2020 was an unprecedented year for the live event industry. The global COVID-19 pandemic led to massive event cancellations, leaving organizers, artists, and fans without in-person experiences. But with vaccines rolling out worldwide and public health guidelines improving, the return of live events is on the horizon. So in this article we will go over 5 Battle Tested Tips with you.
As event producers prepare for 2021 and beyond, one thing is clear: contactless experiences are no longer a luxury—they’re a necessity. From entry points to merchandise stands, implementing cashless payment systems is one of the most important changes organizers can make to create a safer, more efficient experience.
Contactless Payments Will Be Critical at Live Events
One of the top areas where contactless technology will have the most impact is at bars, food vendors, and merchandise booths. The traditional exchange of cash or paper drink tickets is outdated, inefficient, and in today’s world, unhygienic.
The Problem with Cash at Events
Cash has long been a go-to for transactions at live events—but it’s no longer the best option.
Hidden Costs of Cash-Heavy Events
- Theft and Loss (Shrinkage)
It’s a reality many organizers face. Cash-heavy events often lose 5–25% of revenue due to theft, mismanagement, or misplaced funds. One producer reported a $7,000 cash backpack disappearing mid-event—money gone with no trace. - Operational Complexity and Security Risks
Handling cash requires more security, staff, and logistics. Cash counting, transportation, and reconciliation are labor-intensive and increase your insurance premiums and liability. - Poor Hygiene
In a post-pandemic world, sanitation matters more than ever. Studies, including one from Mastercard, show that 82% of people believe contactless payments are cleaner than cash.
Enter RFID and NFC: The Rise of Cashless Payments
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and NFC (Near-Field Communication) technology has been around for years, but adoption is accelerating as safety becomes a top priority.
With RFID wristbands, events can:
- Control Access: Use wristbands as digital tickets scanned at entry and VIP zones.
- Enhance Engagement: Enable fans to tap for selfies, sponsor activations, or social shares.
- Enable Seamless Payments: Let attendees buy food, drinks, and merchandise with a tap.
Let’s dive into how to successfully implement RFID cashless payments at your next event.
5 Essential Tips for Cashless Payment Success
1. Only Use What You Need
RFID technology can do a lot—but that doesn’t mean you need to use it all.
- Large-scale events like Coachella benefit from RFID access control, sponsor engagement, and payments.
- Smaller events may only need cashless point-of-sale systems for food and drinks.
🔑 Pro tip: Keep it simple. Start with what solves your most pressing pain points (long lines, cash theft, etc.) and scale later.
2. Understand When Cashless Systems Add Value
Not every event needs a cashless system. Here’s when it does make sense:
Ideal Scenarios:
- 300+ attendees
- You’re selling food, beverage, or merchandise
- Tickets include drink/meal credits
- You’ve got long bar lines or operational delays
- You’re losing money to theft or cash errors
- Your attendees typically make 2+ purchases on-site
Event Types That Benefit:
- Music festivals
- Beer and wine festivals
- Corporate events
- High-volume social gatherings
Less Ideal:
- Small private parties
- Weddings
- Events with open bars
3. Start with a Hybrid Rollout
Avoid the horror stories of failed cashless launches. Instead of going all-in, test with a hybrid deployment:
- Start with VIP guests or allow General Admission opt-ins
- Use a system like FastBar, which supports both RFID and credit cards
- Ensure your system has offline capabilities to prevent downtime
This “crawl, walk, run” approach lowers risk while setting you up for long-term success.
4. Avoid Attendee Frustrations: No Top-Ups or Refund Hassles
Many cashless systems use a top-up and refund model, where attendees preload money and request refunds for unused funds—often with a fee.
😡 Attendees hate this. And it discourages them from loading more than they plan to use.
FastBar uses a tab-based model, where guests only pay for what they use, just like running a tab at a bar. It’s intuitive, fast, and friction-free.
5. Use Transparent Pricing – No “Event Currency”
Another major complaint? Confusing event currency like “credits” or “pearls.”
Attendees shouldn’t have to do math just to figure out how much a drink costs. A beer that costs 5.5 “pearls” may really be $9.17—this leads to frustration and mistrust.
💡 Use clear pricing in dollars. You’ll build more trust, reduce complaints, and improve the attendee experience.
In Summary: Cashless Payments Are the Future of Safe, Profitable Events
As live events return in a post-COVID world, cashless payments will play a crucial role in making events safer, faster, and more profitable.
✅ Focus only on the RFID features you need
✅ Implement cashless where it adds real value
✅ Start small with hybrid rollouts
✅ Avoid attendee frustrations with top-ups, refunds, and confusing pricing
✅ Use transparent, familiar payment methods like credit cards or RFID tabs
If you’re ready to level up your next event with cashless payments, FastBar is here to help. Our team has worked with event organizers across the country to implement safe, seamless payment solutions that reduce cost, increase revenue, and boost the guest experience.
Ready to Go Cashless?
📩 Contact FastBar today to learn how we can help you launch a successful RFID cashless payment system at your next event.
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