Stripe Integration
Pool Office Manager integrates with Stripe to provide real-time payment processing and invoice synchronization. This guide covers setting up and using the Stripe integration.
## Benefits of Stripe Integration
- Accept credit card payments directly through invoices
- Real-time sync of invoices and customer data
- Automatic payment tracking and reconciliation
- Secure PCI-compliant payment processing
- Support for multiple payment methods
## Setting Up Stripe Integration
### Prerequisites
- Active Stripe account
- Admin access to POM
- Business verification completed in Stripe
### Installation Steps
1. Navigate to **Settings** → **Apps**
2. Find **Stripe** in the integrations list
3. Click **Install**
4. You'll be redirected to Stripe to authorize the connection
5. Log in to your Stripe account
6. Grant POM permission to access your Stripe data
7. Return to POM to complete setup
## Configuring the Integration
### Customer Sync
Configure how customer data syncs between systems:
- Customers are automatically created in Stripe when invoices are generated
- Email addresses are used as the primary identifier
- Customer updates sync in real-time
### Invoice Settings
Set up invoice behavior with Stripe:
- **Invoice Type** - Select Stripe for payment-enabled invoices
- **Payment Terms** - Configure due dates and payment windows
- **Auto-reminders** - Enable payment reminder emails through Stripe
## Using Stripe for Payments
### Creating Stripe Invoices
1. Complete a service in POM
2. Go to **Billing** and select billable services
3. Click **Create Invoice**
4. Choose **Stripe** as the invoice type
5. Review and send the invoice
6. Customer receives email with payment link
### Customer Payment Experience
When customers receive a Stripe invoice:
1. They click the payment link in their email
2. Enter credit card or payment details
3. Payment is processed immediately
4. Both POM and Stripe update automatically
### Tracking Payments
View payment status in POM:
- **Paid** - Payment received and confirmed
- **Pending** - Invoice sent, awaiting payment
- **Failed** - Payment attempt failed
- **Refunded** - Payment was refunded
## Managing Payments
### Viewing Payment History
1. Go to **Invoicing**
2. Click on an invoice
3. View payment details and transaction history
### Processing Refunds
Refunds are handled through the Stripe dashboard:
1. Log in to Stripe
2. Find the payment
3. Process the refund
4. Status updates automatically in POM
## Troubleshooting
### Connection Issues
If the connection is lost:
1. Go to **Settings** → **Apps**
2. Click **Reconnect** on Stripe
3. Re-authorize in Stripe
4. Verify connection with a test invoice
### Payment Failures
Common reasons for payment failures:
- Insufficient funds
- Card declined
- Expired card
- Incorrect card details
Customers can retry payment using the invoice link.
### Sync Delays
If payments aren't syncing:
- Check Stripe dashboard for payment status
- Verify webhook configuration
- Contact support if delays persist
## Best Practices
### Before Going Live
- Test with a small invoice first
- Verify customer email addresses
- Review Stripe fees and pricing
### Security
- Keep Stripe credentials secure
- Enable two-factor authentication in Stripe
- Review connected apps periodically
### Customer Communication
- Inform customers about online payment option
- Include payment instructions in invoice emails
- Provide support contact for payment issues
## Related Articles
- QuickBooks Integration
- Creating Invoices
- Billing Workflow