For associations and event organizers, payment management is often a sensitive issue. Between queues, handling cash, cash register errors, and managing volunteer teams, collecting payments can quickly become a source of complexity.
It is in response to these constraints that event cashless has gradually established itself as a reliable solution for festivals as well as for community, sporting, and cultural events.
Cashless associations: what exactly are we talking about?
Cashless payment involves replacing cash (and sometimes paper tickets) with a digital payment method, usually a card or wristband.
This method is used throughout the event to pay for purchases: bar, food, merchandising, activities.
For the public, the principle is simple: a single payment method, fast payment.
For the association, it is primarily a way to centralize and secure payments.
Why more and more associations are going cashless
The success of cashless payments in the non-profit sector is primarily based on very concrete benefits.
For organizers:
- reduction in liquid handling,
- fewer cash register errors,
- faster checkout during peak hours,
- better traceability of recipes,
- simplified event closure.
For volunteers:
- fewer calculations,
- less stress,
- quick to learn, even without prior experience.
Cashless payment systems thus enable a more professional approach to collecting payments without complicating the organization.
READ: How much does it cost to set up a cashless solution?
A smoother experience for the audience
From the participants' point of view, cashless payment significantly improves the event experience.
Once the device is loaded, payment becomes almost instantaneous, reducing waiting times at the busiest points of sale.
Depending on the event, the audience may:
- reload your media beforehand,
- recharge on site,
- track your spending,
- and, if applicable, request a refund after the event.
This fluidity directly benefits the overall atmosphere... and often the bottom line.
Adapting to the reality of community events
Not all associations have the same needs.
A local sports tournament, a village fair, or an association festival do not require the same level of organization.
A cashless solution tailored to the non-profit sector must be able to:
- be scaled according to the size of the event,
- operate with a variable number of points of sale,
- be easy to deploy,
- and, if necessary, coexist with credit card payments.
Flexibility is often more important than sophistication.
Benefit cards: a simple way to thank volunteers
In an association, volunteer engagement is essential. However, the means of recognition are often limited or difficult to manage: paper tickets, untracked "free" drinks, informal arrangements.
Cashless payment systems allow you to set up benefit cards or wristbands that are credited in advance and can be used directly at the event.
Specifically, the organization can:
- assign a cashless card to each volunteer,
- credit a specific amount (drinks, meals, overall budget),
- limit use to certain points of sale if necessary,
- closely monitor the associated expenses.
This system allows volunteers to be thanked fairly, while maintaining clear and centralized management.
READ: Hybrid cashless systems at festivals: why choose this solution?
Clearer management, without parallel systems
Advantage cards prevent the proliferation of informal solutions that are difficult to control.
Everything is set up in advance: amount, duration, rules of use.
For the association, this means:
- fewer discussions at the checkout,
- no tickets to print or distribute,
- no manual management after the event,
- full traceability of the benefits granted.
It saves a lot of time, especially for events lasting several days or involving numerous teams.
A tracking tool to better prepare for future editions
Beyond payment collection, cashless solutions offer a comprehensive view of business activity:
- sales per point of sale,
- most consumed products,
- peak periods.
This data enables associations to improve the organization of future events, adjust inventory levels, or rethink the layout of booths.
An approach designed for the non-profit sector
Solutions such as Cashless.fr, developed by Easytransac, are part of this pragmatic approach: offering a simple, flexible cashless solution that is tailored to the real constraints faced by associations.
The aim is not to make the event more complicated, but to facilitate organization, both for the teams and for the public.
Choosing the right cashless solution for your association
Before getting started, a few questions can help guide your choice:
- How many participants are expected?
- How many points of sale will be opened?
- Who collects the money (volunteers, employees)?
- Should we keep credit card payments as an additional option?
- Do we want to introduce voluntary benefits?
An effective solution is, above all, one that corresponds to the association's actual situation, its resources, and its objectives.
Got a project? Don't wait any longer, we're here to advise you! Contact our teams HERE.
Conclusion
Cashless payment is now a mature and accessible tool for associations and events. When properly scaled, it improves fluidity, security, and organizational convenience, while enhancing the experience for the public and volunteers.
Adopted pragmatically, cashless payment becomes a real ally for community events, rather than an additional constraint.
Who we are
With more than 60,000 customers, Easytransac capitalizes on a decade of expertise in various payment solutions (distance selling, ecommerce, convenience selling, cashless, mobile payment...).
Easytransac is at the forefront of innovation in the ecosystem of electronic payments and hybrid and cashless solutions that meet the requirements of e-tailers, event professionals and SMEs.
Our platform simplifies transactions and enriches the user experience, thanks to an intuitive interface and real-time tracking, while ensuring security at every payment.
Got a project? Don't wait any longer! Contact our teams HERE.
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