How Stripe Payments Work on Raised

Understanding the complete payment flow helps you manage your fundraising campaign effectively and know when to expect funds in your account.

The Payment Flow: Step by Step

When a supporter purchases from your fundraiser, their payment goes through several stages before you can pay your suppliers. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Customer Makes a Purchase

When someone buys from your fundraiser:

• They enter their credit or debit card details on your campaign page
• The payment is processed securely through Stripe
• The customer receives an order confirmation
• You see the order appear in your dashboard

Step 2: Stripe Receives and Holds the Payment

After the customer's payment is processed:

• Stripe receives the funds from the customer's bank
• The money is held securely in your Stripe account
• The payment appears as "pending payout" in your Stripe dashboard
• Your Raised dashboard shows the order (but the money isn't in your bank account yet)

Step 3: Stripe Pays Out to Your Bank Account

If your Stripe account is approved for payouts:

• Standard timing: 4 business days after the purchase (in New Zealand)
• First payout: Allow 7–14 days for your very first payout
• Stripe automatically transfers the funds to your linked bank account
• You'll see the deposit appear in your bank statement

Critical: If your Stripe account is not approved for payouts, this step will be delayed until you complete all required setup steps. See "When Payouts Are Delayed" below.

Step 4: You Receive the Wholesaler Invoice

After your fundraiser campaign completes or during fulfillment:

• Your product wholesaler or supplier will send you an invoice
• This invoice covers the cost of the products your customers ordered
• The invoice will typically show the wholesale prices, quantities, and total amount due

Step 5: You Pay the Wholesaler

Once you have received funds from Stripe in your bank account:

• Pay the wholesaler invoice from the money you received
• The difference between what customers paid and what the wholesaler charges is your fundraising profit
• Keep records of these payments for your own accounting

The Complete Timeline

Here's a typical timeline for a fundraiser in New Zealand:

Week 1-3: Campaign Running

• Customers make purchases throughout your campaign period
• Payments process through Stripe as orders come in
• You see orders in your dashboard but may not have received payouts yet

Days 4-7: First Payout Arrives

• After the 4-day processing period, your first payout arrives in your bank account
• If this is your very first fundraiser, allow 7-14 days for the initial payout

Days 7-21: Ongoing Payouts

• As more orders come in, payouts arrive on a rolling basis
• Each payment takes 4 business days from purchase to your bank account

Campaign End: Final Payouts Complete

• Wait 4 business days after your last order for the final payout
• All customer payments should now be in your bank account

After Campaign: Wholesaler Payment

• Receive invoice from your wholesaler
• Pay the wholesaler from the funds you received
• Retain your fundraising profit

When Payouts Are Delayed

Stripe Account Not Approved

The most important thing to understand: If your Stripe account is not approved for payouts, the entire payment flow is delayed.

This means:

• Customers can still make purchases (Stripe accepts their payments)
• The money is held securely by Stripe
• But you won't receive any funds in your bank account until approval is complete
• You cannot pay your wholesalers until you receive the funds

Common Reasons for Unapproved Payouts

Your Stripe account may not be approved if you haven't provided:

1. Email Verification

   • You must confirm your email address with Stripe
   • Check your inbox for a verification email

2. Complete Business Information

   • Legal name or full name
   • Business or residential address
   • IRD number (tax identification)
   • Date of birth
   • Bank account details

3. Identity Verification

   • Sometimes Stripe requests photo ID
   • Proof of address may be required
   • Additional documentation for verification

How to Get Approved

Check your setup immediately:

1. Visit your Payment Setup page
2. Look for any warning messages or alerts
3. Complete all requested actions (e.g., "Confirm your email address", "Update your business information")
4. Provide any missing information Stripe requires
5. Wait for Stripe to verify your information (usually within 1-2 business days)

Important: Don't wait until after your campaign to set this up. Check your payment setup status before launching your fundraiser to ensure smooth payment processing.

Understanding Your Funds

What You Receive

When Stripe pays out to your bank account, you receive:

• The full purchase price from customers
• Minus Stripe's processing fees (2.7% + $0.30 per transaction)
• Minus Raised's platform fee (5%)

These fees are typically added at checkout and covered by the customer, so what you receive is usually the full amount shown in your dashboard.

What You Pay Out

When you pay your wholesaler:

• You pay the wholesale cost of the products ordered
• The difference is your fundraising profit
• This profit goes toward your organization's goals

Example:

• Customers purchase $5,000 worth of products
• You receive $5,000 in your bank account (fees covered by customers at checkout)
• Wholesaler invoice is $2,000
• Your fundraising profit: $3,000

Managing Your Cash Flow

Tips for Smooth Operations

1. Set Up Stripe Early

   • Complete all Stripe requirements before launching your campaign
   • Verify your email and provide all business information upfront
   • Check your Payment Setup status regularly

2. Plan for Payment Timing

   • Remember that payouts take 4 business days
   • Your first payout takes 7-14 days
   • Don't promise immediate supplier payment until you've received funds

3. Track Your Payouts

   • Check your Stripe dashboard for expected payout dates
   • Reconcile your bank account with expected deposits
   • Keep records of all transactions

4. Coordinate with Wholesalers

   • Discuss payment terms with your wholesaler before the campaign
   • Let them know about the 4-day Stripe processing time
   • Plan product fulfillment around when you'll have funds available

5. Account for Business Days

   • Weekends and public holidays don't count as business days
   • Plan around holiday periods when banks may be slower
   • Allow extra time if your campaign ends near a long weekend

Troubleshooting Payment Issues

"I Can See Orders But Haven't Received Money"

This is normal if:

• It's been less than 4 business days since the purchase (or 7-14 days for your first payout)
• Your Stripe account setup is incomplete

Action: Check your Payment Setup page for any pending requirements.

"Stripe Says Action Required"

Action: Complete the requested actions immediately:

• Confirm your email address
• Update business information
• Provide any requested documentation

Until these are complete, no payouts can be processed.

"My Wholesaler Wants Payment But I Haven't Been Paid"

Action:

• Check that 4 business days have passed (or 7-14 days for first payout)
• Verify your Stripe account is approved for payouts
• Check your bank account for recent deposits
• Review your Stripe dashboard for payout status
• Communicate the timeline to your wholesaler

If funds are delayed beyond the expected timeframe, contact support for assistance.

Important Reminders

✅ Complete Stripe setup before launching - Don't delay this step
✅ Verify your email immediately - Check spam/junk folders
✅ Allow 4 business days for payouts - Plan your timeline accordingly
✅ First payout takes longer - 7-14 days is normal
✅ Check payment setup regularly - Visit Payment Setup often
✅ Coordinate with suppliers - Make sure they understand the payment timeline
✅ Keep records - Track all incoming and outgoing payments

Related Help Articles

• When Will I Receive My Stripe Payment? - Detailed timing information
• Understanding Payment Options - All available payment methods
• Processing Fees Explained - How fees work on Raised

Need Help?

If you're experiencing issues with payment flow or Stripe payouts:

1. Check your Payment Setup page
2. Review your Stripe dashboard for holds or issues
3. Ensure all verification steps are complete
4. Contact our support team if problems persist

By understanding how payments flow through the system, you can better manage your campaign timeline, coordinate with suppliers, and ensure a smooth fundraising experience for everyone involved.