Charge frontend users for adding entries - predefined credit packages

There are 2 ways in which you can charge users for adding entries in the frontend - through predefined credit packages, and without predefined credit packages, both methods requiring setting up a credit cost per field. In this article we will describe the first method - charging fronted users for submitting entries by selling them predefined credit packages(using the Buy Credits menu item).

Backend Configuration

This part of implementing payments for adding entries comprises of three steps:

 
Setting up a credit cost per field

Each of RSDirectory!'s fields includes a feature that allows you to set up a credit cost which will be subtracted from the logged-in user's account when he submits an entry. This is done in the field's Credits textbox. To set it up, please head to:

Components >> RSDirectory! >> Fields >> edit your field and set the credit cost in the Credits textbox, as illustrated below:

The credit(s) will only get subtracted if the user has filled the field when submitting the entry. If the field is left blank, the user will NOT be charged for it.

  • Set up a credit cost per field
 
Create a Credit Package

Now you need to set up a credit package for frontend users to purchase, in order for them to be able to submit entries. You can create an unlimited number of packages, through the backend Credit Packages tab. To access it, head to:

Components >> RSDirectory! >> Credit Packages

To create a new package, please click on New. You will then need to provide the package's Title (mandatory), Description, Price, Credits (the number of credits the package offers) and decide whether to publish it or not, as in the picture below:

Hit Save or Save & Close when you are done.

  • Notice that the Price field does not include a feature in which you can set up a currency, but only an amount to be paid. The currency which will be used in the transactions is being set up globally, in Components >> RSDirectory! >> Configuration >> Payments >> Currency.
  • To set up a package so that it provides an unlimited number of credits, simply set the Credits field to 0.
  • Edit a credit package
 
Payment integrations

RSDirectory! offers 4 types of payment integrations that you can use to charge your users through, all implemented via their respective plugins (you can get them from the Downloads >> My Downloads section on our website):

Notes:

  • Make sure to publish the plugins after installing them.
  • The users will be able to choose their preferred payment integration when purchasing a credit package through the Buy Credits menu item.
 
Frontend Implementation

As mentioned before, this functionality can be employed in the frontend using the Buy Credits menu item. It does not include any special configuration options, simply add it to your website through Joomla!'s default Menus feature. All of the available (published) credit packages will be listed here:

Note: Only logged-in users can purchase a credit package. If the frontend user is not logged in, he will be first prompted to do so (or to create a new account).

  • Buy Credits menu item
 
 

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