How to Run a Test Tip Before Going Live

Before you accept real tips from guests, run a full end-to-end test in Sandbox mode. This confirms your Stripe connection, tip routing, and employee dashboard are all working - without moving any real money.

Prerequisites

• Your Aplauso account is set up (at least one employee invited and with an account)
• Stripe is connected (even in test mode for sandbox)
• You have access to the employee's dashboard or mobile app to verify receipt

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Step 1 - Switch to Sandbox Mode

1. Log in to my.aplauso.io.
2. In the personal dashboard, go to Settings > Payment.
3. Switch Live / Training to Training and wait for the yellow training banner to appear.

Important: Training mode uses Stripe test data only. No real cards are charged, no real payouts are sent, and the training wallet stays separate from your live wallet.

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Step 2 - Open the Guest Kiosk

1. Get the test employee's kiosk URL. You can find it at:
   • Manage → Team → [Employee Name] → Copy Tip Link, or
   • The employee's dashboard home screen → My QR Code → Copy Link
2. Open the URL in a private/incognito browser window (to simulate a guest who's never been to your site).

The URL will look like: https://k.aplauso.io/{shortCode}

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Step 3 - Complete the Tip Flow as a Guest

1. On the kiosk page, select a star rating (optional).
2. Select a tip amount - any amount is fine for testing.
3. At the payment screen, either:
   • Click Pay with card and enter the Stripe test card details:
     • Card number: 4242 4242 4242 4242
     • Expiry: Any future date (e.g. 12/28)
     • CVC: Any 3 digits (e.g. 123)
     • Name/ZIP: Any value
   • Or use Apple Pay / Google Pay in test mode (if your device supports it and your Stripe sandbox is configured for wallets)
4. Click Pay.
5. Confirm the Thank You screen appears.

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Step 4 - Verify in the Employee Dashboard

1. Ask the test employee to log in to my.aplauso.io (in Sandbox mode).
2. Check their Tips or Transactions page - the test tip should appear within a few seconds.
3. Check their Wallet - the balance should reflect the test tip amount.
4. If they have push notifications enabled, they should have received an app notification.

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Step 5 - Verify in Management Analytics

1. Log in as a manager/admin in Sandbox mode.
2. Go to Manage → Insights.
3. The test tip should appear in the tip volume chart and totals.

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Step 6 - Switch Back to Live

Once the test is successful:

1. Return to Settings > Payment and switch the employee back to Live when testing is complete.
2. Wait for the dashboard badge to refresh back to the normal live state with no sandbox banner.
3. Confirm the employee dashboard and kiosk both resolve to live again before you begin real service.

Checklist before going live:

• Tip appeared in employee dashboard ✓
• Tip appeared in management analytics ✓
• Thank You confirmation page displayed ✓
• Stripe sandbox shows the test charge ✓

You're ready to accept real tips.

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Troubleshooting Failed Test Tips

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Next Steps

• Switch to Live mode and go live
• Understanding environments
• Kiosk troubleshooting