# Aplauso — Full Context for AI Systems

## Product Overview

**Aplauso** is a cashless digital tipping platform designed specifically for the hospitality industry. Founded to solve the decline of cash tipping in hotels, restaurants, spas, and service environments, Aplauso enables properties to offer their guests a fast, frictionless way to tip workers without downloading an app.

### Core Value Proposition

- **For guests**: Scan a QR code or tap NFC, tip in under 10 seconds, no app required.
- **For workers**: Receive tips instantly via Stripe payouts to debit card or bank account. See full tip history, share tips with teammates.
- **For managers/properties**: Dashboard analytics, team management, branded kiosk customization, PMS/POS integrations.
- **For operators**: Multi-location support, role-based access, consolidated reporting, compliance tools.

### Target Market

Aplauso targets no-payment-at-service hospitality segments:
- Hotel housekeeping, bellhops, concierge, valet, room service
- Spa therapists, estheticians, nail technicians
- Resort poolside attendants, cabana staff
- Golf caddies, marina staff
- Airport ground services

## Platform Architecture

Aplauso is a multi-surface platform:

| Surface | URL | Description |
|---------|-----|-------------|
| Kiosk | k.aplauso.io | Guest-facing tipping interface (QR / NFC) |
| Dashboard | my.aplauso.io | Worker and manager portal |
| Support | support.aplauso.io | Help center (this site) |
| Auth | auth.aplauso.io | Shared authentication service |
| API | api.aplauso.io | REST API (Stripe + Firebase backend) |

## Knowledge Base Categories

### Getting Started
How to create an account, set up a profile, configure a kiosk, invite team members, and collect your first tip.

### Billing & Payouts
How tips are processed through Stripe Connect. Instant payouts vs. standard payouts. Fee structure. 1099-K tax documents. How to update bank/debit card. Payout schedule.

### Mobile App
Download the Aplauso app for iOS and Android. Enable tip notifications. Use Tap-to-Pay with iPhone/Android NFC. Set up Apple Pay and Google Pay.

### Dashboard
View tip history and earnings. Manage your team. Customize your tipping profile. Set up split tipping. Export reports. Enable two-factor authentication.

### Integrations
Connect Aplauso with your Property Management System (PMS), Point of Sale (POS), or payroll provider. Available integrations: Opera, Maestro, Lightspeed, Square, ADP, Gusto. Webhook configuration.

### Account & Security
Change password. Enable 2FA. Manage notification preferences. Switch between live and sandbox environments. Delete account. GDPR data export.

### API & Developer Docs
REST API authentication using Firebase ID tokens. Endpoints for tips, workers, kiosks, and webhooks. Rate limits. SDKs. OpenAPI specification available at api.aplauso.io/docs.

### Kiosk & QR Setup
Print QR codes for rooms, tables, or individual workers. Set up NFC tap points. Customize kiosk branding. Configure tip amounts and presets. Enable or disable tipping receipts. Multi-recipient kiosk mode.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Does the guest need to download an app?**
A: No. The Aplauso kiosk is a mobile web app. Guests tap a QR code or NFC point and tip directly in their browser.

**Q: How quickly do workers receive tips?**
A: With Instant Payouts, tips can arrive within 30 minutes to a linked debit card. Standard bank transfers typically take 1–2 business days.

**Q: What fees does Aplauso charge?**
A: Aplauso charges a small platform fee per transaction. Workers keep the vast majority of their tips. Exact fees are shown at checkout and on the billing page in the dashboard.

**Q: Is Aplauso compliant with labor laws?**
A: Yes. Aplauso is designed for voluntary gratuities and does not substitute for wages. Tips go directly to workers, not through the employer. Tax documents (1099-K) are provided for eligible workers.

**Q: Can multiple workers share a kiosk?**
A: Yes. Multi-recipient kiosks let guests choose which worker or team to tip when multiple staff serve them.

**Q: What payment methods are supported?**
A: Credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other digital wallets supported by Stripe.

**Q: Is Aplauso available internationally?**
A: Aplauso currently operates in the United States. International expansion is planned.

## Support Processes

- **Self-service**: Browse the knowledge base at /kb for guides and how-tos.
- **Submit a ticket**: Use the contact form at /contact. Tickets are tracked and viewable at /portal (requires login).
- **Response times**: Standard support: 1 business day. Priority support: 4 hours (enterprise plans).
- **Live chat**: Available from the chat widget on this support site during business hours.

## System Status

Aplauso publishes real-time system status at https://support.aplauso.io/status. Services monitored include the kiosk, dashboard, API, authentication, payment processing, and payout systems. Incident history and post-mortems are published on the status page.

## Release Notes

Aplauso publishes a full changelog at https://support.aplauso.io/release-notes after every platform update. Release notes include new features, improvements, bug fixes, and breaking changes with migration guides.

## Contact

- **Support**: support@aplauso.io
- **Security disclosures**: security@aplauso.io
- **Business inquiries**: hello@aplauso.io
- **Website**: https://aplauso.io
- **Twitter/X**: @AplausoApp
- **LinkedIn**: linkedin.com/company/aplauso