Launch Checklist & Setup Guide

Stripe Setup

30 mins

Printful Setup

20 mins

Bank Account

15 mins

Code Deploy

1-2 days

Stripe Account Setup

~30 minutes

Create your NAN master Stripe account for centralized payment processing

1.1 Create Stripe Account

Go to stripe.com/register and sign up for a business account

Required Information:

Business name: "NIL Athlete Network" or your LLC name
Business type: LLC, Corporation, or Sole Proprietorship
EIN (Employer Identification Number) or SSN
Business address and phone number
Bank account for deposits

1.2 Complete Business Verification

Stripe will ask for additional documents to verify your business (usually takes 1-2 business days)

⏱️ Wait Time: Stripe typically approves accounts within 24-48 hours. You can proceed with other steps while waiting.

1.3 Get Your API Keys

Once approved, navigate to: Dashboard → Developers → API keys

# You'll need these two keys:

STRIPE_SECRET_KEY=sk_live_xxxxx

STRIPE_PUBLISHABLE_KEY=pk_live_xxxxx

⚠️ Security: Keep your Secret Key confidential! Never commit it to GitHub or share it publicly. Use environment variables only.

1.4 Enable ACH/Bank Transfers

In Stripe Dashboard: Settings → Payment methods → Enable "ACH Direct Debit" for sending payouts to athletes

1.5 Set Up Webhooks

Configure webhook endpoints to receive payment notifications

Webhook URL:

https://gameplan-nil.com/api/webhooks/stripe

Events to subscribe to:

• charge.succeeded
• charge.failed
• transfer.created
• payout.paid

Printful Account Setup

~20 minutes

Connect to Printful for automated print-on-demand fulfillment

2.1 Create Printful Account

Account Type: Business Account (free)

No upfront costs or monthly fees! You only pay when orders are placed.

2.2 Add Payment Method

Add a credit card to your Printful account for fulfillment charges (orders will charge this card automatically)

2.3 Create API Store

Navigate to: Stores → Add Store → Choose "Custom API Integration"

Store Name: "NAN Athlete Merchandise"

2.4 Get Printful API Key

Go to: Settings → Stores → [Your Store] → API Access

PRINTFUL_API_KEY=xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx

2.5 Configure Webhooks

Set up webhook URL to receive order status updates

https://gameplan-nil.com/api/webhooks/printful

Bank Account Configuration

~15 minutes

Set up your business bank account for receiving platform revenue

3.1 Connect Bank to Stripe

In Stripe Dashboard: Settings → Bank accounts and scheduling → Add bank account

✓ What happens: Customer payments → Stripe holds funds → NAN fee stays in Stripe → Athlete profit transfers out → Remaining balance (NAN's revenue + Printful costs) stays in your Stripe account → Withdraws to your bank account automatically

3.2 Set Payout Schedule

Configure automatic transfers to your bank account

Recommended: Daily automatic payouts

Stripe will transfer your platform fees + Printful reimbursements to your bank daily

Code Deployment

1-2 days

Deploy the backend code and integrate all services

4.1 Set Up Environment Variables

Add all API keys to your server environment (.env file or hosting platform)

# Stripe
STRIPE_SECRET_KEY=sk_live_xxxxx
STRIPE_PUBLISHABLE_KEY=pk_live_xxxxx

# Printful
PRINTFUL_API_KEY=xxxxx-xxxxx

# Database
DATABASE_URL=postgresql://...

# App Settings
NODE_ENV=production
PORT=3000

4.2 Deploy Backend Code

Upload the integration code from Developer Integration Guide

Hosting Options:

• Heroku (easiest)
• AWS (EC2, Lambda)
• DigitalOcean
• Vercel (for Node.js/Next.js)

4.3 Set Up Database

Create database tables using schemas from the integration guide

Required Tables:

• athlete_bank_accounts
• merchandise_orders
• athlete_payouts
• products
• product_variants

4.4 Configure Cron Job for Weekly Payouts

Set up automated task to run every Friday at 9 AM

# Cron expression: Every Friday at 9 AM
0 9 * * 5

# Or use your hosting platform's scheduler:
# - Heroku Scheduler
# - AWS EventBridge
# - Vercel Cron

Testing & Launch

1 day

Test the complete flow before going live with athletes

5.1 Use Stripe Test Mode

Switch to test API keys and use Stripe's test cards to simulate payments

Test Card Number:

4242 4242 4242 4242

Any future expiry date, any CVC

5.2 Test Complete Order Flow

Create a test athlete account and place a test order

Test Checklist:

✓ Athlete can sign up
✓ Product catalog loads
✓ Payment processes
✓ Order submits to Printful
✓ Profit calculations correct
✓ Email confirmations sent

5.3 Test Weekly Payout Script

Manually trigger the payout function to verify it works

5.4 Pilot Program (10-20 Athletes)

Invite a small group of trusted athletes to test the platform

Why Pilot? Catch any issues, gather feedback, and refine the experience before full launch

5.5 GO LIVE! 🎉

Switch to production API keys and launch to all athletes!

Congratulations! Your NAN centralized merchandise platform is now live. Athletes can start selling and earning immediately!

NAN Platform Launch Checklist

Estimated Timeline