> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://vendorspace.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://vendorspace.gitbook.io/docs/getting-started/connecting-stripe.md).

# Connecting Stripe

Vendor Space uses **Stripe Connect** to handle payments. This means when a vendor pays for a booth or sponsorship, the money goes directly to your bank account -- not through us. You stay in full control of your funds.

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## Why Stripe?

Stripe is a trusted, industry-leading payment platform used by millions of businesses worldwide. With Stripe Connect, you get:

* **Direct payouts** to your bank account
* **Transparent fees** with no hidden charges
* **Secure processing** that meets the highest industry standards

Vendor Space never holds your funds. Stripe deposits payments directly into the bank account you configure during setup.

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## How to Connect Your Stripe Account

1. Go to **Settings** from the sidebar
2. Find the **Stripe** section and click **Connect Stripe Account**
3. You'll be redirected to Stripe's secure onboarding flow
4. Follow Stripe's steps to verify your identity and link your bank account
5. Once complete, you'll be returned to Vendor Space with a **green connected status**

> **Tip:** If you don't already have a Stripe account, that's perfectly fine. Stripe will create one for you as part of the onboarding process. Just follow the prompts.

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## Important Things to Know

* **You must connect Stripe before collecting payments.** Without a connected account, you won't be able to send payment links or process vendor payments.
* **Connect early.** We recommend setting up Stripe right after creating your account so you're ready to collect payments as soon as vendors start signing up.
* **You can disconnect and reconnect at any time.** If you need to switch to a different Stripe account, go to **Settings** and disconnect your current account, then connect the new one.

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## After You're Connected

Once Stripe is connected, you're ready to start collecting payments. Here's what becomes available:

* **Payment links** -- Send vendors a link to pay for their booth, add-ons, or sponsorship
* **Transaction tracking** -- View all payments in the **Transactions** section of Vendor Space
* **Automatic receipts** -- Vendors receive a confirmation from Stripe when their payment is processed

> **Tip:** You can check your Stripe connection status at any time by visiting **Settings**. A green indicator means everything is active and ready to go.

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## Troubleshooting

| Issue                           | What to Do                                                                                                |
| ------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Stripe onboarding didn't finish | Go back to **Settings** and click **Connect Stripe Account** again to resume                              |
| Status shows disconnected       | Reconnect from **Settings** -- your previous payout history is preserved in Stripe                        |
| Vendor says payment failed      | Check the **Transactions** page for error details, or log into your Stripe dashboard for more information |

> **Tip:** If you run into any issues with Stripe, their support team is excellent. You can also reach out to Vendor Space support and we'll help you get things sorted.