Overview

ClubSoft supports sandbox (test) environments for both payments and accounting integrations so you can safely explore features without affecting real data.

• Stripe Sandbox → test payments (no real money)
• QuickBooks Sandbox → test accounting data (no real books)

⚠️ Sandbox environments are optional and intended for testing. Most clubs should connect their live accounts.

💳 Stripe Sandbox (Test Mode)

What is Stripe Sandbox?

Stripe Sandbox (also called “Test Mode”) allows you to:

• Simulate payments without charging real cards
• Test invoices, subscriptions, and transactions
• Validate your ClubSoft payment setup safely

When should I use it?

Use Stripe Sandbox if you want to:

• Test your payment workflows before going live
• Train staff on how payments work
• Ensure everything is configured correctly

How to set up Stripe Sandbox

When you first login to ClubSoft, by default you can create a test sandbox Stripe connection.

1. To setup Stripe, go to the Configuration – Integrations page
2. Connect to a Stripe account
3. You can enter details about your club as if it was a real organization
4. The financial tab will now display your test Stripe connection

To connect to a live Stripe account reach out to us and we can move you live Stripe account.

Test payment details

Use Stripe’s test card numbers:

• Card Number: 4242 4242 4242 4242
• Expiration: Any future date
• CVC: Any 3 digits
• ZIP: Any valid ZIP code

Important notes

• ✅ No real money is processed
• ✅ Transactions do not appear in live Stripe reports
• ❌ Cannot be used for real members or billing

📊 QuickBooks Sandbox (Advanced)

What is QuickBooks Sandbox?

QuickBooks Sandbox is a test company environment provided by Intuit that allows you to:

• Test syncing invoices, customers, and payments
• Explore integrations without affecting your real accounting data
• Safely experiment with ClubSoft + QuickBooks workflows

Important: Read this first

QuickBooks Sandbox is different from Stripe:

• It is designed for developers and advanced users
• It requires an Intuit Developer account
• It uses a separate test company (not your real QuickBooks)

⚠️ Most clubs should connect their live QuickBooks account instead of using sandbox.

When should I use it?

Use QuickBooks Sandbox if you:

• Want to test syncing without touching real financials
• Are testing setup in detail
• Need a safe environment for experimentation

How to set up QuickBooks Sandbox

Step 1: Create an Intuit Developer account

Go to:
https://developer.intuit.com

• Sign in with your Intuit login (or create one)

Step 2: Create a sandbox company

1. In the developer dashboard
2. Navigate to Sandboxes
3. Click Create Sandbox Company
4. Wait for the test company to be generated

Step 3: Connect sandbox to ClubSoft

1. In ClubSoft:
   • Go to Settings → QuickBooks
   • Open Advanced Options
2. Select Connect QuickBooks Sandbox
3. Sign in with your Intuit account
4. Choose your sandbox company

Logging into the the Sandbox Environment once you have created your Sandbox Company:
https://sandbox.qbo.intuit.com/

Important notes

• ✅ Sandbox data is completely separate from your real QuickBooks
• ✅ Safe to test invoices, customers, and payments
• ❌ Does NOT sync with your live accounting
• ❌ Not intended for day-to-day use

🔁 Sandbox vs Live (Quick Comparison)

✅ Recommended Setup for Most Clubs

For the best experience:

• Use Stripe Sandbox to test payments (optional)
• Connect Live QuickBooks for real accounting
• Use small test transactions instead of sandbox where possible

🧠 Pro Tip

If you’re unsure, start simple:

Connect your live accounts and test with small transactions — this is how most clubs successfully onboard.