How to run check-in when the signal is poor

How EntryTicket check-in works

Signal drops out in basement gig venues, comedy cellars, festival fields, sports grounds, school and church halls. Planning for it keeps the door moving.

When a volunteer scans a QR ticket, the scanner checks it with EntryTicket online and marks it as checked in. A ticket can only be checked in once, so a second scan of the same ticket is flagged. You can also search for a guest by name or email and check them in by hand.

Pre-event checklist

1. Check the signal at the door: Visit or ask the venue beforehand. Find where mobile data works, and ask for the Wi-Fi details.
2. Plan a connection: Use the venue Wi-Fi, or set up a phone hotspot where there is signal and connect the scanning phones to it.
3. Download the attendee list: Export the attendee list as a PDF from the attendee page before the event, so you have a backup.
4. Charge everything: Charge the phones fully and bring a power bank for each.
5. Test a scan: Scan a test ticket at the door before guests arrive.
6. Assign door roles: Decide who scans, who handles problems and who deals with walk-ups.

Using several phones at once

Several volunteers can scan at the same event. Because every scan is checked online, a ticket already checked in on one phone is flagged on another.

Backup plan if the connection drops

Keep the downloaded attendee list to hand. Tick guests off on it, and check them in by name in EntryTicket once you are back online so your numbers are right.

Ask guests to have their ticket ready

Tickets arrive by WhatsApp and email. Remind guests to open the QR code or take a screenshot before they arrive, in case their own phone has no signal at the door.

Getting paid

Payouts to your Stripe

Ticket money is paid out to your Stripe account, and Stripe pays out to your bank on its usual schedule.

Frequently asked questions

Does the scanner work without signal?

No. Each scan is checked online, so the scanning phone needs mobile data or Wi-Fi. Use the venue Wi-Fi or a hotspot near the door.

Which kinds of venues have signal problems at the door?

Basement gig venues, comedy cellars and club nights, theatres, conference and workshop rooms in older buildings, sports grounds, function rooms used for parties and meetups, and school, church, charity and community halls can all have weak signal. Check before the day.

How many phones can scan?

Several volunteers can scan on their own phones at the same event.

What happens if a ticket is scanned twice?

A ticket can only be checked in once. A second scan, on the same phone or another, is flagged as already checked in.

Do buyers need signal to show their ticket?

Buyers can open the ticket from WhatsApp or email before they arrive, or take a screenshot of the QR code.

Do I need special hardware?

No. A smartphone with a camera and a data connection is enough.

Can I check someone in without scanning?

Yes. Search for the guest by name or email on the check-in page and check them in by hand.

When do I get my money?

Ticket money is paid out to your Stripe account, and Stripe pays out to your bank on its usual schedule.