This is Part 2 of our Getting Started series. If you haven't completed Part 1 yet, go back to Part 1: Understanding Your System first.
In Part 2, you'll: Test your system thoroughly, add admin users, and configure optional features.
Step 3: Test Everything Before Launch
🚨This is the most important step. Do not skip testing. Running through the entire member experience yourself will help you catch issues, understand the process, and feel confident when members start registering.
What to Test
Create a test member account. Go through the entire registration process as if you were a new member. Fill out the forms, select a membership type, and complete the checkout process. This helps you understand what members will experience and identify any confusing steps.
Purchase a membership product using test payment. Complete a transaction to see how payments process, what confirmation emails are sent, and how the purchase appears in your system. Use test mode or a small dollar amount you can refund later.
Practice member check-in at the front desk. Search for the test member you created, check them in as if they just arrived at your facility, and see how attendance tracking works. This is what your staff will do dozens of times per day.
Test different scenarios. Create multiple test accounts with different membership types. Try purchasing add-ons like guest passes. See what happens when someone tries to register without paying. The more you test, the more confident you'll be.
📖 Step-by-step testing guide: How to Test Membership Products
💡 Pro tip: Keep your test accounts clearly labeled (like "TEST - Smith Family") so you can easily identify and delete them later.
Step 4: Add Your Admin Users
Now that you understand how the system works, it's time to add the board members, managers, and staff who will need access.
Choose the Right Role for Each Person
Board Members get full administrative access - they can change settings, manage finances, and access all features. Only give this role to people who genuinely need complete control.
Managers can handle day-to-day operations like managing members and running reports, but they cannot change system settings or payment configurations. This is ideal for your membership coordinator or office manager.
Staff can only check in members at the front desk. They cannot access financial information, change member accounts, or view reports, with the exception of the Visits Report. This is perfect for seasonal employees, lifeguards, or volunteers working the gate.
📖 Learn more: Adding Admin Users and Assigning Roles
⚠️ Security reminder: Each person should have their own login credentials. Never share passwords or use a single "admin" account for multiple people.
Step 5: Configure Optional Features
Depending on your organization's needs, you may want to enable additional features. These are completely optional - only set them up if you'll actually use them.
Waivers and Liability Agreements
If members need to sign liability waivers, guest agreements, or COVID-19 acknowledgments, you can require these during registration or check-in. You can have different waivers for members versus non-members.
📖 Setup guides:
Point of Sale for Retail Operations
If you run a snack bar, pro shop, or sell merchandise at your facility, the Point of Sale module in our Essentials and Premium plans lets you process purchases, track inventory, and run sales reports. This integrates directly with your payment processor.
📖 Learn more: Enabling and Using Point of Sale
Reservations for Courts, Lanes, or Facilities
If members need to book tennis courts, swimming lanes, party rooms, or other facilities, the Reservations module handles scheduling, prevents double-booking, and can enforce member-only or paid reservation rules.
📖 Learn more: Activating the Reservations Module
💡 Decision tip: Don't enable features "just in case." If you're not sure you need something, skip it for now. You can always add it later when you're more comfortable with the system.
What's Next?
You've tested your system, added admin users, and configured optional features. Now it's time to prepare for launch!
Before moving on, make sure you've:
Created and tested at least one test member account
Completed a test purchase transaction
Practiced member check-in at the front desk
Added your board members, managers, and staff with appropriate roles
Decided which optional features (waivers, POS, reservations) you need
Ready to launch? Continue to Part 3: Preparing to Launch