GoHighLevel Payment Processing Hack: AVOID Shopify, PayPal, Stripe, Square
Sep 6, 2024 6 minutes
GoHighLevel is an all-in-one platform that gives businesses the power to capture leads, nurture them, and close deals like never before. But here’s the thing – while GoHighLevel is packed with amazing features, it’s not a one-stop-shop when it comes to payment processing (even though it looks that way).
Choosing the right payment solution is critical for any business—especially if you’re dealing with high-risk products like THC Delta 9, vapes, CBD, etc.
Trust me, I’ve seen firsthand how the wrong payment processor can lead to frozen accounts and major headaches.
GIVE CUSTOMERS THE CHECKOUT EXPERIENCE THAT CONVERTS
GoHighLevel’s Integration with Stripe
Stripe is one of the most popular payment gateways out there, and for good reason. It’s user-friendly, has a powerful API, and comes with tons of helpful documentation. Plus, it lets you accept all kinds of payment methods, from credit cards to digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
GoHighLevel recognized how important Stripe is in the online payment world, so they made it a breeze to connect your Stripe account and start accepting payments right within the platform. This integration lets you create a seamless checkout experience for your customers without needing to mess around with complex code or third-party tools.
By using Stripe with GoHighLevel, you can:
- Quickly set up payment processing by connecting your Stripe account in just a few clicks
- Accept payments directly in your sales funnels and automated workflows
- Easily manage subscriptions and recurring payments using Stripe’s built-in features
- Keep transactions secure, since Stripe handles all the sensitive payment info
This integration is especially great for beginners who neither have knowledge about payment processing nor payments history. The user-friendly interface and step-by-step guides make it simple for anyone to get up and running with accepting online payments.
Plus, being able to manage your payment processing right inside GoHighLevel saves a bunch of time and reduces the chance of making mistakes, since you don’t have to keep switching between different tools and dashboards.
However, it’s important to note that Stripe does have some limitations, especially for certain types of businesses. If you’re selling high-risk products or services, have high chargeback rates, or fall into one of Stripe’s restricted categories, relying solely on Stripe could put your account at risk of being frozen or terminated.
Digital products in particular are seen as higher risk compared to physical goods. So if your business model involves selling digital products or services, you may want to consider using Stripe as a backup processor rather than your primary payment gateway.
PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS WITH A TRUE MERCHANT ACCOUNT
The Pitfalls of Popular Payment Processors
I’ve seen firsthand how popular payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, and Shopify can really put the squeeze on high-risk businesses.
Sure, these big-name processors might seem like the easy choice when you’re just starting out. They’ve got slick interfaces, quick setup, and everyone knows their names. But if you’re in a high-risk industry like CBD, THC, digital products, subscriptions, or anything else that raises eyebrows, you could be in for a rude awakening.
First off, these processors have some seriously strict policies and regulations when it comes to what kinds of businesses they’ll work with. They’re not fans of anything that’s even a little bit controversial or risky. So, if you’re selling products that are on their naughty list, good luck getting approved.
Even if you do manage to slip through the cracks and get an account set up, it’s only a matter of time before they catch on. And when they do, watch out! They’ll freeze your account faster than you can say “payment processing”. Suddenly, you can’t accept payments, access your funds, or do anything to keep your business running.
I’ve seen it happen time and time again. These processors just don’t want to deal with the potential headaches and legal issues that come with high-risk industries. They’d rather play it safe and stick with the boring, vanilla businesses.
And don’t even get me started on the hoops you have to jump through to try and get your account reinstated. It’s like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded. You’ll spend hours on the phone, sending emails, and filling out forms, all while your business is hemorrhaging money.
So, if you’re in a high-risk industry, do yourself a favor and steer clear of these big-name payment processors. They might seem like the easy choice, but trust me, they’re more trouble than they’re worth. Instead, look for a specialist who understands your business and can give you the support you need to thrive.
CONNECT WITH A PAYMENT PROCESSOR THAT BACKS YOUR BUSINESS
The Case for Dedicated Merchant Accounts
Alright, so we’ve talked about why popular payment service providers like Stripe, PayPal, and Shopify can be a real pain for high-risk businesses. But what’s the alternative?
A dedicated merchant account is basically a special type of bank account that lets you accept credit and debit card payments directly, without going through a third-party processor.
Now, I know what you might be thinking. “Why would I want to deal with a bank when I can just use a provider like Stripe?” Well, my friend, let me tell you why dedicated merchant accounts are the way to go, especially for high-risk businesses.
Stability and Reliability
First off, dedicated merchant accounts offer way more stability and reliability than those finicky third-party processors. When you have your own merchant account, you’re not at the mercy of some big corporation’s policies and whims. You’ve got a direct relationship with the bank, which means you’re less likely to get your account frozen or terminated out of the blue.
Tailored and Negotiable
Plus, dedicated merchant accounts come with tailored solutions for high-risk businesses. These banks and providers understand the unique challenges that come with certain industries and they’re equipped to handle them. They can offer you customized pricing, higher volume limits, and even chargeback protection to help you mitigate risk and keep your business running smoothly.
Of course, not all merchant account providers are created equal. You’ll want to choose a provider that has experience working with high-risk businesses and a track record of good customer support.
APPLY FOR A DEDICATED MERCHANT ACCOUNT TODAY
Integrating a Dedicated Merchant Account with GoHighLevel
Alright, so you’ve got your dedicated merchant account all set up and ready to go. Now it’s time to connect it with GoHighLevel and start processing payments like a pro. Here’s how you do it:
Step 1
First things first, you’ll need to get your hands on your payment gateway API credentials.
This usually includes an API key or token that lets GoHighLevel securely connect to your gateway. Don’t worry, your merchant account provider or payment gateway will give you all the info you need.
Step 2
Next, head over to your GoHighLevel account and navigate to the payment settings. This is where the magic happens. Look for your payment gateway in the list of available integrations and select it. If you don’t see it listed, don’t panic! GoHighLevel is always adding new integrations, so just reach out to their support team for guidance.
Now it’s time to enter those API credentials you got earlier. Paste them into the designated fields and double-check that everything is correct. You might need to configure a few additional settings, but GoHighLevel’s documentation will walk you through it step by step.
Step 3
Before you start celebrating, there’s one crucial step left: testing the integration. Trust me, you don’t want to find out there’s a problem when a customer is trying to give you their hard-earned cash.
So, run a few test transactions and make sure everything is working smoothly.
Once you’ve got the green light, you’re ready to start managing your payments and transactions like a boss. GoHighLevel makes it easy to keep track of everything right from your dashboard. You can see all your transactions, issue refunds, and even set up recurring billing for your subscription-based services.
Best Practices
To make the most of your new payment setup, here are a few best practices to keep in mind:
- Keep your API credentials safe and secure. Don’t share them with anyone who doesn’t need access.
- Stay on top of your transactions and reconcile them regularly with your merchant account statements.
- Communicate clearly with your customers about your payment policies, including refunds and chargebacks.
- Make sure your payment process is seamless and user-friendly. The easier it is for customers to pay, the more likely they are to complete the transaction.
By following these steps and best practices, you’ll be able to integrate your dedicated merchant account with GoHighLevel and start processing payments with confidence.
And if you ever run into any issues or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to GoHighLevel’s support team or your merchant account provider. They’re there to help you succeed!