How to Run Test Orders in Squarespace Commerce
TL;DR:
- Two ways to test orders: place a real order then refund it, or use test mode with fake payment details
- Real orders work with all payment types but you'll pay non-refundable processing fees
- Test mode simulates transactions without affecting your analytics or charging real money
- You need a payment processor connected and your site set to public before testing
- Always turn off test mode when you're done or real customers can't complete purchases
Before you start testing, make sure you've got the basics sorted. You need at least one product or donation block set up, shipping or pickup options configured for physical goods, and a payment processor connected to your site. Your checkout needs to be enabled and your site set to public view.
Method 1: Real Order with Refund
This method involves placing an actual order and then refunding it afterwards.
How to do it:
- Pick any item from your store and go through the complete checkout process using real payment details
- Once you've reviewed how everything works, head to your Finance panel, find the order, and process a refund
The catch: You'll pay standard processing fees that won't be refunded, even though you get your money back. But this method works with all payment types, including PayPal.
Tip: Use a separate personal account (like a personal PayPal account) rather than your business account to make the refund process smoother.
Method 2: Test Mode with Fake Payments
This is the cleaner option for testing multiple scenarios without any real money changing hands.
How to set it up:
- Go to your site settings and activate test mode – this blocks all real transactions
- Place your test order as normal, but use the fake credit card number: 4242 4242 4242 4242
- Complete the checkout process to see how everything behaves
Important: Test mode only works with credit card payments, not PayPal or other processors. And remember to turn it off when you're finished testing, or real customers won't be able to complete purchases.
Managing Your Test Orders
Once you've finished testing, you'll want to clean up:
For real test orders: Go to your Finance panel, find the order, and refund it. The money comes back but processing fees don't.
For test mode orders: Find the order in your Finance panel and delete it completely. This keeps your records clean.
For subscription products: If you tested a subscription, make sure to cancel any future test renewals so they don't clutter your system.
Turning Off Test Mode
This is the bit most people forget. When test mode is active, real customers can go through your entire checkout process but won't actually be charged. They'll think they've bought something, but you won't receive payment. This leads to confused customers and lost sales.
Always go back to your site settings and turn off test mode once you're done testing.
Gift Cards and Testing
You can test gift card purchases and redemptions in test mode too. Just remember that test gift cards won't work once your site is live with real transactions.
FAQs
Can I test PayPal transactions?
Only with real orders that you refund afterwards. Test mode only works with credit card payments.
Will testing cost me money?
Test mode is completely free. Real orders that you refund will cost you the processing fees, which aren't refundable.
What happens if I forget to turn off test mode?
Your customers will be able to complete orders but won't be charged. This creates confusion and you'll lose sales until you notice and fix it.
Can I test different shipping options?
Yes, both methods let you test your shipping calculations and pickup options.
Jargon Buster
Test Mode: A setting that simulates transactions without processing real payments or affecting your analytics.
Payment Processor: The service that handles your payments, like Stripe or PayPal.
Processing Fees: The charges your payment processor takes for handling transactions – these aren't refunded even when you refund the original payment.
Wrap-up
Testing your store before going live catches problems early and saves you from dealing with confused customers later. Test mode is usually the better choice because it's free and lets you run multiple tests quickly. Just don't forget to turn it off when you're done.
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