Stripe Connect & Payments

Learn how to set up Stripe payments to collect deposits from customers, manage payment processing, and integrate payment collection with your Cooledge quotes.

1. Understanding Stripe Integration

What is Stripe Connect?

Stripe Connect is a payment platform that allows you to collect payments directly from your customers:

• Customer Payments: Collect deposits and payments for quotes
• Secure Processing: Industry-leading payment security
• Multiple Payment Methods: Credit cards, bank transfers, and digital wallets
• Global Support: Accept payments from customers worldwide
• Automated Handling: Seamless integration with online quote system

How Stripe Works with Cooledge

• Quote Integration: Payment buttons added to online quotes
• Deposit Collection: Collect deposits when customers accept quotes
• Payment Tracking: Monitor payments and payouts in your own Stripe dashboard
• Customer Experience: Smooth and easy online payment experience for customers

Benefits of Stripe Integration

• Faster Payments: Reduce time between quote acceptance and payment
• Professional Image: Branded payment experience
• Payment Security: PCI-compliant payment processing
• Payment Tracking: Real-time payment status updates
• Reduced Admin: Automated payment handling and reconciliation, no more manual payment headaches

2. Setting Up Stripe Connect

Prerequisites

Before setting up Stripe, you'll need:

• Business Registration: Legal business entity
• Bank Account: Business bank account for deposits
• Tax Information: Business tax identification numbers
• Business Address: Valid business address
• Identity Verification: Business owner identification

Stripe Account Creation Process

1. Stripe Registration: Create a Stripe account for your business
2. Business Verification: Complete Stripe's business verification process
3. Bank Account Setup: Connect your business bank account
4. Tax Information: Provide required tax information
5. Identity Verification: Complete identity verification requirements

Already have a Stripe account, you can connect that rather then creating a new account!

Connecting Stripe to Cooledge

1. Dashboard Navigation: Go to Settings > Payments in Cooledge
2. Connect Stripe: Click "Connect Stripe Account" button
3. Authorization: Authorise Cooledge to access your Stripe account
4. Verification: Verify the connection is successful
5. Payment Settings: Configure payment options and settings from within your Stripe account

3. Payment Configuration

Payment Options

Configure how customers can pay for your quotes:

Deposit Payments:

• Percentage-Based: Set deposit as percentage of quote total
• Fixed Amount: Set specific deposit amounts
• Full Payment: Option for customers to pay in full
• Payment Terms: Configure payment terms and conditions

Payment Methods:

• Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
• Debit Cards: Bank debit cards
• Digital Wallets: Apple Pay, Google Pay (where available)
• Bank Transfers: Direct bank transfers (region dependent)

Quote Payment Integration

When customers view online quotes:

• Payment Button: "Pay Deposit" or "Pay Now" buttons
• Secure Processing: Payments processed through Stripe
• Confirmation: Automatic payment confirmation
• Receipt Generation: Automatic receipt emails (if configured in you Stripe account)
• Status Updates: Quote status updated automatically to accepted/won

4. Managing Customer Payments

Payment Status Tracking

Monitor payment status in your dashboard:

Payment States:

• Pending: Payment initiated but not completed
• Succeeded: Payment successfully processed
• Failed: Payment attempt failed
• Refunded: Payment has been refunded
• Disputed: Customer disputed the payment

Dashboard Visibility:

• Quote Status: Payment status displayed on quotes
• Payment History: Complete payment transaction history
• Customer Information: Customer payment details and history
• Financial Reporting: Payment reporting and analytics

Handling Payment Issues

Failed Payments:

• Automatic Retry: Stripe automatically retries failed payments
• Customer Notification: Customers notified of payment failures
• Alternative Methods: Offer alternative payment methods
• Manual Processing: Option for manual payment processing

Refunds and Disputes:

• Refund Processing: Process refunds through Stripe dashboard
• Dispute Management: Handle customer disputes through Stripe
• Documentation: Maintain records for dispute resolution
• Customer Communication: Communicate with customers about payment issues

5. Stripe Dashboard and Management

Accessing Your Stripe Dashboard

• Direct Access: Log into your Stripe account directly
• Cooledge Integration: Access Stripe data through Cooledge dashboard
• Mobile Access: Stripe mobile app for on-the-go management
• Team Access: Manage team access to Stripe account

Key Stripe Features

Transaction Management:

• Payment History: Complete transaction history
• Search and Filters: Find specific payments quickly
• Export Data: Export payment data for accounting
• Custom Reports: Generate custom financial reports

Customer Management:

• Customer Profiles: Maintain customer payment information
• Payment Methods: Manage saved customer payment methods
• Subscription Management: Handle recurring payments
• Communication: Send receipts and payment communications

Financial Reporting

• Revenue Tracking: Monitor total revenue and trends
• Payment Analytics: Understand payment patterns
• Fee Management: Track Stripe processing fees
• Tax Reporting: Generate reports for tax purposes

6. Security and Compliance

Payment Security

Stripe provides enterprise-level security:

Security Features:

• PCI Compliance: Stripe is PCI DSS Level 1 certified
• Data Encryption: All payment data encrypted in transit and at rest

Your Responsibilities:

• Account Security: Secure your Stripe dashboard access
• Access Management: Control who has access to Stripe account and payment data

Compliance Requirements

• Data Protection: Comply with data protection regulations
• Financial Regulations: Adhere to local financial regulations
• Tax Compliance: Ensure proper tax handling and reporting
• Record Keeping: Maintain proper financial records

7. Fees and Pricing

Stripe Processing Fees

• Domestic cards 1.75% + $0.30 per transaction
• International cards 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• A 1% surcharge is added to each customer's payment to help offset these costs.

Standard Rates:

• Credit Cards: Percentage + fixed fee per transaction
• International Cards: Additional fees for international cards
• Currency Conversion: Fees for currency conversion
• Refunds: Refund processing fees

8. Advanced Payment Features

Recurring Payments

Set up subscription-style payments:

• Service Subscriptions: Monthly maintenance payments
• Payment Plans: Split large payments into installments
• Automatic Billing: Automated recurring billing
• Customer Management: Self-service subscription management

Payment Automation

• Automatic Invoicing: Generate invoices automatically
• Payment Reminders: Automated payment reminder emails
• Late Fee Processing: Automatic late fee calculations
• Payment Reconciliation: Automated payment matching

Integration Features

• Accounting Software: Connect to accounting platforms
• CRM Integration: Sync payment data with customer management
• Reporting Tools: Export data to reporting tools
• API Access: Advanced integration possibilities

9. Troubleshooting Payment Issues

Common Payment Problems

Setup Issues:

• Account Verification: Complete all Stripe verification requirements
• Bank Account: Ensure bank account details are correct
• Business Information: Verify business information accuracy
• Identity Verification: Complete identity verification process

Payment Processing Issues:

• Failed Payments: Check customer payment method validity
• Declined Cards: Verify card details and limits
• Integration Problems: Verify Stripe-Cooledge connection

Customer Issues:

• Receipt Issues: Ensure customers receive payment confirmations
• Refund Requests: Handle refund requests promptly

Getting Payment Support

• Stripe Support: Use Stripe's comprehensive support resources
• Cooledge Support: Contact support@cooledge.com.au for integration issues
• Documentation: Reference Stripe and Cooledge documentation

---

Next Steps: Review troubleshooting guide → or learn about leads marketplace →

Need help with payments? Email us at support@cooledge.com.au