Swiss associations can increase their revenue with their own online shop, digital payment methods such as TWINT and QR-Pay as well as automated membership fees and drastically reduce the administrative effort for the board. The key lies in the combination of easy-to-use association software, a broad payment mix, and a legally clean setup – because association shops in Switzerland are subject to the same obligations as any other online shop.

This guide shows you which e-commerce models exist for associations, which payment methods have established themselves in Switzerland, what you need to watch for regarding data protection and compliance – and how you achieve maximum impact with minimal effort.

1. Status quo: Why associations are now selling digitally

Switzerland counts over 100’000 associations – from sports clubs to cultural associations to environmental protection organisations. In Germany there are around 600’000, in Austria 125’000. Almost all face the same challenges: declining willingness to pay cash, rising expectations for digital services, and chronic lack of time in voluntary work.

The pandemic also triggered the digitalisation push in association life. According to TWINT and RaiseNow, over 16’000 Swiss associations already trust their joint payment solution for cashless collection. PostFinance, Raiffeisen and the Swiss major banks actively promote the digitalisation of associations – with their own association packages, TWINT integrations and recommendations for association software such as ClubDesk or Fairgate.

At the same time, more and more specialised association shop providers (Fan12, MyTeamShop, Vereinslinie, ClubSolution) are emerging, providing associations with free, branded online shops – complete with production, shipping and a revenue share of up to 25 %. The association only supplies the logo and colours.

2. The five e-commerce channels for associations

E-commerce for associations does not just mean merchandise sales. It includes at least five channels, each with different requirements for payment processing and technology:

Association shop (merchandise & fan items)

Personalised jerseys, hoodies, caps, mugs or keychains in the association design. Either via a specialised provider (print-on-demand, fulfilment included) or via your own web shop connected to a payment service provider (PSP). The typical order value is CHF 30–80 per purchase.

Membership fees and course registrations

The largest recurring payment stream: annual or quarterly fees, course subscriptions, season tickets. In Switzerland these are increasingly collected via QR invoice or TWINT. Automated recurring payments via credit card or direct debit create predictable revenue and eliminate the tedious follow-up with delinquent members.

Event ticketing

Association festivals, tournaments, concerts, general assemblies: online ticketing with prepaid payment reduces no-shows, simplifies planning and eliminates cash at the evening box office. Integrating a payment link (PayLink) in emails or WhatsApp groups is the fastest route.

Donations and fundraising

Digital donations via QR code, PayLink or donation form on the website. In Switzerland, over 8’000 organisations rely on RaiseNow for digital fundraising. Crowdfunding platforms such as lokalhelden.ch (Raiffeisen) or wemakeit offer additional reach for project-based campaigns.

Cashless collection on site

At the association festival, in the clubhouse, at cake sales or tombola: TWINT, QR codes, card terminals or smartphone-based Digital Terminals increasingly replace cash. The fees are 1.3–2.5 % per transaction (TWINT via RaiseNow), while the association saves on counting, depositing and the theft risk.

3. Comparison: payment methods for Swiss associations

Not every payment method is suitable for every channel. The following table shows which payment types fit best for the typical association use cases:

Recommendation: In Switzerland, TWINT is the all-rounder – it covers all five channels. Supplemented by QR invoice for fees and credit card/PostFinance for the online shop, you get a payment mix that reaches practically all members and visitors.

4. Legal basics: What Swiss associations need to note

Anyone running an online shop as an association is subject in Switzerland to the same legal requirements as any other online retailer. That sounds strict, but with the right tools it is easy to implement.

Legal notice and data protection

Every association shop needs a complete legal notice (association name, address, contact person) and a privacy policy that complies with the revised Swiss Data Protection Act (DPA, in force since 1 September 2023). Particularly relevant: the processing of personal data (name, address, payment data) must be communicated transparently. For associations that also have members in the EU, the GDPR applies additionally.

Right of withdrawal and GTC

In Swiss law – unlike in the EU – there is no general right of withdrawal in online trade. Nevertheless, it is advisable to define clear GTC with return rules, as this creates trust and avoids conflicts. Providers such as eRecht24 or the Swiss law firm Brüllhardt offer generators and templates for association GTC.

Non-profit status and taxes

Revenue from an association shop can jeopardise the tax-exempt status of a charitable association if it is classified as commercial. The cantonal tax offices examine whether the economic activity remains subordinate to the association's non-profit purpose. As a rule of thumb: as long as the shop revenue is subordinate in relation to the overall budget and the profits flow entirely into the association purpose, tax exemption generally remains in place. A consultation with the responsible cantonal tax office is nevertheless recommended.

5. Trends: What is changing for associations

Community commerce instead of classic e-commerce

In an association environment, people do not buy because of the price – but because of belonging. That makes association e-commerce fundamentally different from classic online retail: the target group is small, but extremely loyal. Conversion rates are high, returns are low. Limited editions, anniversary items and personalised products work above average well.

Mobile-first is mandatory

Association communication runs via WhatsApp, Instagram and association apps. Accordingly, the entire payment flow – from the PayLink in the WhatsApp group to checkout in the association shop – must work smoothly on the smartphone. Payment methods such as TWINT, Apple Pay and Google Pay are not optional, but a basic requirement.

Recurring payments as a stabiliser

The trend towards subscription models is also reaching association life. Monthly training fees, season tickets, course subscriptions – recurring payments create predictable revenue and reduce administrative effort. A PSP that natively supports recurring payments is a prerequisite for this.

Platform convergence: everything from a single source

Association software (ClubDesk, Fairgate, Webling, SportMember) is increasingly becoming the platform: member management, website, accounting, shop and payments – everything in one tool. The PSP becomes the invisible infrastructure that handles all payment flows in the background. The API capability of the PSP determines how seamlessly this integration works.

6. Checklist: What you should check before starting

Before you introduce e-commerce functions for your association, clarify these points:

• Check the association statutes: Do the statutes allow economic activity (shop sales, ticketing)? If not, the next general assembly must approve an amendment.

• Secure tax exemption: Consult the cantonal tax office on whether an online shop could jeopardise charitable status.

• Create legal notice and privacy policy: Mandatory for every online shop. The revised DPA (since 1.9.2023) raises the requirements.

• Define payment methods: Cover at least TWINT + QR invoice + credit card. Check whether the PSP supports PostFinance and Apple/Google Pay.

• Set up association bank account for payouts: The PSP pays out to the association account – make sure the account is business-capable and meets the PSP requirements.

• Check association software integration: Does your association software (ClubDesk, Fairgate etc.) offer an interface to the chosen PSP? Are payments automatically posted?

• Define responsibilities on the board: Who takes care of the shop? Who monitors incoming payments? Minimal effort is only possible if the processes are clear.

• Test mobile suitability: Is the shop, the donation form and checkout usable on the smartphone? Do PayLinks work in WhatsApp?

• Set GTC and return rules: Even if there is no statutory right of withdrawal in Switzerland – clear rules create trust.

• Carry out a test order: Before the shop goes live, go through the entire purchase process yourself once – including payment, confirmation email and posting.

7. How you process payments for your association with Payrexx

Payrexx offers Swiss associations a payment solution that covers all the described channels from a single source: TWINT, QR invoice, credit cards, PostFinance, Apple Pay and Google Pay – activatable with just a few clicks, without technical prior knowledge.

With Payrexx links and QR codes, you send payment requests for membership fees, event tickets or donations directly by SMS, email or as a notice in the association premises.

The recurring payment function automates fee collection. For associations with their own web shop, Payrexx provides plugins for common shop systems and an API that enables seamless integration with association software.

KYC checks and regulatory compliance are handled by Payrexx as a licensed PSP – the association does not need to take care of anti-money laundering obligations itself. Start now with a free Payrexx account and set up your first payment page in just a few minutes.