I just want to start by saying there’s absolutely nothing wrong with sending an invoice. In fact, that’s how most of us start when we’re new to running a business. But at some point, you’ll unfortunately come across that one person who doesn’t pay. Suddenly, you’re spending time chasing payments, sending awkward reminders, and stressing over whether you’ll actually get what you’re owed.
And what if someone’s ready to pay for your service, course, or membership, but you’re off enjoying a well-earned holiday? By setting up an online payment option, you can get paid automatically while you’re busy living your life. Imagine someone signing up to work with you, joining your membership, or buying your product, all without you lifting a finger. That’s the power of automating your payments!
Why Automating Payments Is a Total Game-Changer
Let’s face it: chasing invoices wasn’t why you started your business. Whether you’re selling products, offering services, or running a membership, automating payments saves you time, reduces stress, and improves cash flow.
Here’s why automating payments is essential:
- No more chasing payments: Say goodbye to overdue invoices and awkward follow-ups.
- Sales while you sleep: Get paid 24/7, whether you’re at the park with the kids or relaxing at home.
- A polished, professional look: An online checkout system enhances your credibility and professionalism, regardless of your business stage.
The Best Part? You Can Start for Free
The good news is that setting up automated payments doesn’t have to cost a thing! The two most popular platforms for online payments, Stripe and PayPal, let you create a free business account.
Keep in mind that both platforms charge small transaction fees, but here’s the silver lining: you only pay when you make a sale. No sales? No fees.
By embracing automated payments, you can spend less time on admin and more time focusing on what you do best.
How to Set Up Stripe or PayPal
Setting up automated payments starts with creating a free business account. Before you dive in, I highly recommend using a separate bank account for your business. It keeps your finances organised and makes managing payments a breeze.
How to Set Up Stripe
Stripe is quick and easy to set up:
- Sign up for a Stripe account
Visit Stripe’s website and create an account by entering your email, setting a password, and providing basic business details. - Verify your email
Look out for an email from Stripe and click the link to verify your account. - Complete your business profile
To start accepting live payments, fill out your business profile, including your registered business name, address, and bank details. This step also ensures compliance with “Know Your Customer” (KYC) regulations.
Stripe charges no setup fees, and its transaction fees for UK cards are 1.5% + 20p.
How to Set Up PayPal
PayPal is another fantastic option for business payments:
- Create a login
Visit PayPal and sign up for a Business account. You’ll need:- Your legal name
- Your email address
- A strong password
- Complete your profile
Add your business name, registration number, address, and bank details. This links your account to your finances, making it easy to accept payments.
PayPal also charges no setup fees, and its transaction fees start from 1.2% + a fixed fee, depending on the card type and customer’s location.
Level Up with ThriveCart
While Stripe and PayPal are fab, an advanced checkout system like ThriveCart can do so much more than just take payments.
Using ThriveCart still requires a Stripe or PayPal account but it allows you to create an advanced checkout system packed with features to grow your income and enhance your customer experience.
Here’s what ThriveCart can do:
- Split payments: Perfect for higher-ticket services or courses, giving customers a flexible way to pay.
- Subscription payments: Easily manage recurring payments for memberships or ongoing services.
- Email integration: Automatically add customers to your mailing list for follow-ups or upsells.
- Upsells and order bumps: Increase sales with add-ons or upgrades during checkout.
- Affiliate programme: (Pro feature) Let others promote your offers, with automatic payouts for affiliates.
It’s a powerful way to save time and boost sales while delivering a seamless experience for your customers.
Why I Chose ThriveCart for My Business
When I was looking for an advanced checkout solution, ThriveCart was an obvious choice. The biggest reason? It’s one-time lifetime fee of $495. No monthly subscriptions to worry about, just the standard transaction fees from Stripe and PayPal.
ThriveCart also includes Learn, a free online learning platform where I host the This Mum Loves Tech membership. It’s a fantastic way to create and manage courses, memberships, and other digital products.
For me, ThriveCart isn’t just a checkout system; it’s an all-in-one solution that helps me save money, grow my business, and serve my audience professionally.
If you are thinking “Yes this is for me” then here’s my affiliate link for Thrivecart https://nwdesignanddigital–checkout.thrivecart.com/thrivecart-learn-plus/
Want to find out more about Thrivecart?
If you’re ready to automate your payments, stop chasing invoices, and make it easier for your customers to buy from you, I’ve got you covered.
In this month’s free masterclass, is happening Thursday 13th at 1 pm and is An Introduction to ThriveCart: Automate Sales and Grow with Confidence. I’ll guide you step by step through setting up ThriveCart. You’ll learn how to create a product, build your checkout, and start selling with ease.
Don’t miss this chance to simplify your sales process and get paid effortlessly!
Sign up for the FREE masterclass here!
Let’s get your automated checkout working for you!