ThriveCart is a hosted platform — setup involves configuring ThriveCart itself and then connecting it to your WordPress site. Unlike WordPress-native plugins, you manage products and checkout pages in ThriveCart’s dashboard rather than WordPress admin.
Step 1: Create Your ThriveCart Account
Purchase a ThriveCart license at thrivecart.com ($495 lifetime). Create your account and complete the initial setup: connect Stripe and/or PayPal under ThriveCart → Settings → Payment Gateways. ThriveCart processes all payments through these connected gateways — funds go directly to your Stripe or PayPal account.
Step 2: Connect Your Email Service
Go to ThriveCart → Settings → Integrations. Connect your email service (Mailchimp, ConvertKit, ActiveCampaign, etc.). This is what sends customers to the right email list after purchase. You can connect multiple email services if needed for different products.
Step 3: Create Your First Product
Go to ThriveCart → Products → Add New Product. Configure:
- Product name and description
- Price type: one-time, subscription, or payment plan
- Payment gateway for this product
- Fulfilment: which email list to add buyers to, redirect URL after purchase
In the Checkout tab, design your checkout page using ThriveCart’s drag-and-drop editor. Choose a template and customise text, colours, and layout.
Prefer to have someone handle the setup? Describe what you need and get a free estimate — no obligation.
Step 4: Add Upsells and Order Bumps
In the product editor, go to the Upsells tab. Add a one-click upsell — the offer shown after the main purchase. Configure the upsell product, price, and page design. In the Checkout tab, add an Order Bump — the checkbox offer that appears on the checkout page itself. These two features together significantly increase average order value.
Step 5: Embed Checkout on WordPress
In ThriveCart → Products → [Product] → Checkout, click “Get embed code.” Copy the JavaScript embed code. In WordPress, edit the page where you want the checkout. Add a Custom HTML block and paste the ThriveCart code. The checkout form renders inline on your WordPress page.
Alternatively, use ThriveCart’s hosted checkout URL — link visitors directly to ThriveCart’s checkout page without embedding. Simpler but less integrated with your WordPress design.
Step 6: Set Up Affiliates
If you run an affiliate program, go to ThriveCart → Affiliates. Enable affiliates for your products and set commission rates (percentage or fixed amount). Affiliates register and get tracking links. ThriveCart automatically tracks conversions and calculates commissions — you manage payouts manually or via PayPal mass payment.