Use this checklist to ensure your venue is fully set up before going live with Aplauso. Work through each section in order - earlier steps are required before later ones will work correctly.

Phase 1 - Account & Property Setup

  • Created Aplauso account at aplauso.io
  • Verified email address
  • Completed property profile (name, address, venue type, logo)
  • Set up your organization structure in Manage → Organization
  • Created at least one Outlet (e.g. "Main Hotel", "Spa Building") if applicable
  • Created Departments that match your operations (e.g. Housekeeping, Valet, Concierge)

Phase 2 - Payments

  • Connected Stripe account via Settings → Payments → Connect Stripe
  • Stripe status shows Connected (not "Pending" or "Restricted")
  • Reviewed payout timing and fees
  • Understood employer obligations for tip reporting

Phase 3 - Employees

  • Identified which staff will use Aplauso (at minimum your highest-tip-earning roles)
  • Sent invites to all employees via Manage → Team → Invite
  • Confirmed at least one employee has accepted their invite and connected their bank account
  • Assigned each employee to the correct department
  • Shared the employee quick start guide with your team

Phase 4 - QR Codes & Kiosk

  • Generated personal QR codes for all active employees
  • Created department/outlet QR codes if needed (for team-tipping scenarios)
  • Designed or selected QR code card templates in Manage → Templates
  • Printed or ordered physical QR code materials (table cards, door hangers, lanyards)
  • Tested each QR code by scanning with a phone

If using the kiosk:

  • Identified the device(s) that will run the kiosk (tablet, mounted screen)
  • Opened k.aplauso.io on the kiosk device and confirmed it loads
  • Configured preferred payment methods (Apple Pay, Google Pay, card, room charge)
  • Tested a payment end-to-end on the kiosk device

Phase 5 - Pre-Launch Testing

  • Verified account is in Sandbox mode
  • Completed at least one test tip using Stripe test card 4242 4242 4242 4242
  • Verified test tip appeared in the employee's dashboard
  • Verified test tip appeared in management analytics
  • Tested on iOS Safari, Android Chrome, and desktop browser (if kiosk is browser-based)

Phase 6 - Go Live

  • Switched environment to Live in Settings → Environment
  • Confirmed Stripe is connected in live (not test) mode
  • Briefed all staff on how Aplauso works and how to show their QR code
  • Deployed QR codes to all venue touchpoints
  • Notified front desk / management team about the launch

Phase 7 - First Week Post-Launch

  • Checked analytics after first full day of tipping
  • Reviewed any service recovery alerts (low ratings)
  • Confirmed employees received their first payout
  • Adjusted tip preset amounts if needed
  • Set up email/SMS alerts for low ratings or no-tip days

Need help? If you get stuck on any step, open a support ticket at support.aplauso.io/portal or use live chat.