The Shop-in-Shop service is built around a structured account model that defines how payments are created, split, and settled. The setup includes an aggregator account operated by the admin and separate sub-merchant accounts that receive funds. Understanding this structure helps clarify how credentials, settlements, and commissions function within Paytrail’s Shop-in-Shop service.
Account types in Shop-in-Shop
Aggregator account
The aggregator account belongs to the admin and includes the Merchant ID and Merchant secret required for API integration. All payments in the Shop-in-Shop service are created using the aggregator account’s Merchant ID and Merchant secret.
- Is used to connect to the payment interface
- Initiates all payment transactions
- Does not receive settlements
- Does not generate a settlement report
Sub-merchant accounts
A sub-merchant account belongs to a business or recipient that receives funds within the Shop-in-Shop service.
- Makes own agreement with Paytrail
- Receives own share of payments automatically through direct settlement
- Has own Merchant panel account and login credentials
- Has own Merchant ID and Merchant secret but these are not used to create payments in the Shop-in-Shop model
Commission account
If you charge a commission or cover Paytrail transaction fees on behalf of sub-merchants, you must create a dedicated sub-merchant account for commission or fee handling. This account has its own Merchant ID and Merchant secret.
Many admins create a separate sub-merchant account specifically for receiving direct sales revenue to keep reporting and settlement tracking clear.
Merchant panel access and credentials
Each merchant account, including the aggregator account and all sub-merchant accounts, has its own Merchant panel account and login credentials for accessing the Merchant panel.
Each account also has its own Merchant ID and Merchant secret. In the Shop-in-Shop setup, however, only the aggregator account’s Merchant ID and Merchant secret are used to create payments through the API.
Payment flow in the Shop-in-Shop service
When a payment is made, it is created through the admin’s aggregator account. Paytrail processes the transaction and automatically distributes funds based on the defined payment split. Each sub-merchant receives its share directly. If a commission structure is configured, the commission is routed to the designated commission account.