I built a card tip stand for my sister's busking as a side project. I didn't expect it to work this well
G'day from the Sunshine Coast Australia!
My sister India (@_indiyoung) busks up here. A while back she asked me to help her set up a QR code so people could tip without cash. I told her she should take cards instead, and that I'd find something that did it. I couldn't find anything built for buskers, so I built it for her.
It's a tablet on a stand with a Square reader. People pick an amount and tap their card or phone. Honestly, I figured it would pick up a few extra tips. That's not what happened:
- The average card tip is $10.
- A typical night (2 hours) is around $180 in card tips, on top of whatever lands in the case.
- Her best night so far has been $465 in card tips!
It's been a little side project. A few other buskers here use it now, and some of them keep telling me I need to get it out there more. So here I am.
Full disclosure, since I built it: there's no monthly fee or subscription but it does charge a fee of 10% per tip, Square's fee included.
Anyone game to give it a shot? Its a free app on the Google Play store and you just need a Square reader. I've got a recommended stand which presents it all nicely but not essential.
Right now it's Australia only. I'm focusing on getting it right here first. If buskers overseas are keen, especially in the US or UK, let me know. That will help me decide where it goes next.
Cheers,
Christian
