How to Collect Payments with Google Forms

One thing to keep in mind is that a Google Form with payments is not PCI (Payment Card Industry) compliant, which means that you can’t use form fields to collect sensitive payment information like credit card numbers To protect your customers’ security and their trust in you, use a safe and secure method for accepting payments. Whether you’re running a food delivery businesses or accepting online astrology readings, here are the best tools for collecting payments on Google Forms.

1. Third-party payment links like PayPal, Stripe, Venmo, CashApp or Zelle

One option is to use third-party payment links from PayPal, Stripe, Venmo, CashApp, or Zelle. You can create a link for one of these services and just add it to the bottom of your form or on the thank-you page.

Pros: This is an easy way to quickly add payments to your form, and for collecting payments from customers who are already familiar with these services. 

Cons: The downside of this method is that it adds an extra layer of complexity, because customers will have to input their payment information both in the Google Forms so you can track it, and into the third-party website for the payment processing. You also run the risk of customers completing the form but not completing the payment afterwards. Finally, you will have to spend additional time to manually reconcile your orders for order management and bookkeeping purposes.

2. Email or text mail merge tools

Another option is to use email or text mail merge tools. This method guarantees that customers won't miss your payment link on your Google Form, as you can follow up with them via email or text message to collect payments after they submit an order. You can use a mail merge tool like Mail Merge for Gmail or write a Google AppScript that will automatically send an email to customers who have submitted your form. Alternatively, you can manually send your customers online payment information or collect cash in person. 

Pros: This method is low cost or free, and you can customize the email and text to include your payment information and instructions. You’ll also get another personal touch-point with your customers to promote to them.

Cons: Collecting payments post-order form submission is more manual, more time-consuming, and the most complex of all the options. You can use this as an option to only target the customers who have filled in the Google Form, but have not completed the payment.

3. Google Workspace payments add-ons

There are a number of Google Workspace add-ons that allow you to collect payments from your Google form. These include software like Neartail, Payable, and Formfacade. To use these add-ons, you install them from the Google Workspace Marketplace and follow their instructions.

Pros: The advantages of using these add-ons are that they are generally easy to set-up and use, because of the familiarity. Many integrate directly into the form, allowing you to manage the backend data collected with your form through a connected Google Sheet. 

Cons: Keep in mind that these add-ons are workarounds to Google Form and were not specifically designed for selling online. Therefore, the user experience for you and your customers will not be optimized for e-commerce and online order management. You will have limited branding and customization capabilities, and may need to pay a monthly fee to use them.

4. Accepting payments with FormPay

Rather than finding a workaround to take payments on Google Forms, a simpler alternative to accepting payments for your forms is to use FormPay. 

 FormPay gives you all the great features of Google Forms, plus payment processing. It's designed specifically for e-commerce and online order management for independent businesses and organizations, and offers a great user experience for both you and your customers. 

Pros: FormPay is easy to set up and manage unlike complicated ecommerce platforms like Shopify. You’ll be able to accept credit cards and cash payments on a beautiful order form that’s customized to your brand. You’ll be able to accept credit cards and cash payments on a beautiful order form that’s customized to your brand. It’s also an order management system that allows you to gather order and customer information the same way you would do it in Google Forms and organizes the data so you can keep track of your customers and their orders. It’s also risk-free with no monthly fees, so you can feel even better about adding your FormPay link on your Instagram page.

Cons: It’s not a Google Form and will require you to re-configure your Google Form into a FormPay form.

In short, there are many options for adding payments to your Google Forms. From third-party payment links to email and text mail merge tools, Google Workspace add-ons and FormPay, it all depends on your needs and preferences. Just remember to keep your customers' security in mind and choose the method that works best for you.