The Difference Between "Hands Off" and "Hands On" Automatic and Manual Payments in BigSIS

The purpose of this article is to define the difference between automatic and manual payments in regards to Recurring Gift and Pledge Installments. In this article, we'll discuss:

1. Hands Off vs Hands Off Payments
2. The different between Automatic Hands-On Payments and Manual Hands-On Payments

Hand-On Vs. Hands-Off

Hands-On payments are payments towards installments that are not processed via Authorize.net (e.g., payroll deductions, checks, paypal, cash, etc.). 

Hands-Off payments are payments that come in through authorize.net. They're "Hands-Off" because no data entry is required. The whole process is handled for you via BigSIS and Authorize.net, hence the process is "Hands-Off."

Hands-On Automatic Payments

In an automatic payment, the donor pays the exact same way each time and there are no additional data entry requirements beyond marking the payment as received which you can do with the Log Hands-On Donation Payments tool. This tool allows you to settle these payments with a click.

Hands-On Manual Payments

Manual payments require additional information each time the payment is logged. For example, if someone mails you a check each month, then that would be a Manual Payment because the payment details will vary. Each check will have a different check number that would need to be entered into the system in order to settle the payment. The Log Hands-On Donation Payments tool is designed to help you manage these types of payments.