In this article, we will guide you on how to test and have the full donor experience when purchasing event tickets or items for sale
Before launching your fundraiser, it’s a good idea to test the full donor experience. This helps you verify the checkout process, automated emails, and attached documents like receipts and event tickets—without needing to use a real credit card.
How to Test with a Promo Code
To simulate a real purchase without processing payment, use the promo code feature to create a free checkout.
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Log in to your Trellis account
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Create a free promo code for the ticket or item you want to test
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Click Publish Changes
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Visit your live fundraiser page
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Select your ticket or item and go through checkout
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Apply the promo code and complete the process
This method allows you to preview the full donor experience—including confirmation emails, receipts, and ticket PDFs—without being charged.
Note: Tax receipts will not generate during promo code test purchases, since the transaction is free.
Important Reminder About Stripe Fees
If you choose to test a purchase using a real credit card, you may incur processing fees.
Trellis is not able to refund Stripe fees. To avoid them, we strongly recommend using the promo code or SES offline method for testing.
How to Test with the Sales Entry System (Recommended)
Organizations can also perform test checkouts using the Sales Entry System (SES):
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Open the Sales Entry System from your fundraiser’s Event Tools
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Select the ticket or item
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Choose Offline as the payment method
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Complete the transaction
This method creates an offline checkout with no Stripe fees, making it ideal for admin testing or training.
Need Help?
Did this answer your question? If not, please reach out to our Product Engagement Team via the blue chat icon or email support@trellis.org.