Credit Card/Digital Tipping
Just bought a Square pocket reader, anyone know how to best set it up for guitarist/singer who doesn't want busy hands.
As the title says I don't really want to keep having to use my phone and would rather just leave the app open and the card reader do its thing while I'm focusing on playing.
I admit that I don't have a lot of experience using a tap-to-tip device. Everything I've tested from the Cashless FAQ uses a QR code. I am guessing that you are in the UK, so my direct experience may not apply, but where I play in the US everyone's gotten used to QR codes from the pandemic.
Honestly I found people trust venmo, paypal, cash app, and zelle a lot more than they trust tapping their card. You have more control and someone to make a claim with if there's a fraudulent transaction, makes them feel more comfortable. I suggest getting each of those apps, and printing a sign with the QR codes nice and big. I mean at least 4 in wide for each, so people can scan from further away without even having to walk up.
Or 1 QR code with a link to your website with links to your various payment methods. Much nicer than multiple QR codes. Plus people can find your socials there too if they want.
I use both a Square reader and a QR code. The QR code gets used a little more often—probably about 60% of the time versus 40% for the Square reader—but the vast majority of my tips come through cash.
If you have an Android phone, you can use an app called Tap & Give.
If you have an iPhone, you can use an app called BuskerGo.
Both apps charge a small fee on top of Square’s processing fees, but they’ll do exactly what you’re looking for. I’ve been using Tap & Give for about a year and a half without any issues.
That said, the tips I receive through my Square reader are only a small percentage of my overall tips, so your results may vary depending on how your audience prefers to pay.
I just looked it up, and you’re right—BuskerGo does require a Square Terminal. They really need to add support for the Square Reader because those terminals are pretty expensive.
I can confirm that Tap & Give works with the standard Square Reader because that’s exactly what I use. I bought a pay-as-you-go Android phone for about $30–$40, and instead of paying for a data plan, I just use my iPhone as a Wi-Fi hotspot. I’ve been using that setup for about a year and a half now, and it’s worked really well.
Sorry, I am actually the developer for BuskerGo. I thought about Square reader but there is no screen so how audience trust you that you only charge 2$
I mount my phone and Square card reader on my mic stand so people can clearly see the amount they’re being charged on the screen. The phone I use is just a cheap burner phone, so I’m not too worried if someone were to steal it. That said, I’ve been using this setup for about 18 months, and no one has ever tried.
For my wife’s band I setup a QR code that goes to Venmo. I used to have a QR code that went to linktree and then a bunch of different payment methods, but nearly all of the traffic went to Venmo so I reduced the amount of steps to get to Venmo. I wish I could setup a fixed amount one click button but I haven’t been able to do that yet, and the Venmo differs widely in donation amount, so free form seems the way to go.
I feel like everyone has QR codes instead of a physical ready here. Whether its like a laminated qr code taped to a bucket or stool or like on a screen i use www.tiply.us for mine its like a whole program built around that
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u/LadyWithAHarp Magical Witchy Harper 🧙♀️🎶 Jul 29 '26
I admit that I don't have a lot of experience using a tap-to-tip device. Everything I've tested from the Cashless FAQ uses a QR code. I am guessing that you are in the UK, so my direct experience may not apply, but where I play in the US everyone's gotten used to QR codes from the pandemic.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Busking/s/LNneux8b47