Paid offers need a working payment path before customers arrive. Mercato uses Stripe Connect so creators can take payments and receive payouts through their own connected Stripe account.
Set this up before a public launch.
Where payment setup fits
There are two payment-related flows:
- Mercato subscription checkout starts your Mercato plan and 14-day trial.
- Stripe Connect onboarding prepares your creator account to accept customer payments and payouts.
Finishing your Mercato subscription setup does not automatically mean your customer checkout is ready. You still need the connected Stripe account to be in good standing for paid product checkout.
Open Payouts
Go to Payouts in the dashboard and start Stripe onboarding. Stripe may ask for details such as:
- Legal name or business name.
- Country.
- Address.
- Date of birth or identity details.
- Bank account or payout details.
- Business type and product information.
The exact requirements depend on your country and Stripe account status.
Choose the right country
Creators choose their Stripe account country before Mercato creates the connected account. Choose carefully because payment account country affects verification, available payment methods and payout requirements.
If you are unsure, use the country where you or your business are legally based.
What to check before launch
Before you sell, confirm:
- Stripe Connect onboarding is complete.
- Charges are enabled.
- Payouts are enabled.
- No urgent requirements are blocking the account.
- Your paid offer is live and priced correctly.
- Checkout opens from the public product page.
If charges are not enabled, customers may not be able to pay. If payouts are not enabled, you may be able to take action in Stripe before funds can reach your bank.
Understand fees
Mercato plan details can include platform-fee terms, but Stripe processing fees and connected-account requirements are controlled by Stripe.
Use Stripe for processor-level payment details, payout timing and account verification. Use Mercato for your storefront, product setup, orders and customer-facing sales workflow.
Keep checkout safe
Never ask customers to send card details directly. They should complete payment through the secure checkout flow.
If a customer reports a checkout issue, ask for:
- The product they tried to buy.
- The approximate time.
- Their country.
- The error message they saw.
Do not ask for full card numbers or sensitive payment information.