Working with WordPress, I’ve discovered various ways to manage subscription payments directly on your website.
Depending on your needs, there are different solutions that fit diverse scenarios.
Today, I want to focus on WP Simple Pay as it provides an accessible method to handle payments without needing e-commerce features.
WP Simple Pay integrates seamlessly with Stripe, making it simple to start collecting payments.
It’s perfect if you’re running a service like lawn care where recurring billing is necessary.
It doesn’t require setting up a shopping cart, so anyone can dive right in and create payment forms to fit their needs.
Key Takeaways
- WP Simple Pay allows easy integration with Stripe for payments.
- It’s ideal for sites without e-commerce needs.
- Suitable for both recurring and single payments.
Choosing a Payment Collection Approach
Identifying the Best Scenario
When it comes to collecting payments, selecting the right method is important.
If you wish to accept payments without the complexity of a full e-commerce shopping cart, WP Simple Pay could be the perfect option. This tool helps you gather payments directly on your WordPress site.
For instance, if you’re offering services like lawn care and prefer to keep things simple, you can arrange for recurring payments using WP Simple Pay without needing any additional e-commerce features.
To get started, you’d first need to purchase the WP Simple Pay plugin which integrates seamlessly with Stripe, allowing for both recurring and one-time payments.
Installation involves downloading the plugin, uploading it to your WordPress site, and activating it with a license key. This configuration process is straightforward.
Even if you don’t have a Stripe account, one can be easily set up during the integration process.
Once connected, you can create payment forms using pre-built templates or customise your own.
This flexibility makes it easy to target specific needs, whether they are one-off or ongoing payments.
To ensure secure transactions, you can enable options like payment verification and tax collection based on your requirements.
Using WP Simple Pay simplifies the process of managing payments while keeping everything integrated neatly within your WordPress environment.
Using Basic Pay for WordPress
Advantages and Applications
When using Basic Pay for WordPress, its simplicity stands out. It’s perfect if you need to collect payments without dealing with complex shopping carts or e-commerce features.
Situations like offering services, such as lawn care, can benefit greatly. The tool manages both one-time and recurring payments efficiently, such as ongoing service fees.
How to Add and Start the Plugin
To begin with Basic Pay for WordPress, you’ll need to download a zip file containing the plugin. First, purchase it to obtain the file.
Then, navigate to the plugins section of your WordPress site. Use the “Add New” option, upload the plugin zip file, and click “Install Now.” Once it finishes, activate the plugin.
The setup wizard helps you initiate the configuration smoothly.
Configuring Basic Pay on Your Site
Starting with the setup, enter your license key to activate the plugin. This is followed by connecting your site to a Stripe account.
If you don’t have one, create it within this process by providing your email address.
Next, use the form builder to create payment forms. Select pre-made templates or design custom forms for different billing scenarios.
It’s straightforward and adaptable to both recurring and one-off payments.
Adjust payment settings accordingly, ensuring it aligns with your preferred operating mode, whether for testing or live transactions.
Setting Up Stripe Integration
Linking with Your Stripe Account
To connect a Stripe account with WP Simple Pay, start by ensuring the plugin is activated on your site.
If you already have a Stripe account, it’s straightforward. Just click the “Connect” button within the plugin interface.
Stripe will automatically log you in if you’re already signed in through your browser. You’ll need to link a bank account during this process, as it is required by Stripe to fully integrate.
Although my demonstration uses a test account, you must complete all steps for a successful live setup.
Making a Brand New Stripe Account
If you don’t have a Stripe account, no worries. The plugin makes this easy. Click the “Create Account” option, and you’ll be guided through account setup.
Just enter your email address, and follow the steps. You’ll be asked to provide details like your bank information and business settings.
By completing these actions, you will create and link a new Stripe account to your site, allowing you to manage subscriptions and payments effortlessly.
Adjust your account settings for a smooth experience, practising with test mode if needed.
Setting Up WP Easy Pay
Turning On the Plugin and Licence
To begin, install WP Easy Pay on your site. Head to the plugins section and either find it in installed plugins or add it as a new plugin.
Select the zip file from your computer and click “Install Now.” Once installed, activate the plugin.
During activation, you’ll need your licence key. Copy the key from your account and paste it in when prompted, then hit “Activate and Continue.”
Finalising Stripe Connection
Next up is connecting Stripe to your website.
If you don’t have a Stripe account, you can create one by entering your email. For those who have an account, simply log in to link it.
It’s important to connect a bank account with Stripe for everything to function properly.
Though I’m using a test account, you should follow the process and connect a bank account when setting up your live account.
Switching Between Test Mode and Live Mode
WP Easy Pay offers test and live modes, and you can switch between them based on what you need.
Make sure you’ve set this correctly in your plugin settings.
In test mode, I experiment with setups, while live mode is used for real transactions.
Double-check your Stripe settings too, as these must match your plugin’s mode to work seamlessly.
Designing Payment Forms
Finding Form Options
When I’m setting up payment forms, I look for ready-made form templates first.
These templates give me a simple way to start, so I don’t always need to make a form from scratch.
They come with several options, like recurring services with setup fees or trial periods.
I just pick the one that best fits my needs and get going quickly.
Adjusting Payment Preferences
In the payment settings, there are many details I can tweak to ensure everything is correct.
I need to decide on the payment mode; it starts in test mode, but once I’m satisfied, I switch to live mode.
This might mean updating my API keys and making sure my Stripe account is ready for real transactions.
I also have the option to handle tax collections based on location automatically. This makes it simpler to manage different charges without extra effort.