How to let customers RSVP for free events

[NookAndCrannyBo]

I've been sifting through other similar threads, but it seems they are all quite old and unresolved. I'm making a massive switch to Square from another platform, so haven't officially launched my site yet. So glad I started poking around before it turned into a total cluster!

So, I host frequent events at my shop, most of which are free. Due to limited space (it's a very small store), I need to know how many people are attending. How do I allow folks to RSVP without having to provide credit card info?  I also have some events that are donation-based or Pay-What-You-Can and some that are free unless the customer opts to purchase a product along with their registration (ie. for a book club/author event they have the option to pre-order the book or simply register for free without pre-ordering).

Hopefully Square has come up with a solution for this in the last four years. But if not, any 3rd party app recommendations that integrate well?

Thanks,

Maren

[Stacelyn24]

Hi there!

It’s great to hear that you’re transitioning to Square! Managing RSVPs for events can be crucial, especially in a small space.

Currently, Square doesn’t have a built-in feature for RSVPs without requiring credit card information. However, here are some options you might consider:

1. Use Square Appointments:

   • You can set up a service for the event in Square Appointments and allow clients to book a spot. This way, you can manage the number of attendees without requiring credit card info for free events. Just make sure to set the price to $0.

2. Third-Party Apps:

   • If you're looking for more flexibility, several third-party apps integrate well with Square and can handle RSVPs without requiring credit card details:
     • Eventbrite: Great for managing events, including free and donation-based options. It also integrates with Square for ticket sales.
     • Facebook Events: If you're promoting on social media, you can create events on Facebook and ask attendees to RSVP. You can then manage attendance based on responses.
     • Meetup: Useful for organizing local events and managing RSVPs without requiring payment details.
     • Google Forms: While not an app, you can create a simple RSVP form and share it with your customers. This option is completely free and easy to manage.

3. Custom Solutions:

   • If you have a bit of technical know-how, you could also create a custom form using tools like JotForm or Typeform, which can be embedded on your Square site.

I hope these suggestions help you find the best solution for your event management needs! If you have any other questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.