Button choosing...I need help

[apersonthing]

Hello!

So I have a website and I want to have a Donate button put on there, but I do not want to violate any PayPal TOS since I am not actually a charity or non-profit organization. Using a 'Donate' button would be a lot better for me than 'Buy/Pay Now' buttons. In exchange for member donations I will be giving them some forum privileges, but I personally don't consider that really buying anything since I don't really have to give anything in return for their help (I suppose). Not sure how PPTOS views that though.

So my question is....Do I have to settle for the ugly, demanding 'Buy/Pay Now' button or can I use the Donate option with no issues?

[Snow-Cat · Accepted solution]

It's OK to use the Donation item button code or email text link for your needs even though you are not verified nonprofit however, you will be asked to demonstrate how the donations will be used, once you raise more than $10,000.  Make sure you keep good records just in case you do raise more than $10,000.

Using a Buy Now button is also an option, you can swap out the Buy Now graphic for something different or simply use a HTML "submit" button.   You can also use the item_name variable to say "Donation" and even use the option variables to collect additional information.   Using this method, you don't need to worry about the $10,000 threshold.   Note, your donors will get the standard checkout screen for Buy Now item buttons, they won't get the Donation checkout screen or see the Donation headers.

[apersonthing]

Thanks for this!

I'm not exactly sure how to do the variable thing. I am okay-ish with code but I've never worked with PayPal before.

[Snow-Cat]

Here's a good place to start learning.