Before integrating the Paddle for WooCommerce plugin, you need to create and configure your Paddle account.

This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring that your account is ready for seamless integration with your WooCommerce store.

Step 1: Sign Up for a Paddle Account

  • Visit the Paddle Website : Go to Paddle's official website and click on the "Sign Up" button.
  • Fill Out the Registration Form : Enter your business name, email address, and password. And, agree to Paddle’s terms of service and privacy policy.
  • Verify Your Email : After submitting the form, check your inbox for a verification email from Paddle. Click the link in the email to confirm your account.
 

Step 2: Complete Website Verification

To ensure security and compliance, Paddle requires you to verify your website domain:

  • Log In to Your Paddle Dashboard : Once your account is verified, log in to your Paddle dashboard.
  • Navigate to Settings > Websites .
  • Add your website URL (e.g., https://yourstore.com) and follow the instructions to verify ownership:
    • Paddle will provide a unique meta tag or file to upload to your website.
    • If you’re using WordPress, you can add the meta tag to your site’s <head> section via your theme settings or a plugin like "Insert Headers and Footers."
  • Confirm the verification by clicking the "Verify" button in your Paddle dashboard.

Step 3: Generate API Keys

API keys are essential for connecting Paddle to your WooCommerce store:

  • Go to Settings > Authentication in your Paddle dashboard.
  • Locate the following credentials:
    • Vendor ID : A unique identifier for your Paddle account.
    • Public Key : Used for secure communication between Paddle and your website.
    • Private Key : Required for advanced features like webhooks.
  • Copy these keys and save them securely—you’ll need them during the plugin configuration.

Step 4: Configure Checkout Settings

Customize how payments are processed on your site:

  • Navigate to Settings > Checkout in your Paddle dashboard.
  • Choose your preferred checkout method:
    • Inline Checkout : Embeds the payment form directly on your website for a seamless experience.
    • Hosted Checkout : Redirects customers to Paddle’s secure checkout page.
  • Customize the checkout appearance:
    • Upload your logo.
    • Select a color scheme that matches your brand.
  • Save your changes.

Step 5: Enable VAT Handling

Paddle simplifies tax compliance by automatically calculating VAT/GST based on customer location:

  • Go to Settings > Taxes in your Paddle dashboard.
  • Toggle the option to Enable Automatic Tax Calculation .
  • Customize the VAT text displayed during checkout (e.g., “Prices include VAT” or “VAT will be added at checkout”).
  • Save your preferences.

Step 6: Configure Notifications

Stay informed about important events like successful payments, refunds, and subscription renewals:

  • Go to Settings > Notifications in your Paddle dashboard.
  • Set up email alerts for:
    • Payment successes and failures.
    • Subscription cancellations or updates.
    • Refunds and chargebacks.
  • Optionally, configure webhooks to send real-time updates to your WooCommerce store.

Next Steps

Once your Paddle account is fully set up, proceed to the Plugin Configuration section of this documentation to connect Paddle to your WooCommerce store.

  • Double-Check API Keys : Incorrect API keys can prevent the integration from working properly.
  • Test Thoroughly : Use Paddle’s sandbox environment to simulate transactions before going live.
  • Monitor Regularly : Keep an eye on your Paddle dashboard for insights into sales performance and potential issues.

By following these steps, you’ll have a fully configured Paddle account ready to power your WooCommerce store!