You can sell online without setting up a store: all you need is a Stripe or PayPal payment button or link on your website, on social media or in a WhatsApp message. The client pays on a secure page hosted by the platform and the money goes into your account. It’s the fastest option if you sell one or a few products or services and don’t need to manage a catalogue.
We explain what you can sell this way, how Stripe and PayPal differ, how to get it running and what to bear in mind before you start charging.
What a payment button or link is
It’s a link that takes the client to a ready-made payment page with your product or service and its price. You can add it as a button on your website or in your Instagram bio, or send it by WhatsApp or email. The client enters their details on the payment platform’s page, so you never see or store their card details.
What you can sell this way
- A specific product or a small collection.
- Sessions, vouchers or packages of services.
- Deposits to confirm a booking.
- Courses, workshops or events.
- Digital products: templates, guides, files.
- Subscriptions or monthly fees, if the platform allows it for your case.
Stripe or PayPal: the differences
| Stripe | PayPal | |
|---|---|---|
| How the client pays | By card and other methods depending on the country, without creating an account | With their PayPal account or by card |
| Main strength | A very clean checkout page and lots of options (subscriptions, coupons) | Very well known: some clients prefer to pay with PayPal |
| Where you can use it | Website, social media, WhatsApp, email | Website, social media, WhatsApp, email |
| Fees | They charge a percentage and/or a fixed amount per sale that varies by payment method and country. Always check the official rates. | |
Official rates: Stripe pricing and PayPal fees. You can use both at once and let the client choose.
How to get it running, step by step
- Create a business account on Stripe or PayPal. They’ll ask for details about you and your business, and a bank account to receive payments.
- Create the product or service with its name, description, price and image.
- Generate the payment link or button. Both platforms do this without any coding.
- Put it where your clients are: on your website, next to the service; on Instagram; or in your WhatsApp messages.
- Make a test purchase to check the whole process, including the confirmation email the client receives.
What a payment button doesn’t cover
A payment button is perfect for getting started, but it falls short if you need:
- A catalogue with lots of products, sizes or colours.
- A cart to buy several things at once.
- To manage stock and shipping in an organised way.
In that case a store makes more sense, for example with Shopify integrated into your website. We explain it in our online sales service.
What to bear in mind in Spain before you start charging
- A clear price, with taxes included and any additional cost (shipping, for example) shown before payment.
- Accessible terms of sale: what’s included, delivery times and how returns are handled.
- Right of withdrawal: in distance sales to consumers, the client generally has 14 days to return the purchase, with some exceptions (for example, digital content already downloaded with their consent or services already provided).
- A privacy policy that explains how you handle your clients’ data.
- Being registered so you can invoice your sales properly.
This is general information: if you have questions about your case, check with an adviser.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a website to use a payment link?+
It’s not mandatory: you can send it by WhatsApp or post it on social media. But having a website that explains the product well builds much more trust and helps you sell.
When do I receive the money?+
Each platform has its own timescales for transferring money to your bank account, and they can be longer for your first payments. Check the Stripe or PayPal terms when you create your account.
Is it safe for my clients?+
Yes. The payment is made on the platform’s page, which takes care of protecting the card details. You only receive the payment confirmation.
Can I charge monthly fees?+
Yes, both Stripe and PayPal let you set up recurring payments or subscriptions, although the setup is a little more complex than a one-off payment.