> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.norrnext.com/norrcompetition/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.norrnext.com/norrcompetition/best-practices/monetize-voting-contests-via-points.md).

# Tutorial: Monetize Voting Contests via Points

Step-by-step tutorial on monetizing NorrCompetition voting contests and entry submissions using the native User Points system.

Monetizing voting contests via a micro-transaction points system allows you to sell virtual credit packages that users spend on specific actions—such as casting votes or submitting participant works.

If you prefer selling time-limited subscription passes (e.g., 30-day access passes), refer to:

* [Tutorial: Monetize Voting Contests via Membership](/norrcompetition/best-practices/monetize-voting-contests-via-membership.md)

***

## The Virtual Points Economy Model

In a points-based monetization model:

1. **User Balance:** Each registered user possesses a virtual points balance.
2. **Paid Actions (Deductions):**
   * **Vote for an Entry:** Costs a small number of points (e.g., 1 to 5 points per vote).
   * **Submit an Entry:** Costs a higher entry fee in points (e.g., 50 or 100 points per work).
3. **Reward Actions (Accruals):**
   * **Author Reward:** Award points to contestants when their entries receive verified votes or get approved by moderators.
   * **Daily Engagement:** Award bonus points for daily logins or participation.
4. **Top-Up Balance:** When a user's balance is insufficient, they are redirected to buy points packages via your integrated Joomla e-commerce store (e.g. Phoca Cart or J2Commerce) using payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, or local credit cards.

***

## Step-by-Step Implementation

```mermaid
flowchart LR
    A[Contestant / Voter] -->|Votes or Submits| B[Gate Check: Points Balance]
    B -->|Sufficient| C[Action Approved & Points Deducted]
    B -->|Insufficient| D[Top-Up Prompt]
    D -->|Buys Points Product| E[E-Commerce Store]
    E -->|Payment Success| F[Balance Credited Automatically]
    F --> A
```

### Step 1: Enable the NorrCompetition Points Plugin

1. Navigate to **System > Plugins** and locate **System - NorrCompetition Points** (`plg_system_ncpoints`).
2. Open the plugin, set its status to **Enabled**, and configure global rules on the **Rules & Actions** tab.
3. Define baseline costs:
   * **Voting cost:** e.g., `1.00` points.
   * **Entry submission cost:** e.g., `50.00` points.
   * **Author reward for vote received:** e.g., `0.50` points.

For comprehensive details on rule parameters, see [Rules & Actions](/norrcompetition/points-system/rules-and-actions.md).

### Step 2: Configure Per-Contest Overrides (Optional)

You can run both free and premium contests simultaneously:

1. Navigate to **Components > NorrCompetition > Contests** and edit a contest.
2. Open the **Points System** tab.
3. Override specific rules (e.g., make standard contests free while charging points only for high-stakes competition categories).

For contest override options, see [Contest Level Overrides](/norrcompetition/points-system/contest-overrides.md).

### Step 3: Set Up Point Packages in Your E-Commerce Store

To sell points for real currency:

1. Install your preferred Joomla e-commerce platform (e.g., **Phoca Cart**).
2. Install the corresponding **NorrCompetition Points E-Commerce integration plugin**.
3. Create points package products in the store catalog:
   * **Starter Pack:** 100 Points — $10.00
   * **Standard Pack:** 300 Points — $25.00
   * **Pro Pack:** 1,000 Points — $70.00
4. Configure payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay) in the store.

For setup details, see [Top-Up Balance & E-Commerce Integration](/norrcompetition/points-system/topup-balance.md).

### Step 4: Configure the Top-Up Redirect URL

In the **System - NorrCompetition Points** plugin options:

1. Set the **Top-Up URL** parameter to your points product category or pricing landing page.
2. When a user with insufficient balance attempts to vote or submit an entry, NorrCompetition automatically displays a modal or notice with a direct link to replenish their balance.

### Step 5: Monitoring & Auditing

All points transactions (deductions, rewards, manual administrative adjustments, and store top-ups) are tracked in real-time under **Components > NorrCompetition > Points Log**, providing a tamper-proof audit trail.

For more details, see [Managing User Points](/norrcompetition/points-system/managing-user-points.md) and [Points Log](/norrcompetition/points-system/points-log.md).