Setting Up Payments (Stripe, PayPal)

To sell digital products, you need a way to accept payments. Here's how to get set up.

Payment Processors Overview

Stripe

Best for: Credit/debit card payments worldwide

• Accepts all major cards
• Available in 40+ countries
• Integrates with most platforms
• Professional checkout experience

Fees: ~2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (varies by country)

Website: stripe.com

PayPal

Best for: Buyer trust and flexibility

• Well-known and trusted by buyers
• Accepts PayPal balance, cards, and bank
• Works globally
• Good for international sales

Fees: ~2.9% + fixed fee per transaction

Website: paypal.com

Which Should You Use?

Our recommendation: Set up both if your platform allows it.

• Some customers prefer PayPal
• Some prefer paying directly with cards
• More options = more sales

Setting Up Stripe

Step 1: Create Account

1. Go to stripe.com
2. Click "Start now"
3. Enter your email
4. Complete the signup process

Step 2: Verify Your Identity

• Provide business or personal information
• Upload ID documents if required
• Add bank account for payouts

Step 3: Connect to Your Platform

Most platforms (Gumroad, Shopify, etc.) have built-in Stripe integration:

1. Go to your platform's payment settings
2. Click "Connect Stripe"
3. Authorize the connection
4. Done!

Setting Up PayPal

Step 1: Create Business Account

1. Go to paypal.com
2. Sign up for a Business account (or upgrade existing)
3. Complete verification

Step 2: Connect to Your Platform

1. Go to your platform's payment settings
2. Look for PayPal integration
3. Connect your PayPal email
4. Authorize the connection

Platform-Specific Setup

Gumroad

• Stripe connected automatically through Gumroad
• PayPal available in settings
• They handle everything for you

Shopify

• Settings → Payments
• Activate Shopify Payments (powered by Stripe)
• Add PayPal as additional method

Systeme.io

• Settings → Payment Gateways
• Connect Stripe
• Connect PayPal

Teachable

• Settings → Payments
• Connect Stripe
• PayPal available on certain plans

Getting Paid

Payout Timing

• Stripe: Usually 2-7 business days
• PayPal: Instant to PayPal balance, then transfer to bank

Currency Considerations

• Set your prices in common currencies (USD is widely accepted)
• Stripe/PayPal handle currency conversion
• Buyers pay in their local currency

Payment Best Practices

1. Display prices clearly — No surprises at checkout
2. Include multiple options — Stripe AND PayPal when possible
3. Show trust badges — "Secure checkout" messaging
4. Offer guarantees — Money-back promises reduce hesitation
5. Test your checkout — Buy from yourself to ensure it works

International Selling

Both Stripe and PayPal support international sales:

• Buyers can pay in their currency
• You receive funds in your currency
• Conversion handled automatically (with small fees)

Handling Refunds

When you need to refund a customer:

Stripe

1. Go to Stripe Dashboard
2. Find the payment
3. Click "Refund"
4. Choose full or partial refund

PayPal

1. Go to PayPal Activity
2. Find the transaction
3. Click "Issue refund"
4. Complete the process