How to Set Up Split Billing with Sierra

Why This Feature Matters
Split billing allows you to share the cost of your Sierra services with other contributors, such as lenders or partners. This feature makes it easier to manage billing and ensure each party is billed correctly. The ability to let contributors enter their own payment details saves time and streamlines the process. In case of missed payments, the Primary Account Owner remains responsible for all charges.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Log in to your Sierra dashboard → Select the Gear Icon → Account Billing.
2. Scroll to the bottom and click "ADD ADDITIONAL BILLING PROFILE."
3. Enter a name and description for the profile, then click Save.
4. Enter Credit Card and Invoice details in the new profile. You can add your contributor’s details or grant them User Access to Billing to add their payment info.
5. Set the Payment Amount for the new profile—either a fixed amount (e.g., $100/month) or a percentage of the total bill (e.g., 25%).
6. Confirm the details and Save.
7. The contributor’s payment amount will take effect on your next billing date.

Best Practices

• Ensure that all contributors are set up with proper User Access to Billing if you want them to enter their payment information.
• Use a fixed amount if you prefer consistent billing for contributors, or a percentage if you want their payments to scale with your monthly bill.
• Remember that the Primary Account Owner is responsible for any unpaid balances from additional contributors.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Problem: Contributor’s payment info isn’t being saved.
  Solution: Ensure that you’ve completed all necessary fields in the billing profile and that the contributor has User Access to Billing if they are entering their payment details.

• Problem: Contributor's payment amount isn’t being applied to the bill.
  Solution: Double-check that the contributor’s payment amount has been set up properly under their billing profile. You may need to modify their payment amount if it exceeds the monthly total.

FAQs

• Q: How do I change from percentage-based split billing to a fixed dollar amount? (Or vice-versa.)
  A: Go to your Primary billing profile and click the “Change how payments are split” button. This will reset the current payment amounts, allowing you to reassign fixed amounts or percentages.

• Q: Will my additional contributor receive email receipts?
  A: Yes, they will receive receipts for the amount they paid. For total cost receipts, you can add their email to your Primary billing profile to be Cc’d.

• Q: Can I mix percentage splits and fixed dollar amounts?
  A: No, all contributors must be set up to pay either a fixed amount or a percentage, but not both.

• Q: Can I split the cost of my Google Ads PPC budget?
  A: Yes, you can, but you must prepay your Google Ads budget on the Sierra bill. Any changes to the budget must be requested at least three business days before your billing date.

• Q: I’m trying to increase my contributor’s payment amount for a Google Ads budget, but I’m getting an error message. What should I do?
  A: Contact DigitalMarketing@SierraInteractive.com for assistance with adjusting the Google Ads budget and split billing amounts. Our team will adjust your backend settings before you can modify the contributor's payment amount.

• Q: Do lenders/additional payers take up a user slot?
  A: Yes, any user with access to your CRM, including contributors, takes up a full user slot.

• Q: Can I split a Facebook Ads marketing budget with a lender through Sierra?
  A: No, Facebook Ads management is handled through your personal ad account, and payments must be made directly to Facebook.

• Q: Can my additional billing contributor provide payment information to Sierra directly?
  A: Yes, they can call or email our billing team at 502-410-3050 ext. 3 or Billing@SierraInteractive.com.

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