> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://guides.seenmarkets.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Payment Processing

> Set up and manage vendor payments through Stripe

## Overview

Seen Markets uses Stripe to process vendor payments. Hosts connect Stripe, then collect booth fees, request custom payments, or let vendors pay when they select a booth. Funds go directly to your connected Stripe account.

<Note>
  Seen Markets charges a **2% processing fee** on top of Stripe's standard
  fees on Free and Pro plans. **Pro Plus** and **Pro Concierge** plans enjoy
  **0% platform fees**. You can optionally pass the fee to vendors.
</Note>

## Setting Up Payments

### Step 1: Connect Stripe

Go to [seenmarkets.com/settings/payments](https://seenmarkets.com/settings/payments) (or use the **Getting started checklist** in the mobile app).

1. **Create a new Stripe account** — complete the Stripe Connect onboarding with your business info and payout details.
2. **Or connect an existing account** — log in to your Stripe account and authorize the connection.

### Step 2: Configure Settings

Once connected:

* **Platform fee pass-through** — choose whether the 2% Seen Markets fee is absorbed by you or passed to vendors.
* **Brand your payment experience** — at [dashboard.stripe.com/settings/branding](https://dashboard.stripe.com/settings/branding), add your logo and brand colors.
* **Configure receipts** — at [dashboard.stripe.com/settings/emails](https://dashboard.stripe.com/settings/emails), customize receipt emails.

## Three Ways to Collect Payment

### 1. Request Payment (most common)

From the vendor management table on your market page:

<Frame caption="Vendor Management Table - Request and track payments">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/seenmarkets/ni9Mp_eyW6VHysrG/images/vendor-management-table.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=ni9Mp_eyW6VHysrG&q=85&s=e81ce6c301fe153ac7eb04719722518f" alt="Vendor Management Table" width="1030" height="682" data-path="images/vendor-management-table.png" />
</Frame>

1. Expand a vendor row.
2. Click **Request Payment**.
3. Enter the amount and description (e.g. "Booth Fee — 10x10 Space").
4. Submit.

The vendor receives an email with a secure **Stripe checkout link**. They click it, pay, and the payment is recorded automatically.

### 2. Booth Selection Checkout

When you enable **vendor booth self-selection** and set prices on booths:

1. Approved vendors see the booth map and available booths with prices.
2. Vendor selects a booth → goes to **Stripe checkout**.
3. After payment, the booth is assigned automatically.

This is configured in the [Booth Map Designer](/essentials/booth-map) (booth prices) and **Booth Selection Settings** (enable self-selection).

### 3. Record a Manual Payment

If a vendor paid outside Stripe (cash, check, Venmo, etc.):

1. Expand the vendor row in the vendor management table.
2. Click **Record Payment** (manual).
3. Enter the amount and description.
4. Mark as paid.

This updates the vendor's payment status without going through Stripe. No fees apply.

## Managing Payments

Track all payments in the vendor management table:

* **Pending** — payment requested, waiting for vendor to pay.
* **Paid** — payment completed (Stripe or manual).
* **Failed** — Stripe payment attempt failed.
* **Refunded** — payment was refunded.
* **Cancelled** — host cancelled the payment request.

### Actions

* **Cancel** a pending payment request.
* **Resend** the payment link if a vendor lost the email.
* View **transaction details** and history per vendor.

## Where Vendors Pay

* **Email** — vendors receive a link to a Stripe checkout page.
* **Mobile app** — pending payments appear on the vendor's Schedule tab with a "Pay Now" button.
* **Vendor portal (web)** — pending payments are visible on the dashboard.

## Best Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion icon="credit-card" title="Setup">
    * Complete all Stripe verification steps before your first market.
    * Configure branding so checkout pages look professional.
    * Decide upfront whether to pass the platform fee to vendors.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="money-bill" title="Collection">
    * Send payment requests promptly after approving vendors.
    * Include clear descriptions so vendors know what they're paying for.
    * Follow up on pending payments before the market date.
    * Use booth self-selection with pricing for hands-off collection.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="chart-line" title="Tracking">
    * Check payment status regularly in the vendor table.
    * Record manual payments so your records are complete.
    * Export vendor data for your own bookkeeping.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Frequently Asked Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion icon="clock" title="When do I receive funds?">
    Funds are available in your Stripe account within 2–7 business days,
    depending on your Stripe payout schedule.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="percent" title="What are the fees?">
    Seen Markets charges 2% on top of Stripe's standard processing fees on
    Free and Pro plans (0% on Pro Plus and Pro Concierge). You can pass the
    platform fee to vendors in your payment settings.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="shield" title="Is it secure?">
    All payments are processed through Stripe's PCI-compliant platform. Seen
    Markets never handles sensitive payment information.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="hand" title="What if a vendor paid with cash?">
    Use the manual payment option to record it. This keeps your vendor records
    accurate without requiring Stripe checkout.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Vendor Management" icon="users" href="/essentials/vendor-management">
    Manage vendor payments from the vendor table
  </Card>

  <Card title="Booth Map" icon="map" href="/essentials/booth-map">
    Set booth prices and enable self-selection
  </Card>

  <Card title="Email Notifications" icon="envelope" href="/essentials/automated-email-notifications">
    Learn about payment notification emails
  </Card>
</CardGroup>