Handling cash creates risk and extra work
Counting a cash box before and after the event, making change under pressure, and reconciling the register at the end of the night is stressful for parent volunteers who did not sign up to be cashiers.
Event-day sales
Cashless concession stands powered by QR codes
Replace cash boxes and long lines with phone-based ordering. Fans scan a QR code at the stand, place their order, pay with a card, and volunteers see the order on a live feed.
The challenge
What makes this fundraising harder than it should be
Long lines mean lost sales
When the halftime rush hits, fans see a 15-person line and walk away. Every person who leaves the line is revenue the booster club does not collect.
Volunteers need training they never get
A new group of parents runs the stand every game. There is no time to train them on a POS terminal, and mistakes with pricing or change happen constantly.
Nobody carries cash anymore
Parents and fans show up with a phone and a card. If the concession stand is cash-only, a large portion of potential buyers simply do not purchase.
The HometownLift approach
Phone ordering, card payments, and a volunteer fulfillment feed
QR code at every station
Print a QR code and tape it to the counter, the wall, or a sign. Fans scan it with their phone camera, see the menu, and place an order. No app download required.
Card payment at checkout
Fans pay with a credit or debit card on their phone. No cash handling, no change-making, no register. The order is confirmed instantly and funds go directly to the organization's connected Stripe account.
Live order feed for volunteers
Volunteers see incoming orders on a shared screen or phone. Each order shows the items, the buyer's name, and a status toggle. Fulfillment is as simple as reading a ticket and handing over the food.
Menu management in the dashboard
Organizers set up menu items, prices, and availability in the HometownLift dashboard before the event. Items can be toggled on or off during the event if something sells out.
FAQ
Common questions
Do fans need to download an app?
No. Fans scan a QR code with their phone camera and the menu opens in the browser. There is nothing to install.
How do volunteers know what to prepare?
When a fan places an order, it appears on a live order feed that volunteers can view on any phone, tablet, or laptop. Each order shows the items and a name so volunteers can call it out when ready.
Can we run multiple stations with different menus?
Yes. Each station can have its own QR code and its own menu. A drink station, a food station, and a bake sale table can each operate independently with separate item lists.
What fees apply to concession orders?
A 5% platform fee plus card processing is added at checkout and paid by the buyer. The organization receives 100% of the item price. There is no monthly fee or hardware cost.
Explore more
Ready to get started?