> 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/settings/stripe-connect.md).

# Stripe Connect

Vendor Space uses Stripe Connect to handle vendor payments securely. When vendors pay for their booths, the money goes directly to your Stripe account -- Vendor Space never holds your funds.

***

## Why Stripe Connect?

* **Direct deposits.** Vendor payments go straight to your bank account through Stripe.
* **Secure processing.** Stripe handles all credit card data, so sensitive payment information never touches Vendor Space.
* **Automatic fee handling.** Platform fees are deducted automatically at the time of each transaction.
* **Industry standard.** Stripe is trusted by millions of businesses worldwide.

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## Checking Your Connection Status

1. Go to **Settings** in the left sidebar.
2. Click the **Payments** or **Stripe** tab.
3. Your connection status is displayed at the top:

| Status              | Meaning                                                              |
| ------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Connected**       | Your Stripe account is linked and ready to accept payments           |
| **Not Connected**   | You need to connect a Stripe account before you can collect payments |
| **Action Required** | Stripe needs additional information from you to complete setup       |

***

## Connecting Your Stripe Account

If you have not connected Stripe yet:

1. Go to **Settings** and click the **Payments** tab.
2. Click **Connect with Stripe**.
3. You will be redirected to Stripe's website.
4. Follow Stripe's onboarding steps to create or link your account.
5. Once complete, you are redirected back to Vendor Space with your account connected.

If you already have a Stripe account, you can link it during this process. If you do not have one, Stripe will walk you through creating one.

> **Tip:** Have your bank account details and business information ready before starting the Stripe connection process. This will make the setup faster.

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## Accessing Your Stripe Dashboard

Once connected, you can go directly to your Stripe dashboard from Vendor Space:

1. Go to **Settings** and click the **Payments** tab.
2. Click the **Open Stripe Dashboard** link.
3. Your Stripe dashboard opens in a new tab where you can view transactions, manage payouts, and configure your Stripe settings.

***

## Reconnecting Stripe

If your Stripe connection is disrupted (for example, if you revoke access from the Stripe side), you can reconnect:

1. Go to **Settings** and click the **Payments** tab.
2. Click **Reconnect** or **Connect with Stripe**.
3. Follow the prompts to re-authorize the connection.

***

## Important Notes

* **You must connect Stripe before sending payment links.** If Stripe is not connected, vendors will not be able to complete payments.
* **One Stripe account per organization.** All events under your organization use the same Stripe connection.
* **Payouts are managed by Stripe.** Vendor Space does not control payout timing or frequency. Configure your payout schedule in your Stripe dashboard.
* **Stripe fees apply.** Standard Stripe processing fees are charged on each transaction in addition to the Vendor Space platform fee. See your Stripe dashboard for current rates.

> **Tip:** Set up automatic payouts in your Stripe dashboard so you receive funds on a regular schedule without having to manually transfer them.