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Payment Integration
Essential
6 min read

Setting Up Stripe Payments

Complete guide to configuring secure payments between clients and tradies using Stripe's trusted payment platform.

Stripe integration allows you to process payments securely and professionally through Smthy. This guide walks you through the complete setup process, from account creation to your first successful payment.

Why Stripe?

  • • Trusted by millions of Australian businesses
  • • Bank-level security and PCI compliance
  • • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
  • • Seamless integration with Smthy workflows

1
Before You Start

Ensure you have all required information ready before beginning the setup process.

Business Information

  • • Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • • Business registration documents
  • • Business address and contact details
  • • Director identification (if company)

Banking Details

  • • Australian bank account
  • • Account holder name (matching business)
  • • BSB and account number
  • • Bank statements (may be required)

2
Create Your Stripe Account

Set up your Stripe account with Australian business verification.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Visit stripe.com and click "Start now"
  2. Enter your email and create a secure password
  3. Select "Australia" as your country
  4. Choose your business type (Individual, Company, etc.)
  5. Complete the business verification process

Verification Timeline

  • • Initial setup: 5-10 minutes
  • • Document verification: 1-2 business days
  • • Full approval: 2-7 business days
  • • First payout: 7-14 days after first payment

3
Connect Stripe to Smthy

Link your verified Stripe account with your Smthy workspace.

Connection Process

  1. In Smthy, go to Settings → Payment Integration
  2. Click "Connect Stripe Account"
  3. You'll be redirected to Stripe for authorisation
  4. Log in to your Stripe account
  5. Authorise Smthy to access your account
  6. Return to Smthy to complete setup

Connection Successful

You'll see a green "Connected" status in your Smthy payment settings, along with your Stripe account details.

4
Configure Payment Settings

Customise your payment settings to match your business needs.

Essential Settings

  • • Default currency (AUD)
  • • GST rate (10% for Australia)
  • • Payment methods accepted
  • • Invoice terms and conditions
  • • Late payment fees
  • • Deposit percentages
  • • Refund policies
  • • Payment confirmation emails

Recommended Settings for Landscape Architects

  • • Request 25-50% deposits for projects over $5,000
  • • Set payment terms to 14 days for invoices
  • • Enable automatic late payment reminders
  • • Include GST in all pricing displays

Test Your Payment Setup

Always test your payment setup before sending invoices to clients.

Test Mode

Stripe provides test mode for safe testing without real money:

  • • Use test card number: 4242 4242 4242 4242
  • • Any future expiry date (e.g., 12/34)
  • • Any 3-digit CVC (e.g., 123)
  • • Test payments appear in your Stripe dashboard

What to Test

  • • Create a test invoice and send to yourself
  • • Complete a test payment using test card details
  • • Verify you receive payment confirmation emails
  • • Check that GST calculations are correct
  • • Test refund process if needed

Understanding Stripe Fees

Transparent fee structure with no hidden costs or monthly fees.

Australian Standard Rates

Card Payments
  • • Australian cards: 1.75% + 30¢
  • • International cards: 2.9% + 30¢
  • • American Express: 2.7% + 30¢
Bank Transfers
  • • BPAY: 1.5% (max $5)
  • • Direct debit: 1.5% (max $5)
  • • PayID: 1.75% + 30¢

Fees are deducted automatically from each payment. No setup fees or monthly charges.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Account Verification Delayed

If verification is taking longer than expected:

  • • Check you've uploaded all required documents
  • • Ensure documents are clear and readable
  • • Contact Stripe support for status updates
  • • Avoid creating multiple accounts

Connection to Smthy Failed

If you can't connect Stripe to Smthy:

  • • Clear your browser cache and try again
  • • Ensure you're logged into the correct Stripe account
  • • Try connecting from an incognito browser window
  • • Contact Smthy support for assistance

Payments Not Processing

If clients can't complete payments:

  • • Check your Stripe account is fully verified
  • • Ensure you're not in test mode for live payments
  • • Verify payment methods are enabled
  • • Check Stripe dashboard for error messages

Security Best Practices

Protect your Stripe account and client payment information.

Account Security

  • • Enable two-factor authentication on your Stripe account
  • • Use a strong, unique password
  • • Regularly review account activity and logins
  • • Limit team access to essential personnel only

Client Protection

  • • Never store client card details yourself
  • • Use Stripe's secure payment forms only
  • • Provide clear refund and dispute policies
  • • Keep detailed records of all transactions

Setup Success Checklist

Confirm these items to ensure your Stripe integration is ready for business.

Stripe account fully verified and approved
Successfully connected to Smthy
Payment settings configured for your business
Test payment completed successfully
Invoice templates updated with payment links
Team trained on payment process

You're Ready to Accept Payments!

Your Stripe integration is complete. Start sending professional invoices and accepting secure payments from your landscape architecture clients.