonus is added to your pay
What to include in your request:
The bonus amount you believe you're owed
What the bonus was for (contest, hiring bonus, milestone, etc.)
When you earned or were promised the bonus
Supporting documentation (offer letter, contest announcement, email, etc.)
Example description: "Requesting $250 bonus for winning the September sales contest. I had the highest number of installations for the month. Contest announcement email attached showing the prize amount."
Important considerations:
Provide as much documentation as possible
Be specific about what the bonus was for
Reference any written agreements or announcements
Contact your manager first if you're unsure whether you're owed a bonus
Payroll Dispute
A payroll dispute is a formal request to review and correct something you believe is wrong with your pay.
When to use:
A commission you expected didn't appear on your pay stub
An amount seems incorrect or different from what you calculated
A clawback appeared that you believe is an error
A deduction was taken that you don't recognize or agree with
Any discrepancy between expected and actual pay
How it works:
You submit a detailed explanation of the discrepancy
Your manager or admin investigates the issue
If an error is found, a correction is made
The correction appears on a future pay stub as an adjustment
What to include in your request:
Specific details about the discrepancy
Which pay period is affected
What you expected vs. what you received
Specific account numbers (PIDs) if related to particular sales
Any calculations or documentation supporting your case
Example description: "Disputing missing commission on account PID 45678, customer Jane Smith, sold on October 15. Account shows as installed on October 28 but M1 commission did not appear on my November 1 pay stub. Expected amount was approximately $350 based on my commission rate."
Important considerations:
Be specific and detailed
Include account numbers, dates, and amounts
Explain your calculation if applicable
Provide any supporting documentation
Be patient as investigations may take time
Choosing the Right Request Type
Use this guide to select the appropriate type:
Situation | Request Type |
Need money now, will repay from future pay | Advance |
Need regular income while building pipeline | Draw |
Paid for a business expense out of pocket | Reimbursement |
Owed a bonus that wasn't paid | Bonus |
Something seems wrong with my pay | Payroll Dispute |
If you're unsure which type to use, ask your manager before submitting. Selecting the wrong type can delay processing.
Tips and Common Mistakes
Choose the right type from the start. Selecting the wrong request type can cause confusion and delays.
Understand repayment for advances and draws. These aren't free money. They'll be deducted from your future earnings.
Always attach documentation for reimbursements. Requests without receipts are often delayed or declined.
Be specific in dispute descriptions. Vague complaints are hard to investigate. Include PIDs, dates, amounts, and your calculations.
Check your pay stub before disputing. Make sure you're looking at the right pay period and haven't missed the payment in a different section.
Ask questions before submitting. If you're not sure which type to use or what to include, ask your manager first.
One issue per request. If you have multiple issues (like a reimbursement and a dispute), submit separate requests.
Common Questions
What's the difference between an advance and a draw? An advance is typically a one-time lump sum, while a draw is usually a recurring payment. Both are repaid from future earnings, but draws are often structured as part of compensation during ramp-up periods.
Do reimbursements get deducted from my future pay? No, reimbursements are repayments for expenses you already covered. They're added to your pay without any deduction later.
What if I'm not sure whether something is an error or correct? Submit a payroll dispute explaining what you expected and what you received. Your manager will investigate and explain the outcome.
Can I request multiple things at once? It's best to submit separate requests for each item. This makes tracking and processing easier for everyone.
What happens if I use the wrong request type? Your manager may ask you to resubmit with the correct type, or they may process it anyway if the intent is clear. Using the right type from the start avoids delays.
What to Do Next
Now that you understand the different request types, explore these related topics:
Submitting Requests – Learn how to submit each type of request
Tracking Request Status – Monitor your submitted requests
Viewing Approved Requests – See what's been processed
Viewing Your Pay Stubs – Understand where payments appear
If you have questions about which request type to use or need help with a specific situation, reach out to your manager or our support team and we'll be happy to assist!