Best solution for one-day non-profit event sales?

[opcapplefest]

Hello, I am a volunteer organizer for a one-day event that our church holds each year. Last year we set up our Square account and used it to accept online vendor registrations. This year, we are doing that again, but would also like to be able to accept Square payments during the actual event, primarily in the food pavilion. What would be the most economical route for us to take? We don't really want for someone to have to use their phone to accept payments all day, but we are at a loss about what would be a the best solution for this situation. It would be great to have a screen showing different items that could be clicked to add to cart and save the volunteer from doing math to calculate a total (a situation we have not had always great success with). Hopefully this makes sense. Thanks in advance for your advice! 🙂

[JK_Fiber_Art]

Hi Opcapplefest,

What you have in mind is doable however, it's going to take some setup time behind the scenes.  Some things to consider first - do you want to invest into additional hardware ?  Do you want to provide purchase receipts ?  Does the location you will be at have internet access or can someone provide a hotspot for internet access ?   If yes to all, suggest looking at the Square Terminal.  The behind the scenes work involves ensuring your Square Account is setup along with setting up the items and prices.  The Square Terminal does require internet access and can accept contactless payments or swipes and has the ability to print a receipt.  It can also take offline payments if no internet however, any offline payment that is not processed within 24 hours will expire and the funds will not be received from your customer.  There are other solutions that could work, i.e., an iPad and Square Stand and the POS App, it all depends on your budget.

[perkits]

Invest in a Square Stand. You or someone may already have an iPad that will fit (check the specs

If you don't have wifi in an area you can use your phone as a hotspot. You have many options.

[Candlestore]

@opcapplefest ;

Both the other responses are very good and just to add besides needing Internet service where you would have this event you would also require a Power Source for some of the Square Hardware.   The only device that does not need a Power supply would be a FULLY charged Terminal, but not sure how easy that would be to enter registrations for the event, small screen for typing.  Ipads with a Bluetooth Keyboard attached would be ideal for typing in the data besides just tapping on the screen.  With your current Square account you could enter you items now and add pictures to start setting everything up for the day of the event.  For my business I use 2 Square Stands with a cashdrawer and receipt printer plus a scanner, and have been happy with this setup since 2019 when I started with Square.  Depending on your budget you should first look at what is in your budget and what all you may need to power a device at the location if any.   But if you have any questions keep asking.

My recommendation would be a Square Stand, screen is large, easy to use for a day, and you may already have the Ipad to place in it to keep costs low.  If you used a Cell phone before maybe just use a Tablet of your preferred type android or Apple?