If you're looking for a simple, speedy way to collect payments from your customers without needing a physical card reader or a detailed online store, you're in the right place!
Helcim's Payment Requests feature lets you send a direct payment link to your customers via text, email, or any other messaging app. It's an easy way to get paid quickly and efficiently.
In this article
What are Payment Requests?
Simply put, a Payment Request is a secure link you send to a customer that takes them directly to a page where they can enter their payment information (like credit card or bank details) to pay you.
It's a digital request for payment that cuts out the need for lengthy invoices or complex online checkout processes for simple transactions.
Key features and benefits
Payment Requests are designed for speed and convenience, with several helpful features:
Connect to customers: Easily link each request to an existing customer profile or create a new one on the fly. This helps keep your payment records organized.
Add details: Include important context like a custom invoice number or a short description of what the payment is for.
Flexible sending: Choose the most convenient way to reach your customer – send the link directly via email, text message, or simply copy the link to share it yourself through any app you prefer.
Direct payment link: Customers are taken straight to a secure payment screen, making the checkout process smooth and fast for them.
Comparisons with other payment tools
There are many different payment tools that you have access to as a Helcim merchant. Some of these may sound similar on the surface, but are best used for different scenarios.
Click below to learn how Payment Requests compare with other tools.
Payment Requests vs. Payment Pages
You might be wondering: how are Payment Requests different from our Payment Pages feature? Both are great for getting paid, but they serve slightly different purposes:
Payment Requests: Think of these as quick, personalized pings. You create a request for a specific amount for a specific customer, and send them a direct link (via text, email, etc.) that takes them to a simple payment screen. It's all about getting that one specific payment collected fast.
Payment Pages: These are more like online payment forms you can customize with your branding. You might create a Payment Page for a specific product, for donations, or a general "Pay Your Invoice" page. You can share the link widely, embed it on your website, or use a QR code. They are designed to be reusable payment points that you can set and forget.
If you need to send a one-off payment request directly to a customer, Payment Requests are your go-to. If you need a more permanent, customizable form you can share or embed for various purposes, Payment Pages are the way to go!
Payment Requests vs. Pay Now Invoices
Both Payment Requests and the 'Pay Now' option on Helcim Invoices let customers pay online via a link, but they're built for different scenarios.
Payment Requests: Use for charging a specific amount quickly. The link takes the customer directly to a simple payment screen without showing a formal invoice. You can send these links via text message, email, or by copying the link.
'Pay Now' on Invoices: Use when sending a formal invoice that includes multiple items or detailed tax/discount breakdowns. The link takes the customer to view the full invoice first, where they can then choose to pay online. These can only be sent via email or a shareable link, not text message.
Choose the tool that fits whether you need a quick, simple payment (Payment Request) or a detailed invoice review (Pay Now on Invoice).
How to access Helcim Payment Requests
In your Helcim Dashboard
You can easily access Payment Requests through your Helcim account in any web browser (mobile or computer).
Login to your Helcim account.
Click on All Tools, and then Payments.
Select Payment Requests from the menu along the left.
This will take you to your Payment Requests dashboard, where you'll see a list of any requests you've already created.
In the Helcim POS App
If you're using the Helcim POS mobile app, you can also access and create Payment Requests on the go:
Open the Helcim POS app on your mobile device.
Select More from the bottom menu.
Select Payments under the 'My Tools' section.
Select Payment requests.
This will show you a list of all your payment requests within the app.
Next steps
Now that you know what Payment Requests are and where to find them, the next step is learning how to create and send one to a customer.
| Our next article will walk you through the simple process of generating your first payment request. |
FAQs
Who are Payment Requests best for?
Payment Requests are ideal for businesses that need to collect payment quickly for a specific service, a custom order, or an existing invoice without requiring the customer to be present or go through a traditional online store checkout.
Can I use this for recurring payments?
Payment Requests are typically for one-time payments. For recurring billing, Helcim offers a dedicated Recurring Payments tool.
Is this different from a full Helcim invoice?
Yes. A full invoice provides a detailed breakdown of goods or services, while a Payment Request is a streamlined link focused purely on collecting the specified payment amount quickly via a simple payment page.