Overview
Auto charge is a feature in Copilot CRM that automatically charges customers' credit cards for their invoices when they are created or sent. This feature simplifies the payment process for customers and ensures timely payments.
Note: Auto-Charge is for Credit Cards only, and is not used for ACH.
Setting Up Auto Charge Settings
Follow these steps to set up the auto charge settings:
1. Access Settings
Navigate to Settings > Setup & Manage Online Payments.
2. Enable Credit Card Auto-Charge
Ensure that Credit Card Auto-Charge is enabled.
3. Configure Auto-Charge Settings
Set up the auto-charge settings based on your preferred configuration:
Option A: Automatically charge cards immediately after an invoice is sent.
Option B: Automatically charge cards immediately after an invoice is created.
4. Set Up Auto Charge Attempts
Configure the auto-charging retry attempts:
Auto-charging will retry to charge on specified days after an unsuccessful payment attempt, provided the customer has a card on file.
Example: Add a 1-day retry attempt to retry charging the invoice 1 day after the initial auto-charge attempt failed.
Additional Considerations
Card on File: Auto charging only works for customers who have a card on file.
Payment Options: Auto charging does not apply to ACH and other payment options.
Subscription: Members who are under Enterprise Subscription are eligible to have the feature
Troubleshooting Auto Charge Issues
If auto charge based on when the invoice is sent is not working, follow these troubleshooting steps:
1. Verify Invoice Status
Check if the invoice was sent successfully.
2. Confirm Customer Card on File
Ensure the customer has a card on file.
Check External Payment Platforms
Log in to your Stripe account to review transaction details and identify the cause of failure, such as insufficient funds or incorrect account information.
Investigate Client-Side Issues
Advise clients to verify their payment methods, as common issues include insufficient funds or declined cards.
Checking Auto Charge History
To check the auto charge history, follow these steps:
1. Auto-Charge Details in Settings
Go to Settings > Setup & Manage Online Payments > Auto-Charges.
It will show whether the auto-charge attempt was successful or failed.
2. Auto-Charge Details in Finance
Go to Finance > Payments.
Auto charge details will be shown under payment notes, indicating the auto-charge status with a note such as "Auto-Charge Invoice #**".
Conclusion
Setting up and managing the auto-charge feature in Copilot CRM is straightforward and provides a seamless payment experience for customers. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that invoices are automatically charged efficiently. If you encounter any issues, use the troubleshooting steps provided to resolve them quickly. For smoother payment operations, regularly audit invoice allocations, communicate with clients about payment issues proactively, and monitor alerts or errors in linked payment accounts such as Stripe. For further assistance, please contact our support team. We're here to help!