You do not need an online shop to start accepting payments online. For many businesses — consultancies, agencies, B2B services, schools, experts — payment links and invoices are enough. But at some point links stop coping. Here is how to tell what fits you now.
In short: links are for individual deals and a modest number of payments; checkout is for a steady flow of similar purchases. If you create more than a few dozen links a week by hand, it is time to automate.
What a payment link is
It is a payment page from your payment provider that you create in a dashboard and send to the client by messenger, email or CRM. The client pays by card or another method; you see the status and receive the money in your account. No development is required.
The two approaches compared
| Parameter | Payment links and invoices | Website checkout |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | From one day | Several weeks including development |
| Development | None | API integration, pages, testing |
| Best for | Custom pricing, B2B, services, deposits | Catalogues, carts, volume sales |
| Automation | Partial: templates, reminders | Full: orders, stock, CRM, analytics |
| Conversion at volume | Lower — extra steps | Higher — payment inside the purchase flow |
When links are enough
- Each deal is unique: a project, a consultation, a service package.
- Sales happen through managers, messengers or calls.
- There are few payments, but tickets are large.
- You want to test demand before investing in development.
When it is time to build checkout
- Purchases are similar and growing in number.
- Managers spend hours creating links and reconciling payments.
- You need subscriptions, promo codes, a cart, upsells.
- Funnel analytics matters: where buyers drop off.
The switch usually happens in stages: first a website with a payment form, then CRM integration and a full payment gateway.
How to get the most out of links
- Use item and price templates — fewer mistakes, less time.
- Set automatic reminders for unpaid invoices.
- Connect payment statuses to your CRM so managers see payments without checking the dashboard.
- Offer several payment methods and currencies.
- Add branding: logo and a clear service description.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a website for payment links?
Many providers still review a website or company profile at onboarding, but a full shop is not required.
Can I accept payments in different currencies?
Yes, most services support several currencies. Check in advance which currency payouts arrive in and what conversion costs.
How do I connect links to a CRM?
Through webhooks or the provider's ready integrations: a payment status automatically moves the deal stage. This is part of CRM setup.
Want to start accepting payments without development? Send a request on the payment links and invoices page and we will pick a service for your company and currencies and set up templates, statuses and notifications.