Are you planning to launch a multi-vendor marketplace? Then you need reliable payment handling. Stripe Connect Laravel marketplace integration makes this possible. With Stripe Connect, Laravel developers can process payments smoothly and distribute funds to multiple vendors easily. In this guide, we will explore step-by-step how to set up a Stripe Connect Laravel marketplace.

Why Use Stripe Connect for a Laravel Marketplace?

First of all, Stripe Connect is built for platforms and marketplaces. It manages payouts, collects fees, and verifies sellers. Moreover, it’s easy to integrate with Laravel. A Stripe Connect Laravel marketplace gives you control and flexibility. In addition, Stripe handles compliance and security, reducing your workload.

Getting Started with Laravel and Stripe Connect

Before we begin, ensure you have Laravel installed. You’ll also need a Stripe account. Then, create a new Laravel project. Install Laravel Cashier for Stripe. This package simplifies the payment process. Additionally, make sure your environment file contains your Stripe keys. These include the Stripe public and secret keys.

composer require laravel/cashier

Once installed, publish the configuration files. Then, migrate your database. This sets up the required tables. Laravel Cashier supports Stripe Connect and works well for the marketplace.

Setting Up Stripe Connect Accounts

Each vendor must have a Stripe account. Therefore, you will need to create connected accounts. Stripe supports standard, express, and custom accounts. For simplicity, express accounts are best. Vendors use Stripe’s onboarding process. This keeps your platform compliant. You can create accounts with the following API call:

$account = \Stripe\Account::create([
  'type' => 'express',
]);

Save the account ID in your database. This links each vendor to their Stripe account. This step is crucial for building the marketplace

Vendor Onboarding in Stripe Connect Laravel Marketplace

Now, you need to onboard vendors. Redirect them to Stripe’s onboarding link. This is generated from the account you created. Here’s how:

$accountLink = \Stripe\AccountLink::create([
  'account' => $accountId,
  'refresh_url' => route('vendor.onboarding.refresh'),
  'return_url' => route('vendor.dashboard'),
  'type' => 'account_onboarding',
]);

Next, redirect the vendor to $accountLink->url. Once they complete the process, they are ready to accept payments. Consequently, your Stripe Connect Laravel marketplace becomes fully functional.

Creating Payments in The Marketplace

Payments are the core of any marketplace. In the marketplace, customers pay for services or products. Part of this payment goes to the platform. The rest goes to the vendor. Stripe calls this destination charges.

\Stripe\Charge::create([
  'amount' => 10000, // in cents
  'currency' => 'usd',
  'source' => $token,
  'destination' => [
    'account' => $vendorStripeAccountId,
  ],
]);

This splits the payment. The vendor receives funds. At the same time, the platform can collect a fee. For example, a 10% service fee can be deducted easily. This feature makes the marketplace powerful and scalable.

Handling Webhooks in Stripe Laravel Marketplace

Webhooks are important. They help keep your data accurate. Stripe sends events like payments, payouts, and account updates. Therefore, set up a route to receive webhook notifications. Laravel Cashier makes this easy.

Route::post('/stripe/webhook', [WebhookController::class, 'handleWebhook']);

Inside the controller, handle events like this:

if ($event->type == 'account.updated') {
  // Update vendor status in your database
}

This ensures your strip marketplace reflects real-time data. It also improves trust and performance.

Payouts in The Marketplace

Payouts transfer money from Stripe to the vendor’s bank. Stripe usually handles this automatically. However, you can also trigger manual payouts. Vendors can see their balance and request payouts. This makes your the marketplace flexible and vendor friendly.

Security and Compliance in The Marketplace

Security is non-negotiable. Stripe handles PCI compliance. Therefore, you don’t store card data. Make sure to use SSL on all pages. Additionally, validate user input. Keep your application updated. A secure Laravel marketplace protects both customers and vendors.

Testing the Stripe Marketplace

Before going live, test everything. Use Stripe’s test keys and test cards. Try creating accounts, making payments, and handling webhooks. Debug any issues early. As a result, your launch will be smooth. Your marketplace must be bug-free to gain trust.

Going Live with Your Stripe Connect Laravel Marketplace

Once tested, switch to live keys. Double-check all API calls. Notify vendors. Monitor your logs for errors. Continue to improve the user experience. In time, your marketplace will grow and succeed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, building a Stripe Connect Laravel marketplace is very achievable. With Laravel and Stripe, you can build a powerful, secure, and scalable platform. Stripe Connect handles most of the complexity. Laravel makes development easy. Together, they provide a perfect combo. So, start building your marketplace today. You’ll be glad you did.