Test Orders: Complete Guide to Verifying Your Store's Checkout

Place a test order to verify your store's checkout experience, including shipping, taxes, custom forms, and notification emails. Here are two methods to test your store:

Option 1: Real Order with Immediate Refund (Recommended)

• Works for credit/debit cards and PayPal
• Place a real order and refund it immediately
• Best for basic testing and final verification

Option 2: Test Mode

• Works only for credit/debit cards (not PayPal or Venmo)
• Uses simulated transactions with fake payment details
• Ideal for multiple tests without affecting analytics

Prerequisites:

• Active product listings or donation block
• Configured shipping/pickup options for physical products
• Connected payment processor
• Enabled payments on public domain

Fee Considerations:

• No additional test fees
• Processing fees typically non-refundable:
  • Squarespace Payments: keeps processing fees
  • PayPal: retains fixed transaction fees
  • Stripe: does not refund transaction fees

How to Place a Real Test Order (Option 1):

1. Add item to cart and proceed to checkout
2. Enter shipping details
3. Pay using credit card or PayPal
4. Receive confirmation email
5. Cancel order through Finance panel for immediate refund

How to Use Test Mode (Option 2):

1. Activate test mode in Settings
2. Place order using test card number: 4242 4242 4242 4242
3. Use any future expiration date and 3-digit CVC
4. Verify order in Finance panel
5. Delete test order
6. Disable test mode immediately after testing

Important Tips:

• Test orders affect inventory levels
• Order numbers cannot be reset
• Analytics include refunded orders
• Cancel subscription tests after testing
• Test mode must be disabled to accept real payments
• Test orders appear with "Test" label
• Gift cards can be tested in test mode

For subscription products, remember to cancel test subscriptions to prevent future test renewals. Always disable test mode immediately after testing to avoid confusion and potential lost sales.

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