Introduction

This guide explains how to onboard a merchant for the PayPal Complete Payments (PPCP) Service Connector version 3. To configure a single payment method, refer to Guide - PPCP Service Configuration.

This guide addresses:

• Channel administrators who configure managed services in ICM

• Merchant representatives who connect or create the PayPal business account

• Project administrators who verify the technical prerequisites

One person can perform multiple roles when the required permissions are available.

Onboarding establishes an authorized connection between Intershop Commerce Management (ICM) and PayPal. PayPal calls this process Integrated Sign-Up (ISU).

During ISU, the merchant can:

• Connect an existing PayPal business account

• Create a new PayPal business account

ICM handles both paths identically. An existing PayPal account is not required.

After onboarding, ICM can use the connected account for the configured PayPal payment services. The services become available once PayPal completes the required checks.

References

• Guide - PPCP Service Configuration

Initial Considerations

Intershop recommends completing the PayPal onboarding in the Common Configuration service before configuring the individual payment method-specific services. The payment method services cannot work without the configuration service. Each payment method can be used only after the Configuration Service has been configured.

Onboarding Process

The onboarding process consists of the following steps:

1. An administrator creates a PayPal Common Configuration service in ICM.

2. ICM requests an onboarding link from PayPal.

3. ICM redirects the merchant representative to PayPal.

4. The merchant representative connects or creates a business account.

5. The merchant grants the permissions requested by the PPCP Connector.

6. PayPal redirects the merchant representative to ICM.

7. ICM retrieves the merchant ID and current account status.

The PayPal Common Configuration service stores the shared account connection. Payment method-specific services use this common configuration.

ICM manages the service configuration. PayPal authenticates the merchant, records consent, and determines account and product eligibility.

Prerequisites

ICM Prerequisites

Confirm the following requirements:

• PPCP Connector version 3 is installed and working.

• The connector is enabled for the target channel.

• You have permission to manage services in the target channel.

• Check whether an active PayPal Common Configuration service already exists in the channel. If one exists, use it instead of creating another service.

Merchant Prerequisites

The merchant representative needs:

• Authorization to connect or create a PayPal business account

• The legal and contact information for the business

• Any additional information that PayPal requests during registration or verification

An existing PayPal account is optional. The merchant can create a PayPal business account during Integrated Sign-Up.

Environment Selection

Choose the environment before connecting an account:

Onboarding Steps

The onboarding is performed within the managed services configuration. For a deeper understanding see Overview - Managed Service Framework.

In contrast to other managed services, the configuration cannot be completed within a single creation wizard run-through.

PayPal has its own process for onboarding new merchants, called Integrated Sign Up (ISU). For details, see PayPal Documentation. The PPCP payment service uses this process.

During the onboarding process, a PayPal account can be created. An existing account is optional.

Follow these steps:

1. Create the managed service for the PayPal Common Configuration and complete the initial configuration in the Services tab.

   

2. Reopen the newly created service and perform the onboarding with PayPal. Go to the Integration tab and click Connect a PayPal Account.

3. You are redirected to PayPal and the onboarding process is initiated.

   

4. Finally, you are redirected to the ICM, where you can configure the remaining settings. Details about the connected account appear at the bottom of the page for reference. In the Pay Later and Messaging section, you can toggle the visibility of the Pay Later feature that PayPal provides.

   

Configuring Pay Later and Messaging

Use the Pay Later and Messaging section to control the visibility of PayPal Pay Later messaging.

This setting controls its presentation in the storefront. PayPal determines whether Pay Later is available for the merchant, shopper, country, and transaction.

Configuring the Payment Services

After successful onboarding, create and configure the required payment method-specific services.

Creating a payment service in ICM does not grant product eligibility. PayPal must enable the corresponding product or capability for the merchant account.

Changing the Environment or Account

Sandbox and Production are separate PayPal environments. Each environment uses separate accounts, merchant IDs, permissions, and account data.

The existing connection is valid only for the current environment. Disconnecting the account removes the current environment-specific association from the ICM service.

To use another environment or merchant account:

1. Open the PayPal Common Configuration service.

2. Open the Integration tab.

3. Disconnect the current PayPal account.

4. Select the required environment.

5. Save the configuration.

6. Click Connect a PayPal Account.

7. Complete ISU for the account in the selected environment.

Troubleshooting

Deactivating an Obsolete Service

Deactivate obsolete services instead of deleting them.

ICM uses the unique service name as a semantic identifier. Deleting a service can invalidate existing references.

Result

Onboarding is complete when ICM shows the connected PayPal merchant account and PayPal confirms that the account:

• Granted the required permissions

• Has a confirmed primary email address

• Can receive payments

• Has the required products and capabilities

You can then configure, enable, and test the required PayPal payment services.