There are many web based online giving tools available to churches. If you’re simply looking to process a transaction electronically, then the sky is the limit. But what happens when you want to combine online payments with online event registration? This is where it can get a little complicated.
Let’s say you use a simple online form for event registration and a basic transaction tool for payments. Now the event participant must:
- Go to two different places online, one to register and another to pay event fees.
- Most likely will have to enter duplicate data.
- If more than one person is attending, will need to register each family member separately.
Sounds complicated, right? Maybe complicated isn’t the right word. But there sure are a lot of steps involved. And the more steps involved in the process, the greater the chance that the participant will not complete the registration process. Further, the organization who takes this path must then find someone to enter the data into their financial system and aggregate the registration and payment detail manually.
That seems like a lot of work. In fact, I’m most likely not to do anything which means I’m putting out the paper sign up forms and taking checks...an entirely different level of complexity that is just unnecessary.
A fully integrated online payment and event registration means:
- Single entry user experience with the ability to add all family members at one time.
- One fluid process from beginning to end with no duplicate entry.
- Electronic interface with your financial system to reduce human error and save time.
If you’re frustrated by your attempts to introduce online payments and event registration, maybe it’s time to consider alternatives that don’t include going back to paper forms and check processing.
What does event registration and payments look like in your church, school, or nonprofit? Is it time for a change?
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