> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.podplay.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.podplay.app/payments/charge-errors/generate-a-payment-link.md).

# Generate a Payment Link

### Overview

A Payment Link lets staff in the Dashboard collect payment from a Customer outside the normal charge flow. There are two ways to generate one:

1. Completing a failed charge, or
2. Sending a payment link for a drafted charge

A drafted charge is useful for Private Events or for prompting a Customer to add their card to their Profile.

#### Complete a failed charge

A Customer's charge can fail for several reasons, including an invalid zip code, insufficient funds, or security protection on the card that blocks a charge (as often happens with 3DS requirements). For that last case, an Admin can generate a Payment Link and send it to the Customer to complete payment.

1. **Open the failed charge:** In the Purchase tab of the Reservation or Event, find the failed charge and click the blue link under the Purchase Detail column. A side panel opens with the Order Details.

<figure><img src="/files/SGsOUAP3JKNDudCZwq7r" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. **Generate the link:** Click the three dots in the bottom left corner of the side panel, then click "Generate payment link."

<figure><img src="/files/liMvfgtDTsAn0ZBCUCMQ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. **Send the link:** Send the link to the Customer. When they click it, they see a prompt to complete their payment.

<figure><img src="/files/U65uMeE5IEtIpqrv5xEM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
**The Payment Link can only be completed by the Customer who is meant to pay. It cannot be completed by a Customer who did not have the failed charge.**
{% endhint %}

When the Customer clicks on the payment link, they will see a summary of the pending charge and must click on the payment button `Submit Payment` to complete the charge

<figure><img src="/files/2qjrdhdo90vQCP8JuVS6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Send a payment link for a drafted charge

You can also create a unique charge in the Purchase tab of a Reservation or Event and send a Payment Link for it.

1. **Start a charge:** Navigate to the Purchase tab of the Reservation or Event and click the "+ Charge" button.

<figure><img src="/files/xU8KtLwPGLBe7j5ffQxl" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. **Build the charge:** Click the Customer's name, add an item to charge, and complete the necessary fields for the item.

<figure><img src="/files/Fgo3LbtcrRcCh6YI1EHv" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. **Send the link:** Click "Send Payment Link." The Customer receives an email asking them to complete their payment.
4. **Customer completes payment:** When the Customer clicks the "Complete Payment" button, they return to the system and see an Order Summary to complete the purchase.

<figure><img src="/files/gkIYSgVds1MdkybFySUr" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Until the Customer completes payment, the purchase remains a Draft in the Purchase tab of the Reservation or Event.

<figure><img src="/files/uBDOcv38DnpUqs36KTmg" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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