This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of setting up the eCommerce feature for your eCard Widget, enabling donors and customers to donate-to-send or pay-to-send digital ecards for various use cases.
Video Guide:
1. Overview
There are two main options for implementing payments for eCards:
1.1 Built-in Payment Form (Recommended)
Processed through Stripe (stripe.com)
Seamlessly integrated into the eCard sending process
Payments are sent directly to your bank account
Offers more flexibility and features
Supports multiple recipients and various sending methods (email, SMS, social media)
1.2 Shopify Integration
Requires attaching cards to Shopify products
Customers choose cards from the Shopify product page
Payment is processed through your Shopify account
Limited to email-only and one recipient at a time
Allows for adding multiple cards to cart for multiple recipients
For detailed information on the Shopify integration, please refer to our separate guide: Shopify Integration Guide
This guide will focus on setting up the built-in payment form, which offers more flexibility and features.
2. Built-in Payment Form Setup
Follow these detailed steps to set up the built-in payment form:
Log into your account
Create a new Widget or edit an existing one.
Navigate to the eCommerce tab within your widget settings
Connect your Stripe account:
Click "Connect to Stripe"
If you have an existing Stripe account, you can connect to it
If not, you'll be prompted to create a new Stripe account
Follow the prompts to create a sub-account linked to your main Stripe account
This sub-account helps separate eCard donation data from your main account for better tracking
Once connected, you'll see "Connected to Stripe" in the eCommerce tab
3. Configuring Payment Options
After connecting Stripe, configure your payment options:
Enable payments by toggling the switch in the eCommerce tab
Set up donation options:
Add preset amounts (e.g., $5, $20, $100)
Enable/disable custom amount field
Set minimum and maximum limits for custom amounts
Configure charge per recipient:
Useful for flat-rate pricing per card
When enabled, the selected amount is multiplied by the number of recipients
Choose currency:
Select from available options
Contact support if your desired currency is not listed
Add support contact information:
Enter a special support email (if not provided, the Stripe account email is used)
Add a support phone number
Customize content above the form:
Add text explaining the donation process
Include information about tax-deductibility if applicable
You can add formatted text and even images
Customize email receipt message:
Edit the default message to personalize it for your organization
4. Testing the Payment Form
Before going live, it's crucial to test the payment process:
Enable Test mode in the eCommerce settings
View your widget's public page
Fill out the eCard form as a donor would
In the payment section, you'll see "Stripe test mode enabled by admin"
Use the following test card information:
Card number: 4242 4242 4242 4242
Expiration date: Any future date
CVC: Any 3 digits
Complete the form and submit
Verify that the test payment processes correctly
Check that you receive the email receipt
Remember to disable Test mode before making your widget public.
5. Customization and Additional Features
Enhance your eCards with these features:
Confetti effect: Add a celebratory touch to your eCards
Multiple sending options:
Email
SMS
Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X)
Shareable link for other platforms
Preview option: Allow senders to preview their card before sending
Save payment information: Offer donors the option to save their payment details for future donations
6. Examples of Implementation
Here are two examples of successful eCard campaigns:
6.1 One Tail at a Time: Valentine's Day Campaign
Seasonal theme with specific card designs
Set donation amounts for simplicity
Focused on a particular holiday or event
6.2 Open Door: Year-round Card Selection
Diverse range of cards for various occasions
Multiple giving options ($5, $10, $25, $50, and custom amount)
Flexibility for donors to choose their giving level
7. Troubleshooting and Support
If you encounter any issues or need assistance:
Use the live chat feature on the platform for immediate help
Email support for detailed inquiries, [email protected]
Check the FAQ section for common questions and answers
Remember to always disable Test mode before making your eCard widget public. Regularly review your settings and test the donation process to ensure a smooth experience for your donors.