Manual Payment Method in E-commerce Stores

The manual payment method lets customers complete their purchases online and pay the store owner 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 e-commerce store.

How to Use the Manual Payment Method

Setting Up the Manual Payment Method

1. Navigate to Payment Integrations: Go to the payments> integration section of your platform.

1. Select Manual Payment Methods: Choose either 'Cash on Delivery' or create a custom payment method.

1. Add Payment Instructions and Messages: These fields are optional but can provide valuable information to your customers regarding the payment process.
2. Enable for Checkout: Ensure that the manual payment method is enabled for either the order form or the e-commerce store.

1. Save Changes: Click Save to apply the changes.

Checkout page preview:

Using COD and manual payment methods exclusively

To be able to use COD and manual payments independently for COD-only stores, 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.

Collecting Payments

1. Receive the Order: Once an order is placed, go to the orders section.
2. Collect Payment: Select the order and click on the "Collect Payment" button.

1. Record Payment Details: Choose the mode of payment from the dropdown menu and add any notes if necessary.
2. 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.

Notes

• Payment Integration Requirement: A manual payment method can only be set up if a payment integration is already connected.
• Recurring Products: If a recurring product is part of the order, the manual payment method will not be available at checkout.
• 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 for the e-commerce store or order form.

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: Store owners can set up both 'Cash on Delivery' and custom payment methods simultaneously, offering multiple manual payment options to customers.

Use Cases

1. Local Deliveries: Ideal for businesses that deliver locally and prefer to handle payments in person.
2. Customer Trust: Useful in regions where customers may be hesitant to pay online and prefer cash transactions.
3. 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

1. What is a manual payment method? A manual payment method allows customers to complete their purchases online and pay the store owner at pickup or delivery. This method provides an alternative to traditional online payment systems, allowing transactions to be completed in person.

2. How do I set up a manual payment method in my e-commerce store? To set up a manual payment method:

1. Navigate to the Payment Integrations section of your platform.
2. Select 'Cash on Delivery' or create a custom payment method.
3. Add optional payment instructions and messages to guide customers.
4. Enable the manual payment method for checkout.
5. Save your changes.

3. Can I use manual payment methods exclusively in my store? Yes, to use manual payment methods exclusively:

1. Disconnect default online payment providers under Payments > Integrations.
2. Add and enable manual payment methods like Cash on Delivery and Custom Payment Methods.
3. Save your settings to apply the changes.

4. How do I collect payments using manual payment methods?

1. Go to the orders section once an order is placed.
2. Select the order and click "Collect Payment."
3. Choose the mode of payment and add any notes if necessary.
4. Mark the order as paid to update the transaction status.