Hey Ficos Merchants! A customer has filled their cart on your new online store and is ready to check out. This is the most critical moment in their journey. A smooth and trustworthy payment process leads to a sale, while a confusing one leads to an abandoned cart.
This guide will walk you through the two powerful payment methods you can offer on your Ficos Online Store: secure online card payments with Stripe, and the flexible Cash on Delivery (Order Inquiry) system.
Why Choosing the Right Payment Methods Matters #
Offering the right mix of payment options is essential for building a successful online store.
- Maximize Conversion with Stripe: Many customers expect to pay instantly and securely with their credit or debit card. Offering Stripe payments reduces friction, builds trust, and captures sales immediately.
- Increase Flexibility with Cash on Delivery: In many markets, customers prefer to pay with cash, mobile money, or bank transfers. The “Cash on Delivery” option allows you to secure the order first and arrange payment directly with the customer.
- Serve Every Customer: By offering both methods, you ensure you can cater to all customer preferences, whether they prefer the convenience of a card or the flexibility of manual payment.
A Closer Look at Your Online Checkout Options #
Ficos provides two distinct checkout experiences for your customers. You can enable one or both.
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- Stripe (Pay with Card):
- What it is: A fully integrated, secure payment gateway for accepting credit and debit card payments directly on your website.
- How it works: The customer enters their card details on a secure form during checkout, the payment is processed instantly, and the order is confirmed automatically.
- Stripe (Pay with Card):
- Cash on Delivery (Order Inquiry System):
- What it is: This is more than just cash. It’s a flexible system that allows a customer to place an order without making an immediate payment.
- How it works: When a customer chooses this option, the order is created in your Ficos dashboard with a “Pending” status, and a chat conversation is automatically started. You can then use the chat to arrange payment via cash, mobile money, bank transfer, or any other method you prefer. Once you receive payment, you manually confirm the order.
Step 1: Connecting Stripe for Instant Payments #
The great news is that your Stripe account is unified across the entire Ficos platform.
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- If you have already set up Stripe for your in-store Ficos POS, you are done! Your online store will automatically use your existing connection to accept online payments. No further action is needed.
- If you are new to Stripe, the setup process is simple and takes just a few minutes. You will need to provide your business and bank account details on a secure form hosted by Stripe. We have a detailed, step-by-step guide that walks you through this entire process.
For a complete walkthrough on how to create and connect your Stripe account, please read our guide: A Guide to Ficos Retail & Stripe.
Step 2: Enabling Cash on Delivery (Order Inquiry) #
Activating the “Cash on Delivery” option is as simple as flipping a switch.
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- Go to Online Store Settings:
- Navigate to your Online Store Dashboard and tap on Online Store Settings.
- Go to Online Store Settings:
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- Find the Payments Section:
- Scroll down to the “Checkout & Payments” card.
- Find the Payments Section:
- Enable the Switch:
- Tap the switch for “Accept Cash on Delivery” to turn it on.
- Your online store will now show this as a payment option during checkout.
What Your Customer Sees at Checkout #
Based on your settings, your customer will have a clear choice on the final step of checkout.
| If You Enable… | Customer Checkout Experience |
|---|---|
| Only Stripe | The customer will see only the “Pay with Card” option and must complete payment to place the order. |
| Only Cash on Delivery | The customer will see only the “Pay Later” / “Order Inquiry” option. They can place the order without payment, and you will coordinate with them via chat. |
| Both Stripe and COD | The customer will be presented with a choice between “Pay with Card” and “Pay Later,” allowing them to select the method that works best for them. |
Conclusion #
By offering both secure card payments through Stripe and the flexible “Cash on Delivery” system, you create a powerful and inclusive checkout experience for all your customers. This flexibility is key to maximizing your online sales and growing your business. For more helpful tips, visit the Ficos Documentation. Happy selling!
Frequently Asked Questions #
Do I need a separate Stripe account for my online store? #
No. Ficos uses a unified Stripe connection. The same account you set up for your in-store POS will automatically work for your online store. You only need to set it up once.
What happens when a customer chooses 'Cash on Delivery'? #
The system creates an “Order Inquiry” in your Online Store Dashboard. It will have a “Pending” status, and a chat thread will automatically be created between you and the customer. You must use this chat to arrange payment and then manually confirm the order once you are ready.
Can I offer only Stripe, or only Cash on Delivery? #
Yes, you have full control. In your Online Store Settings, under the “Checkout & Payments” card, you can enable or disable the switches for Stripe (via the Payment Providers screen) and “Accept Cash on Delivery” independently to offer the exact checkout experience you want.
Are the Stripe fees different for online payments versus in-store payments? #
Stripe’s fees can vary based on whether a card is physically present or not (“card-not-present” online transactions sometimes have different rates). Ficos does not add any extra fees. For the most accurate pricing, please refer to the official Stripe website for your country.
How do I confirm a 'Cash on Delivery' order after I receive payment? #
Once you have arranged payment with the customer, find the order in your Online Store Dashboard (or under “Manage Web Orders”). Open the order details and tap the “Confirm Order” button. This will move it from a pending inquiry to a confirmed sale, deduct the stock from your inventory, and move it into the fulfillment workflow.
