CheddarGetter

CheddarGetter is a billing and recurring subscription management system that enables startups to accept and track one-time charges and payments.

CheddarGetter provides a full-featured, easy-to-use billing and recurring subscription management system so you can accept and track one-time charges and recurring payments.

The integration method uses a special plugin built in Post Affiliate Pro. You can track commissions, recurring commissions, create affiliates automatically and also decline them. It also supports Lifetime Commissions.

NOTE: This integration method can be used only if you use ChedarGetter payment form(s) in your own site. In case you are using the hosted payment pages of CheddarGetter (your domain is with them and you have no way to add custom script to the form) then this integration method is not applicable.

How to integrate PostAffiliatePro with CheddarGetter

Step 1 – Modify customer data

When creating a new customer before payment is taken, we will add some custom data to it. CheddarGetter allows you to us metaData fields with custom values. For tracking, we need to pass tracking cookie value. The very first step is to load the cookie value in the payment form (using notifysale.php script) and then sending it within all data to processing script of your form, so the value can be added to the new customer. The code for your form is this:

<input type="hidden" name="pap_custom" value="" id="pap_dx8vc2s5" />
<script id="pap_x2s6df8d" src="https://URL_TO_PostAffiliatePro/scripts/notifysale.php" type="text/javascript">
</script>

Note the script points to HTTPS! Make sure there is a valid certificate at your server with Post Affiliate Pro.

Step 2 – Modify customer data

We already have the needed tracking value (we sent it in the previous step) and now we will process it. In the file with handles new CheddarGetter customers you have to find newCustomer() function. In this step, we will use metaData:

'metaData'  => array(
  'pap_custom' => $_POST["pap_custom"]
)

This code has to be added to data variable (array) for new customer. When created, the customer will have the needed tracking value in their metaData.

No worries if you already use some metaData. As you can see the above script uses a special name for them (pap_custom).

Enable plugin

The first step is to enable CheddarGetter plugin in your Post Affiliate Pro. When enabled, configure it – there is a field for cookie name, which we specified in step 1. Fill in the name of it (pap_custom by default).

Add new service hook

Now the integration is almost ready. The last step is to send the data to your Post Affiliate Pro. We will do this using Service Hooks of CheddarGetter.

Navigate to Configuration> Service Hooks> Custom URL in your CheddarGetter admin and add a new URL (the link Add URL). Use this URL:

https://URL_TO_PostAffiliatePro/plugins/CheddarGetter/cheddargetter.php

Enable notification events you want to track and save. This is it. Now your system is integrated.

Do not forget to integrate your website with the click tracking code.

What is CheddarGetter?

CheddarGetter is a modern billing platform designed for product-led growth. Tailored to streamline subscription management and recurring billing, it enables businesses to integrate monetization into their products swiftly—often within a single day. By employing a usage-based method, CheddarGetter decouples billing from code, allowing developers to iterate pricing models without the need to alter billing code. This approach significantly reduces the burden on development teams, making the process of updating and managing billing systems more efficient and less error-prone.

Founded in 2008 by Mike Trotzke and Marc Guyer, CheddarGetter emerged from SproutBox, a startup accelerator based in Bloomington, Indiana. Originally conceived as a flexible, usage-based billing solution for SaaS companies, CheddarGetter has evolved alongside market needs, continuously incorporating new features and innovations. Over the years, it has garnered recognition for its innovative approach to billing, adapting to the shifting landscape of subscription services and recurring revenue models.

CheddarGetter targets developers and businesses in need of a modern, adaptable billing solution that is quick to integrate. It’s particularly ideal for startups, growing companies, and enterprises looking to optimize monetization without incurring hidden fees. By decoupling billing from code, CheddarGetter simplifies processes related to pricing model iterations and various billing functions, such as handling overages and processing external payments. This focus makes it a valuable tool for businesses seeking agility and efficiency in their billing operations.

Key Features of CheddarGetter

CheddarGetter offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to streamline billing and enhance revenue optimization through metric-driven strategies. Some of its key features include:

• Tracked Item Management: Monitor and bill for specific usage metrics with precision.
• Dynamic Invoicing: Generate invoices that adapt to customer usage and billing cycles.
• Seamless Integration: Quickly integrate with existing products and systems.
• Multiple Gateway Support: Access a variety of payment gateways to suit your business needs.
• Hosted Payment Pages: Utilize customizable payment pages hosted by CheddarGetter.
• Subscription Management: Easily manage customer subscriptions and billing periods.
• Custom Pricing Plans: Create and iterate on pricing models without altering code.
• Metrics and Analytics: Gain insights into billing data to inform business decisions.
• Developer-Friendly API: Leverage a robust API for customization and integration.
• Transparent Pricing: Benefit from clear, straightforward pricing with no hidden fees.

CheddarGetter’s Pricing Options

CheddarGetter offers two main pricing plans tailored to meet the needs of different businesses:

• Builder Plan: Priced at $99 per month plus $0.30 per transaction, this plan includes basic support and access to multiple payment gateways.
• Growth Plan: At $599 per month plus 0.5% of revenue, this plan offers advanced support and consultancy services.

For early-stage companies, CheddarGetter provides an incentive by waiving the $99 monthly fee for the first 1,000 transactions. It’s important to note that additional API interactions may incur extra fees, encouraging businesses to optimize their usage of the platform’s resources.

User Insights on CheddarGetter

Users have generally rated CheddarGetter highly, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5. Key highlights from user feedback include:

• Ease of Use: Users appreciate the intuitive interface and straightforward integration process.
• Robust Integration Capabilities: The platform’s ability to integrate seamlessly with other systems is highly valued.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Transparent pricing and the lack of hidden fees contribute to its positive reception.

However, some drawbacks noted by users include:

• Limited User Reviews: There is a relative scarcity of user reviews available, which can make it challenging for potential customers to benchmark the platform.
• Lack of Mobile Application: The absence of a mobile app limits accessibility for users who prefer managing billing on-the-go.

YouTube Reviews of CheddarGetter

Several YouTube reviews offer visual and in-depth analyses of CheddarGetter’s features and user experience:

1. CheddarGetter Review – Video 1: This video provides an overview of CheddarGetter, highlighting its main features and usability.

Alternatives to CheddarGetter

While CheddarGetter offers a robust solution, businesses may also consider the following alternatives:

• Stripe Payments: Website
• Zuora: Website
• Chargebee: Website
• Maxio: Website
• Recurly: Website
• Braintree (PayPal Service): Website
• 2Checkout (Verifone): Website
• WooCommerce Subscriptions: Website
• Zoho Billing: Website
• FastSpring: Website