Guide
Moving families to autopay, without the awkwardness
How to introduce autopay so families feel informed and in control, and your front desk stops chasing payments.
Autopay is easier for everyone once it's set up, but how you introduce it matters. Families want to feel in control of their money. A clear, friendly rollout goes a long way.
Explain the "why" in family terms
Focus on what families get: no checks to remember, no late fees from forgotten payments, and a clear record of every payment in the app.
Give them choices
- Let families choose between a card and a bank account.
- Tell them exactly when payments will be drawn and how they'll be notified.
- Explain how to update a payment method or ask a question about a charge.
Reassure them about security
Families may worry about sharing card details. Explain that card numbers are entered into a secure payment processor and that your center's staff never see full card numbers.
Set a date and help in person
- Announce a target date a few weeks out.
- Set up a table at pickup for a week where staff can help families get started.
- Follow up individually with families who haven't set it up yet, kindly and privately.
Keep a backup option
Some families will always prefer to pay another way. Decide what you'll accept and make it clear, so autopay feels like the easy choice rather than the only one.
In Orbit, families set up autopay in the parent app, and card numbers are handled by a certified payment processor and never touch Orbit's servers. See Billing & Payments.
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