The manual payment method lets customers complete their purchases online and pay at pickup or delivery. This can be particularly useful for businesses that operate in regions where online payment is only sometimes feasible or preferred. With this method, the payment transaction is completed face-to-face, providing an alternative to the traditional online payment systems. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to set up and use manual payment methods in your forms, surveys, and e-commerce store.
How to Use the Manual Payment Method
Setting Up the Manual Payment Method
1. Navigate to Payment Integrations: Go to Payments on the left > Integrations at the top.
2. Select Manual Payment Methods: Choose either 'Cash on Delivery' or create a custom payment method.
Add Payment Instructions and Messages: These fields are optional but can provide valuable information to your customers regarding the payment process.
Enable for Checkout: Ensure that the preferred manual payment method is enabled for the order form/e-commerce store/Forms/Surveys.
Save Changes: Click Save to apply the changes.
Checkout page preview:
Collecting Payments
1. Receive the Order: Once an order is placed, go to the Orders section within the Payments tab. The order appears with a “Pending” status.
2. Collect Payment: Select the order and click on the "Collect Payment" button.
3. Record Payment Details: Choose the mode of payment from the dropdown menu and add any notes if necessary.
4. Mark as Paid: Once the payment is collected, mark the order as paid. The transaction status will be updated along with the mode of payment.
For Forms/Surveys: The Payment status updates in Orders will sync with the Form/Surveys Submissions section.
Using COD and manual payment methods exclusively
To be able to use COD and manual payments independently, you will need to remove or disconnect the default online payment providers and only keep manual payment methods.
Set Up COD and Manual Payment Methods
Disconnect Default Providers: Navigate to Payments > Integrations and disconnect the default online payment providers to enable the use of manual payment methods exclusively.
Select COD and Manual Payment: Select the option to add manual payment methods. Choose Cash on Delivery and Custom Payment Method from the list.
Enable for Checkout: Ensure that the manual payment method is enabled for either the order form or the e-commerce store.
Save Changes: Ensure that you save your settings to apply the changes.
Notes
Payment Integration Requirement: A manual payment method can only be set up if a payment integration is already connected.
Not available for: Recurring or subscription-based products and Collecting specific amounts (e.g., donations).
Irreversible Action: Once an order is marked as paid, it cannot be reverted.
Checkout Visibility: The manual payment method will only appear at checkout if it has been enabled
Manual Payments are supported only for selling products.
Pro Tips
Clear Communication: Provide detailed instructions and messages during the setup to ensure customers understand the manual payment process.
Custom Payment Methods: If 'Cash on Delivery' doesn't fit your business model, create a custom payment method that suits your needs.
Simultaneous Setup: Set up both 'Cash on Delivery' and custom payment methods simultaneously, offering multiple manual payment options to customers.
Use Cases
Local Deliveries: Ideal for businesses that deliver locally and prefer to handle payments in person.
Customer Trust: Useful in regions where customers may be hesitant to pay online and prefer cash transactions.
Custom Payment Arrangements: Beneficial for businesses that have unique payment arrangements with their customers, such as deferred payments or installments.
FAQs on Manual Payment Methods
Q. What is the manual payment method?
The manual payment method allows customers to complete their purchases online and pay later at pickup or delivery. It’s ideal for businesses that prefer in-person payments or operate in regions where online payments may not be feasible.
Q. How do I enable manual payment methods for my forms or surveys?
To enable manual payments, go to Payments > Integrations, select Manual Payment Methods, and choose either Cash on Delivery (COD) or create a Custom Payment Method. Ensure that it is enabled for checkout in your forms, surveys, or e-commerce store.
Q. How do I collect payment once an order is placed?
After an order is placed, go to the Orders section in Payments, select the order, and click Collect Payment. Choose the payment mode (cash, bank transfer, etc.), add any necessary notes, and mark the order as paid.
Q. Can I use manual payment methods exclusively?
Yes, you can use manual payment methods exclusively by disconnecting default online payment providers in the Payments > Integrations section, and enabling only Cash on Delivery or custom payment options for your checkout process.
Q. Are manual payments available for recurring products?
No, manual payments are not available for recurring or subscription-based products, nor for collecting specific amounts like donations. They are only supported for one-time product sales.