Want to accept online payments without running a full online shop? You can send a customer a payment link, share a QR code, prepare a virtual basket, take a deposit or sell tickets online. The key is choosing a payment method that matches the way you actually sell.
A full ecommerce website is not always necessary. If you sell services, take orders by phone or message, run workshops, organise events or meet customers in person, a simpler way to take payment may be all you need.
How does it work in practice?
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Prepare the payment
Choose the right sales option, such as a payment link, QR code, basket, deposit or ticket.
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Share it with the customer
Send a link by message or email, or display a QR code on a screen, poster, leaflet or printed material.
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The customer pays online
The customer checks the details and continues to the payment process handled by your selected payment provider.
When do you not need a full online shop?
A traditional online shop makes sense when customers browse a large catalogue, add products to a basket and complete an order without speaking to the seller.
Many businesses work differently. You may speak to the customer first, agree the scope of a service, take an order by phone, Messenger or WhatsApp, arrange an appointment or sell directly at an event.
In these situations, you may not need all the infrastructure of an online shop. What you really need is a simple way for the customer to understand what they are paying for and complete the payment online.
How can you accept online payments?
JustPayFor lets you choose a payment flow that fits the situation. You do not have to handle every customer in exactly the same way.
Scan to pay
The customer scans a QR code with their phone, opens your offer and continues to payment. It works well at a counter, market stall, event, on a poster or printed leaflet.
Explore QR code payments →Payment link
Prepare a specific payment and send it to your customer by text message, email, Messenger, WhatsApp or another messaging service.
Explore payment links →Virtual basket
When an order contains several products or services, prepare one basket showing the items, quantities, additional costs and total amount to pay.
Explore virtual baskets →Deposits and bookings
Take payment before an appointment, service, workshop or bespoke order and confirm the booking once payment has been made.
Explore deposits and bookings →Online ticket sales
Sell tickets for events online, send them to customers and check QR codes at the entrance. You can support general admission or numbered seating.
Explore online ticket sales →Online fundraisers
Create a fundraising page, explain the cause and let supporters choose an amount and contribute online, subject to the requirements of your payment provider.
Explore online fundraisers →Which payment option should you choose?
A simple rule is to match the payment method to the way the sale was agreed in the first place.
| Situation | Good starting point |
|---|---|
| The customer is with you or looking at a poster | QR code |
| You have already agreed a specific amount | Payment link |
| The order contains several items | Virtual basket |
| You want payment to confirm an appointment or service | Deposit or booking payment |
| You are organising an event | Online ticket sales |
| You are collecting contributions towards a cause | Online fundraiser |
If you are still unsure which option fits your business, see how JustPayFor works and how the different payment options compare .
Taking payment after a phone call or message
One of the simplest uses is when the order has already been agreed outside your website.
A customer might phone you, send a message through Messenger or WhatsApp, or contact you by email. Once you have agreed the product, service or price, you prepare the payment and send them the appropriate link.
There is no need to ask the customer to manually copy your bank details, payment amount and reference. They open the prepared payment and can see what the transaction relates to before paying.
Using a QR code for in-person sales
If the customer is in the same place as you, sending them a link may not be the most convenient option. A QR code provides a simple alternative.
You can place it next to a product, on a price list, poster, table, leaflet or screen. The customer scans the code with their phone and opens the offer without manually typing a web address.
You can see more examples on the Scan to pay page.
Does the customer need a JustPayFor account?
No. You need a seller account to create and manage your sales, but your customer does not need to register with JustPayFor.
They open the payment link, QR code, basket or other page you have shared, check the relevant details and continue to payment.
The payment method they choose may, of course, require them to use their banking app or another service provided by the payment provider.
Do you need a card terminal?
You do not need your own card terminal to accept the online payments described here. The customer uses their own phone or computer and completes the payment online.
That does not mean online payments replace a card terminal in every situation. If customers regularly want to tap a card at your till, a traditional terminal may still be the most convenient option.
JustPayFor gives you another way to accept payments where a full online shop or card terminal is unnecessary or impractical.
Where does the money go?
JustPayFor does not collect money from your customers and hold it before paying it out to you.
The transaction is handled by the payment provider connected to your account, and funds are settled to your account with that provider according to its terms.
Available payment methods, settlement times and transaction charges depend on the payment provider you choose.
How much does it cost to accept payments?
monthly JustPayFor fee
JustPayFor does not charge a monthly subscription or an additional JustPayFor percentage fee on each sale.
Transaction processing fee
Transaction charges and other payment terms are set by the payment provider connected to your account.
When comparing costs, it is therefore useful to separate the cost of the sales platform from the cost of processing the payment itself.
Examples from everyday business
Service provider
You agree the scope and price with the customer, then send a payment link or request a deposit before the appointment.
Social media sales
A customer messages you after seeing a product. You prepare a payment or basket and send the ready-to-pay link in the conversation.
Event organiser
You create an event, sell tickets online and check the attendees' QR codes at the entrance.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. You can use payment links, QR codes, virtual baskets, deposits and online ticket sales without building a full online shop.
You can send a payment link by text message, email or messaging service. If the customer is with you, you can display a QR code that opens the relevant payment or offer.
No. The customer can open the shared offer, payment or basket and continue to payment without creating a JustPayFor account.
No. These payments are completed online using the customer's phone or computer. A traditional card terminal may still be useful if you regularly take card payments at a till.
The transaction is handled by your selected payment provider and the funds are settled to your account with that provider. JustPayFor does not hold your sales revenue.
JustPayFor does not charge a monthly subscription or its own percentage fee on each sale. Payment processing costs depend on the pricing and terms of your selected payment provider.
Start accepting payments without building an online shop
Create your seller account and choose the payment option that best matches the way you work with your customers.
