Before launching your online store, it's essential to verify the entire buying experience. Testing your Wix checkout process helps ensure a smooth payment flow and flawless customer journey. This guide will walk you through simulating a purchase using test mode in Wix Payments.
Why You Should Make a Test Purchase
Running a dummy transaction in your Wix store helps detect and fix issues in your ecommerce flow. It also allows you to:
- Simulate a purchase on Wix as a real customer would.
- Verify Wix payment gateway setup and success messages.
- Preview Wix checkout experience and UI on different devices.
- Troubleshoot Wix checkout process before real orders arrive.
Enable Test Mode in Wix Payments
Wix offers a built-in option to test your payment process through a sandbox environment. Follow these steps to enable it:
- Open your Wix Dashboard.
- Go to Settings > Accept Payments.
- Under Wix Payments, click Manage.
- Enable Test Mode or Sandbox Mode.
- Click Save.
How to Make a Test Purchase
Once test mode is enabled, go through the purchasing process as if you were a customer.
Steps to place a test order
- Go to your live Wix website (while in test mode).
- Add a product to your cart and proceed to checkout.
- Enter the provided dummy test card details (e.g., 4242 4242 4242 4242).
- Complete the payment process.
- Check for confirmation and email notifications.
What to Check During the Test Purchase
As you complete your practice purchase, pay attention to the following:
- Product display and cart updates.
- Accuracy of taxes and shipping fees.
- Email confirmation sent to the buyer.
- Order visibility in your Wix dashboard.
- Responsive design on mobile and desktop.
Alternative Testing Options
If you're not using Wix Payments, here’s how to test with other gateways:
| Payment Gateway | Test Mode Availability | How to Enable |
|---|---|---|
| PayPal | Yes | Enable “Sandbox” in PayPal Developer dashboard |
| Stripe | Yes | Use test API keys from Stripe account settings |
| Square | No | Use a low-value item and refund after purchase |
Troubleshooting Test Purchase Issues
If your test doesn't go smoothly, consider these fixes:
- Check if sandbox mode is actually enabled in Wix Payments settings.
- Clear your browser cache and retry.
- Use the correct test card number—Wix only accepts specific test credentials.
- Ensure payment methods are properly connected in Wix dashboard.
Disabling Test Mode
Once you're confident the buying process works, disable test mode to start accepting real payments.
- Return to Settings > Accept Payments in your Wix dashboard.
- Click Manage under Wix Payments.
- Toggle off Test Mode and save.
Useful Links
Previewing the Checkout Process – Learn how to simulate the checkout process on your Wix site without making real transactions.
Receiving Confirmation Emails When Orders Are Placed – Understand how to ensure email notifications are sent correctly after test orders.
Test Ordering Your Printed Merchandise in Wix Art Store – Discover how to place test orders for printed merchandise in Wix Art Store.
Troubleshooting Third-Party Provider Connection Issues – Find solutions for common issues when connecting third-party payment providers.
Wix Payments Overview – Get comprehensive information about Wix Payments and its features.
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Conclusion
Running a payment test order on your Wix store is a smart move before launch. It helps you practice the customer journey, confirm your checkout setup, and avoid potential order issues. Whether you're using Wix Payments or a third-party gateway, always verify settings before going live to provide the best experience for your customers.