Selling Online
Online Checkout vs. Pay-at-Pickup
Online card checkout commits orders up front and cuts no-shows; Pay at Pickup lets buyers reserve online and pay in person, and is available to sellers on a Pro plan. They aren't mutually exclusive — many sellers run both, with prepaid checkout as the default and pay-at-pickup for trusted regulars.
How you take payment shapes how reliably you get paid. On Local Cottage Foods you can accept orders two ways — online card checkout and Pay at Pickup — and you can offer both. Here's how to choose.
How the two options compare
| Online card checkout | Pay at Pickup | |
|---|---|---|
| When you're paid | At checkout, up front | In person, at handoff |
| No-show risk | Low — the order is committed | Higher — the order isn't prepaid |
| Cash handling | None | You handle cash and change |
| Record keeping | Automatic, paid order on file | You confirm payment in person |
| Marketplace plan | Available on any plan | Available on a Pro plan |
| Best for | Most orders, especially new buyers | Trusted local regulars |
When to use each
Online checkout is the safer default: the order is committed, there's nothing to handle at the door, and every sale is on record. Pay at Pickup is a nice option for repeat customers who prefer to pay in person — and it lets buyers reserve online without entering a card.
A good default: take payment at checkout for pre-orders, and offer Pay at Pickup mainly to repeat customers you trust. See plans and what's included.
Why many sellers offer both
Offering both meets customers where they are while protecting your time. Prepaid checkout reduces no-shows on your busiest pickup windows, and your storefront keeps every order — prepaid or pay-at-pickup — organized in one place. See why every seller should have an online storefront.
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