how to setup CnP test environment

[sorenparis]

I'm new to CnP. We are looking to update some forms that are currently in prod. However, since I'm new to CnP, I thought it best to set up a test environment. I am looking for some advice on how to setup a test environment for CnP forms and processing. I have a refreshed salesforce sandbox ready to use.

I see that the saleforce connector (in MyConnect) allows for sandbox connections, but I don't want to edit the connector being used in prod. I would like to setup a parallel test path. Given that I can't seem to add a second SF connector in MyConnect, I'm wondering how go about this. Do I need to stand-up a separate CnP account for testing with my SF sandbox?

also... once I am ready to test, is there anything I need to do to ensure that CnP does not actually process real payments? Are there test CC numbers that I need to use?

[CnP.Support.AM]

Good day @sorenparis

Please note that in order to test our apps in Sandbox you need to establish the connection with Sandbox instance. Either Production OR Sandbox maybe integrated but not both together at once.

You may process the Test transactions in C&P Events by changing the Event mode to TEST but NOT through VT (Virtual Terminal). You may test the VT transaction with Custom Payment type but NOT with test cards.

We do not give out test accounts to anyone but our partners due to problems in the past where customers would never change from the test to the active account and would lose tons of money and then blame it on us.

Hope that answers your question. Let us know if we can be of any further assistance.

[sorenparis]

Thanks for the help. Unfortunately I'm still stuck with no way forward that isn't going to risk production setup. the either/or situation with the salesforce connector is not a solution. shutting down or breaking prod forms could also lead to lost or delayed revenue.

re: test accounts: I get it that the non-profit world struggles with implementing technology properly, but some of us are trying and this feels like a barrier to doing things the right way. In this case, our prod account is already up and working, so there is no danger of the situation you describe above. the problem I face now is how to safely develop forms (and salesforce processing) without disrupting prod. If I sent you my linkedin profile, would that help you to have confidence in what I'm trying to do?

Also, as far as I can tell, we are not using C&P Events, only the Paas module. Am I just looking in the wrong place?

If there is simply no way to setup a parallel test environment... there must be a way to test the process without incurring actual charges, right? Maybe we need to focus on that in order to move forward?

Thanks again!

[CnP.Support.AM]

Good day @sorenparis

You may test C&P forms in production itself. Simply edit default VT settings under C&P Settings to "show" the Connect Campaign and Form, and use the Connect Campaign and Form on the VT tab in PaaS to test your Connect forms. You may process the transactions through Custom Payment type.

Hope that helps.

[sorenparis]

I really need you to be a little more specific.

Are you talking about the CnP settings in Salesforce or the Settings in the CnP MyConnect portal?

Looking in Salesforce, it appears that everything is checked "Show" but I don't see anything labeled "Connect Campaign and Form".

Looking at the VT in salesforce, I see the bottom of the page has an option to select "Custom Payment Type". If I understand you correctly, if I select this while processing a payment through VT, it will be a test transaction and will NOT incur actual CC transactions? Is that right?

This is useful to know, but it doesn't actually help me. I have a form on a wordpress site that is passing data into CnP. I need to update this form and test transactions as they are submitted by the form. I need to test the method that our customers will use. I don't think creating transaction via the VT will help with that. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[CnP.Support.AM]

Good day @sorenparis

I am referring to C&P Settings in Salesforce where you may check the box to "show" the Connect Campaign and Form. Once you make it to show, you may select the Connect Campaign and the Form in C&P Virtual Terminal in Salesforce and process a transaction from there using custom payment type. Yes, it won't incur actual CC transactions nor it offers you to enter CC details.

It seems you are referring to Connect forms in Wordpress site using our "Click & Pledge Connect" plugin? is that right?

As stated you can't test the Connect forms using test cards. You may select the same Connect Campaign and Form in C&P VT in Salesforce and process the transaction through Custom Payment type to test the Form flow.

However, if we are looking into the correct SF instance OrgName: ASLE and OrgID: 00Do0000000ZljF we found that in the version you are at we don't have that feature. Your instance is many many versions behind for which support ended on December 17, 2014.

If you allow us we will upgrade your instance with latest version of app.

Release notes:

Library v5.1710020002
Release notes: https://cnp.mn/51710020002

PaaS v9.1710120004
Release notes: https://cnp.mn/91710120004

[sorenparis]

Thank you for the clarification.

I agree it would be a good idea to update the CnP modules in SF. However, I don't have the authority to make that call (if we're talking prod). Is this a safe update? I wont be able to step-in to help troubleshoot problems if an emergency pops up.

[sorenparis]

As stated you can't test the Connect forms using test cards. You may select the same Connect Campaign and Form in C&P VT in Salesforce and process the transaction through Custom Payment type to test the Form flow.

I'm not sure yet about the WP form. I haven't had a chance to dig-in there. I just know it looks nothing like the standard CnP forms. Let me know if you want me to confirm any details on that setup.

I feel like I'm missing something about this test process... and maybe this will make more sense after we update the modules, but if I am using the VT in salesforce, will I be able to fill out and pass data through the WP form? and If I do it this way... does the production process remain intact and live? or am I required to turn-off the production process before I can do testing?

[sorenparis]

I wanted to get back to you about the WP form. It is NOT the plugin. It is a custom form that posts to Faas.Cloud.click...

[CnP.Support.AM]

Good day @sorenparis

Ah, if that is the case you may simply change the form mode into Test instead of Production and process the test transactions using test card number i.e. 4111111111111111 CVV= any three digits. You will need to contact the person who developed the form and he/she will know about this.

Please note that the data will flow into your SF Production instance as it is connected to Production. However, later you may delete complete footprint of that test transactions in SF.

Hope that helps. Let us know if we can be of any further assistance.