Squarespace: How to Turn on Test Mode for Secure Website Transactions in 2024?

Initiating Test Mode

In Squarespace, initiating Test Mode enables website creators to emulate the complete transaction journey. This includes the checkout experience and email confirmations without conducting real financial transactions.

To activate Test Mode, one should access the Commerce section of their Squarespace site and then locate the Payments area.

Here, they can toggle on the Test Mode feature. While in this mode, the e-commerce functionality is temporarily disabled to ensure no real purchases are made.

To start, select "Enable Test Mode."
Remember, customer transactions are not possible during this phase.
Initiating this mode is recommended prior to public launch or during periods of low visitor activity.

Examining the Transaction Process

To assess the payment mechanism, begin by navigating to the Shop page. Then, proceed to select a product, reviewing its details for accuracy.

Adding products to the cart and proceeding to checkout will prompt for the insertion of credit card details.

Look for "Trial Account" at the top of the payment page to verify that you are in Test Mode.
Enter fictitious details, including:
Email address
- Shipping information
- Shipping options
- Payment data

Since this is a simulation, utilizing placeholder information is appropriate.

Conducting Simulated Purchases

Completing a mock purchase by entering fictitious payment information will lead to an "Order Confirmed" page. This confirmation page should display:

An order number
The total amount of the purchase
A confirmation message for the email that was used
Additional relevant transaction details

Verify the content of the test confirmation email sent out after the mock purchase to ensure clarity and correct information.

Look for an "Order #XXXX Confirmed" statement.
Confirm the presence of your store's name, the ordered items list, payment method, and the customer's details.

Personalizing Transaction Features

While in Test Mode, various commerce-related features can be tailored through the Commerce menu, including:

Payment processing
Checkout procedures
Customer accounts
Shipping and pickup settings
Tax configurations
Accounting
Customization extends to customer notifications, including sections like Global Email Styles and Business Settings.

Disabling Test Mode

After testing and customizing the necessary features, the simulation can be concluded by returning to the Payments section and deactivating Simulation Mode. This will re-enable the capacity to conduct live transactions.