E-commerce for Swiss associations: How do payments, shops and digital membership fees work?

Swiss clubs can increase their revenue and drastically reduce the administrative burden on the board by having their own online shop, digital payment methods such as TWINT and QR-Invoice as well as automated membership fees. The key lies in the combination of simple club software, a broad payment mix, and a legally sound setup – because in Switzerland, the same obligations apply to club shops as to any other online shop.

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

1. Status quo: Why clubs are selling digitally now

Switzerland is home to over 100,000 clubs – from sports clubs to cultural associations and environmental organisations. Germany has around 600,000, and Austria 125,000. Almost all of them face the same challenges: a declining willingness to pay cash, rising expectations for digital services, and a chronic lack of time for voluntary work.

The pandemic triggered a digitalisation push in clubs too. According to TWINT and RaiseNow, over 16,000 Swiss clubs already rely on their joint payment solution for cashless payments. PostFinance, Raiffeisen, and major Swiss banks actively promote the digitalisation of clubs – with dedicated club packages, TWINT integrations, and recommendations for club software such as ClubDesk or Fairgate.

At the same time, more and more specialised club shop providers (Fan12, MyTeamShop, Vereinslinie, ClubSolution) are emerging, which provide clubs with free, branded online shops – complete with production, shipping, and revenue sharing of up to 25%. The club only contributes the logo and the colours.

2. The five e-commerce channels for clubs

E-commerce for clubs does not just mean selling merchandise. It comprises at least five channels, each of which places different demands on payment processing and technology:

Club shop (merchandise & fan articles)

Personalised jerseys, hoodies, caps, mugs, or key rings in the club design. Either via a specialised service provider (print-on-demand, fulfillment included) or via an own webshop with a connection to a payment service provider (PSP). The typical order value is between CHF 30–80 per purchase.

Membership fees and course registrations

The largest recurring payment flow: 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 income and eliminate the tedious task of chasing up defaulting members.

Event ticketing

Club festivals, tournaments, concerts, general meetings: online ticketing with prepaid payment reduces no-shows, simplifies planning, and eliminates cash at the box office. Integrating a payment link (Paylink) into emails or WhatsApp groups is the fastest way here.

Donations and fundraising

Digital donations via QR code, Paylink, or a 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-specific campaigns.

Cashless payments on site

At club festivals, in the clubhouse, at cake sales, or tombolas: TWINT, QR codes, card terminals, or smartphone-based digital terminals are increasingly replacing cash. The fees are 1.3–2.5% per transaction (TWINT via RaiseNow), while the club saves on counting, depositing, and the risk of theft.

3. Comparison: Payment methods for Swiss clubs

Not every payment method is suitable for every channel. The following table shows which payment methods are best suited for typical club use cases:

Recommendation: In Switzerland, TWINT is the all-rounder – it covers all five channels. Complemented by QR-Invoice for fees and credit card/PostFinance for the online shop, this results in a payment mix that reaches virtually all members and visitors.

4. Legal basis: What Swiss clubs need to keep in mind

In Switzerland, anyone operating an online shop as a club is subject to the same legal requirements as any other online retailer. This sounds strict, but is easy to implement with the right tools.

Imprint and data protection

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

Right of withdrawal and GTC

Unlike in the EU, Swiss law does not provide for a general right of withdrawal in e-commerce. Nevertheless, it is advisable to define clear General Terms and Conditions (GTC) with return rules, as this builds trust and avoids conflicts. Providers like eRecht24 or the Swiss law firm Brüllhardt offer generators and templates for club GTC.

Non-profit status and taxes

Income from a club shop can endanger the tax-exempt status of a non-profit club if it is classified as commercial. The cantonal tax offices check whether the economic activity remains subordinate to the non-profit purpose of the club. As a rule of thumb: as long as the shop earnings are subordinate in relation to the total budget and profits go entirely towards the club's purpose, the tax exemption usually remains in place. However, speaking to the competent cantonal tax office is recommended.

5. Trends: What is changing for clubs

Community commerce instead of classic e-commerce

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

Mobile-first is a must

Club communication takes place via WhatsApp, Instagram, and club apps. Accordingly, the entire payment flow – from the Paylink in the WhatsApp group to the checkout in the club shop – must work smoothly on smartphones. Payment methods such as TWINT, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are not optional, but a basic prerequisite.

Recurring payments as an anchor of stability

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

Platform convergence: Everything from a single source

Club software (ClubDesk, Fairgate, Webling, SportMember) is increasingly becoming a platform: member administration, website, accounting, shop, and payments – all in one tool. The PSP becomes the invisible infrastructure that handles all payment flows in the background. The API compatibility 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 club, clarify these points:

• Check club articles of association: Do the articles allow economic activity (shop sales, ticketing)? If not, the next general assembly must decide on an amendment.

• Secure tax exemption: Consult with the cantonal tax office to determine whether an online shop threatens your non-profit status.

• Create an imprint and privacy policy: Mandatory for every online shop. The revised DPA (since Sep 1, 2023) increases 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 a club account for payouts: The PSP pays out to the club account – ensure that the account is operational and meets the PSP's requirements.

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

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

• Test mobile usability: Can the shop, donation form, and checkout be used on a smartphone? Do Paylinks work in WhatsApp?

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

• Perform a test order: Before the shop goes live, go through the entire buying process yourself – including payment, confirmation email, and booking.

7. How you can process payments for your club with Payrexx

Payrexx offers Swiss clubs a payment solution that covers all 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 can send payment requests for membership fees, event tickets, or donations directly via SMS, email, or as a notice in the club headquarters.

The recurring payment function automates fee collection. For clubs with their own webshop, Payrexx provides plug-ins for common shop systems and an API, which allows for a seamless connection to club software.

KYC checks and regulatory compliance are handled by Payrexx as a licensed PSP – the club does not have to worry about anti-money laundering duties itself. Get started now with a free Payrexx account and set up your first payment page in just a few minutes.