Frequently Asked Questions

How does P2PTipJar actually work?

We generate a clean, mobile-friendly storefront and cart for your business. When a customer checks out, we instantly calculate their total and generate a deep-link that automatically opens their own Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal app on their phone with your handle, the exact total, and their itemized order number pre-filled.

Can my customers pay with a credit card if I use PayPal?

It depends on your PayPal account type:

• Personal Accounts: Your customers will be forced to log in to PayPal to complete the transaction. Guest checkout is not supported.
• Business Accounts: Yes! If you upgrade to a free Business account, buyers can check out securely as a guest using a debit or credit card.
  
  Pro Tip: Make sure you log into PayPal, go to Website Payment Preferences, and turn "PayPal Account Optional" to ON for this to work.
  
  ⚠️ Note on Fees: While P2PTipJar charges no platform fees, using a Business Account to process credit cards means PayPal will deduct their standard merchant processing fee (typically around 2.9% + $0.30) from the transaction.

Wait, so there are really zero platform fees?

Correct! We do not charge a skim or a percentage fee on your transactions. If you use standard Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle P2P, you keep 100% of your tips and sales. If you choose to use a PayPal Business account to accept credit cards, PayPal will charge their standard processing fee, but P2PTipJar never takes a cut. We keep the lights on through the ad wall on our Free Busker tier and our flat-rate monthly subscriptions for Pro vendors.

Do you handle refunds or chargebacks?

No. Because P2PTipJar does not touch the money, we cannot issue refunds. All transactions happen directly between the buyer and the seller inside their chosen payment app. If a customer needs a refund, they must contact the seller directly.

Do I need an LLC or special bank account to use this?

Nope. If you have a standard personal Venmo or Cash App, you can start taking tips and selling merch immediately. (Though if you want to take credit cards without Stripe, see the PayPal note above).

What happens if the customer's phone won't open the payment app?

Our checkout flow includes a safe fallback. If their phone's popup blocker prevents Venmo or Cash App from opening automatically, they are given a manual button to tap, as well as a receipt screen showing your exact handle and the total due so they can enter it manually.