thread Re: Collect tips while busking? in Payments Troubleshooting

Collect tips while busking?

HarrisonJThomas — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 18:57:19 GMT

Hi there, I’m 14 and have recently started busking. I bought a Square Reader and have connected my bank account. I’d like to give patrons the option to follow a QR Code to select from a list of preset amounts (i.e. $2, $5, $10 etc) then tap the reader to process the sale. This way, they can contribute while I’m performing. My Dad spoke to a Square Customer Support person who recommended buying the Square reader and was going to send a how-to guide via email. Sadly the guide never arrived and I can’t locate an appropriate how-to guide online. Can anyone help with a step-by-step guide? Thanks in advance, Harrison

Re: Collect tips while busking?

maxpete — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 05:22:02 GMT

@HarrisonJThomas welcome to Square! I found this previous community discussion and some articles to help get you set up on accepting payments and tips!

https://www.sellercommunity.com/t5/General-Discussion/How-do-I-set-up-QR-code-tipping-when-I-m-busking/m-p/740473

https://squareup.com/help/us/en/article/8375-settle-payments-and-manage-tips

https://squareup.com/us/en/the-bottom-line/selling-anywhere/qr-code-generator

Re: Collect tips while busking?

RobynR — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 20:32:01 GMT

Hi @HarrisonJThomas, welcome to the Community! 👋

It’s awesome that you’re using Square to accept tips while busking — great thinking!

Thank you, @maxpete, for providing the helpful links above.

Harrison, if you or your dad encounter any trouble along the way, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Square Support directly — they’ll be happy to assist!

Happy busking, and may those tips keep rolling in!

Re: Collect tips while busking?

BalloonFairyMar — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 03:30:40 GMT

Congratulations on your decision to get out there and make money with the wonderful world of busking. The tips have is to not use the square and create a sign that says: Your name, (or character) thanks you for tips, $5 appreciated, everything welcome. I have a Venmo and Zelle QR Codes on my sign next to my tip jar taped to the table (kids bump the table all the time, it keeps my glass vase from falling over). I have my square reader sitting next to my sign for people to tap, or they use the small card reader that plugs into the jack, easy peasy. Also, when you get a tip, give the kids a big high five and thanks! It causes attention to those waiting in line, when you say, "Thanks for the great tip!" (regardless how much the tip is, it is always a great tip, even if it is change, so give every kid a high five for a tip, as a broke single mom decades ago, sometimes that is the best some can do).

Wishing you much success!!! I'm celebrating 20 years in February and about 4,000 appearances. You got this!!

Keep asking those great questions!!

Marcie The Balloon Fairy

Re: Collect tips while busking?

Vitor — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:54:47 GMT

My 11yo son also started busking and we got a Square reader to give the audience the option to donate by card. I built a simple custom app and installed in an Android tablet. Very seamless experience for people to tip. Here's a short video to demonstrate:
It has 6 buttons, each with a different amount.

It's been very successful and I am preparing it to be published in the app stores soon.
If anyone is interested, visit this webpage and leave your email and I'll notify when it's available: www.totipapp.com