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, while drastically reducing the administrative burden on the board. The key lies in combining easy-to-use association software, a broad payment mix and a legally compliant setup – because in Switzerland, association shops 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 pay attention to regarding data protection and compliance – and how you can achieve maximum impact with minimal effort.

1. Status quo: Why associations are selling digitally now

Switzerland has over 100,000 associations – from sports clubs and 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 use cash, rising expectations for digital services and chronic lack of time in volunteer work.

The pandemic also triggered the digitalisation boost in the association sector. According to TWINT and RaiseNow, over 16,000 Swiss associations already trust their joint payment solution for cashless collections. PostFinance, Raiffeisen and the Swiss major banks are actively promoting 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, offering associations free, branded online shops – complete with production, shipping and revenue shares of up to 25%. The association only provides the logo and colours.

2. The five e-commerce channels for associations

E-commerce for associations does not only 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 key rings in association design. Either via a specialised service provider (print-on-demand, fulfilment included) or via your own webshop with connection 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 passes. In Switzerland, these are increasingly collected via QR invoice or TWINT. Automated recurring payments (Recurring Payments) via credit card or direct debit create predictable revenue and eliminate the tedious follow-up with overdue members.

Event ticketing

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

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 collections on site

At the association festival, in the club house, at cake sales or tombolas: TWINT, QR codes, card terminals or smartphone-based digital terminals are increasingly replacing cash. Fees are 1.3–2.5% per transaction (TWINT via RaiseNow), while the association saves on counting, depositing and 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 are best suited to the typical association use cases:

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

4. Legal foundations: What Swiss associations must observe

If an association operates an online shop, it is subject in Switzerland to the same legal requirements as any other online retailer. That sounds strict, but it can be implemented easily with the right tools.

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 (DSG, 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 also applies.

Right of withdrawal and terms and conditions

Under Swiss law – unlike in the EU – there is no general right of withdrawal in online trade. Nevertheless, it is advisable to define clear terms and conditions 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 terms and conditions.

Non-profit status and taxes

Income from an association shop can jeopardise the tax-exempt status of a non-profit association if it is classified as commercial. The cantonal tax authorities check whether the economic activity remains subordinate to the association's ideal purpose. As a rule of thumb: as long as the shop revenue is subordinate in relation to the total budget and the profits flow entirely into the association's purpose, tax exemption generally remains in place. 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 buy not because of the price – but because of belonging. This 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 perform above average.

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 the checkout in the association shop – must function smoothly on the smartphone. Payment methods such as TWINT, Apple Pay and Google Pay are not optional here, but a basic requirement.

Recurring payments as a stabilising anchor

The trend towards subscription models is also reaching the association sector. Monthly training fees, season passes, 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 – all 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 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 to determine whether an online shop endangers non-profit status.

• Create legal notice and privacy policy: Mandatory for every online shop. The revised DSG (since 1.9.2023) 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 the association account for payouts: The PSP pays out to the association account – make sure the account is business-capable and meets PSP requirements.

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

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

• Set terms 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 to process payments for your association with Payrexx

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

The recurring payment function automates fee collection. For associations with their own webshop, 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 have 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.