Aplauso gives guests a browser-based way to leave a tip. Guests do not need to download the employee app or create an Aplauso account.
The Guest Experience Step by Step
Step 1 - Scan a QR Code (or Open the Link)
The guest scans the Aplauso QR code displayed on a table card, door hanger, kiosk screen, or handed to them by the employee. Their phone opens the Aplauso kiosk directly in their browser - no app download needed.
They can also open a tip link shared via text or email: k.aplauso.io/{shortCode}
Step 2 - See the Destination
An employee link shows the employee's profile. A department or outlet link shows that team destination. The link determines the canonical rating and tip recipient; the guest is not asked to replace it with a different recipient.
Step 3 - Leave a Star Rating (Optional)
The guest can rate their experience from 1 to 5 stars. Ratings are optional - guests who want to tip without rating can skip ahead.
An optional private follow-up question can adapt its wording to the saved star rating. Any answer updates the comment on that same rating record; it is not a separate survey or tip comment.
Step 4 - Choose a Tip Amount
The guest selects from preset tip amounts:
- $5 · $10 · $15 · $20 · $25 (default presets, customizable by the venue)
- Custom amount - the guest enters any value
- No tip - allows guests to leave a rating without a payment
Venue managers: You can change the preset amounts in Business → Outlets → [Outlet] → Settings to match the tipping norms at your property.
Step 5 - Select a Payment Method
The guest chooses how to pay:
| Payment Method | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Apple Pay | iPhone or Mac with Face ID / Touch ID; Safari |
| Google Pay | Android device; Chrome |
| Credit / Debit Card | Any device; Stripe-powered checkout |
| Charge to Room | Requires PMS integration; guest enters room number |
Apple Pay and Google Pay are one-tap - no card entry required, making them the fastest path to payment.
Step 6 - Confirm and Pay
A payment summary screen shows the tip amount and total. The guest confirms (and the payment is authorized via Stripe).
Step 7 - Thank You Screen
A confirmation screen appears with a thank-you message and optional confetti animation. The guest knows their tip went through.
What Happens After a Tip is Submitted
- The rating remains canonical - the stars and optional comment stay on the same rating record for the selected employee, outlet, or department.
- The tip is recorded once - it keeps the same canonical destination and
links back to the rating with
ratingIdwhen both were submitted. - Employee allocations are calculated - the saved rule on that exact destination, or its direct/equal-split default, determines beneficiaries.
- Personal and Business views update - Business reports the canonical tip once; Personal shows each employee's allocated earnings.
- Eligible balances enter the payout pipeline - wallet, Stripe, and bank readiness determine when a beneficiary can receive funds.
Privacy and Security
- Guests do not need an Aplauso account - no personal data is stored unless they voluntarily provide it.
- All payments use Stripe's PCI-compliant infrastructure. Card numbers are never stored by Aplauso.
- Ratings and comments are attributed to a session ID, not personally identifying information, unless the guest chooses to share their name.
Common Guest Questions
"Do I need to download an app?"
No. The tipping experience is entirely in the guest's mobile browser.
"Is my payment secure?"
Yes. Payments are processed by Stripe, which is PCI Level 1 certified - the highest standard for payment security.
"Can I tip anonymously?"
By default, the employee sees the tip amount and rating, not the guest's name or card details. Do not share payment credentials or card details with staff.
"Can I get a refund?"
Refund requests should be directed to the venue or Aplauso Support with the non-sensitive transaction details needed to investigate.