Paid Memberships Pro - Pay by Check Add On is a useful extension for the Paid Memberships Pro plugin that allows membership site owners to offer payment by check as an additional payment method. This add-on is especially valuable for sites that serve audiences who prefer offline payment methods or for businesses that operate in regions where credit card payments are not ideal. With this add-on, you can provide users with the option to select a check payment during checkout and manage those payments manually.

Key Features of Paid Memberships Pro - Pay by Check Add On:

1. Payment by Check Option:

• The add-on allows your site’s users to choose "Pay by Check" as a payment option when they select their membership plan. This is helpful for those who prefer not to use credit cards or other online payment methods.
• During checkout, users will be presented with the option to select “Pay by Check” along with other standard payment options (such as PayPal, Stripe, etc.).

2. Manual Payment Processing:

• Unlike online payments that are processed automatically, check payments must be manually verified and processed by the site administrator.
• Once the user selects this payment method, they will be instructed to send a physical check to the specified address. As the site admin, you can confirm receipt of the check and manually activate the user’s membership once the payment is received.

3. Customizable Payment Instructions:

• You can customize the instructions displayed to the user during checkout, providing them with clear details on how to submit their check.
• You can specify details such as the mailing address for sending the check, any necessary reference information (e.g., membership ID), and any instructions on how to complete the process.

4. Delayed Membership Activation:

• Since check payments require time for processing, membership activation will be delayed until the check has been confirmed as received.
• After the check payment is received, the site admin can manually activate the user’s membership, giving them access to content or services associated with the membership.

5. Email Notifications:

• Users who choose Pay by Check are notified throughout the process with email confirmations. These emails will include the payment instructions, confirmation when their check is received, and a final notification once their membership is activated.
• Administrators can also set up email reminders to inform users when their payment has not been received after a certain period.

6. Flexible Check Payment Settings:

• You can configure multiple membership levels to use Pay by Check as a payment option. This flexibility means you can apply this payment method to various plans or restrict it to specific plans that you feel are more suitable for offline payments.

7. Payment Tracking and Management:

• Administrators can track which users have opted for the Pay by Check option and monitor the payment status.
• The site owner has full control over when to activate the membership after verifying that the check has been received and deposited, ensuring that no one gains access without paying.

8. Compatibility with Other Add-Ons:

• The Pay by Check Add-On is compatible with other Paid Memberships Pro add-ons, so you can combine it with add-ons like Membership Levels, Coupon Codes, and Reports to manage your check-based payments seamlessly.

9. Payment Reminders:

• Admins can set up reminders for users who have not yet mailed in their check after selecting this option. These reminders can be automated via emails, making it easier to follow up and ensure the payment is completed.

Use Cases for Paid Memberships Pro - Pay by Check Add On:

1. Offline Payment Preferences:
   • If your target audience prefers to pay with checks (for example, some businesses, institutions, or individuals without access to online payment methods), this add-on allows you to provide that option while ensuring the process is handled manually and securely.
2. For Membership Sites Serving Local or Niche Audiences:
   • If you operate a membership site for a local community or a niche market, offering Pay by Check can appeal to users who might be more comfortable with traditional payment methods rather than online payments.
3. Non-Profit Organizations:
   • Non-profits and associations often accept check payments as a way to avoid transaction fees from payment processors. This add-on allows such organizations to handle memberships while giving members a choice to pay via check.
4. Educational Institutions or Clubs:
   • Schools, universities, and clubs that offer memberships or subscriptions can use this feature to allow members to submit checks for payments, especially when dealing with larger sums or institutional invoicing.
5. Subscription-Based Memberships:
   • For sites offering subscription memberships with recurring payments, you can allow users to pay by check for either one-time or recurring subscriptions. Admins can manually handle these recurring payments as they are processed.
6. Corporate or Bulk Memberships:
   • Businesses or organizations that want to purchase memberships in bulk (e.g., for employees) might prefer to pay via check. This add-on allows you to cater to corporate customers who don’t want to use credit cards for large orders.

How to Set Up Paid Memberships Pro - Pay by Check Add On:

1. Install Paid Memberships Pro:
   • First, ensure that the core Paid Memberships Pro plugin is installed and configured with your membership levels, pricing, and content restrictions.
2. Install the Pay by Check Add-On:
   • Download and install the Pay by Check Add-On from the Paid Memberships Pro Add-Ons page or your Paid Memberships Pro account.
3. Configure Payment Settings:
   • Once the add-on is installed, navigate to the Payment Settings section in your WordPress dashboard. Here, you will find the option to enable Pay by Check as a payment method for one or more of your membership levels.
4. Set Up Payment Instructions:
   • Customize the payment instructions that users will see when they choose Pay by Check. You can include your physical mailing address, instructions for filling out the check, and any relevant details about how to submit the payment.
5. Set Up Email Notifications:
   • Configure email templates for users who select Pay by Check. These emails will automatically notify users of their payment status, provide check submission instructions, and inform them when their membership has been activated.
6. Track Payments:
   • Admins can monitor the status of check payments and activate memberships once checks are received. You can also track which members have selected this payment option and follow up as needed.

Conclusion:

The Paid Memberships Pro - Pay by Check Add On provides a great solution for membership sites that need to offer offline payment options, such as checks, alongside traditional online payment methods. This add-on is ideal for organizations, schools, non-profits, or any business that wants to cater to a segment of users who prefer traditional payment methods. By giving users the option to pay via check, you can expand your membership base and provide a more inclusive payment solution while still retaining full control over the payment process.