Building Cashless: Making Digital Payments Easy for Musicians

Why we're building a better payment solution for musicians and creators, and how we're using modern tech to make it happen.

#Startup#Fintech#Product

As a product person who's spent years in fintech, I've seen firsthand how digital payments can transform businesses. But there's one group that's been largely left behind: musicians and creators. That's why we built Cashless.

The Problem

Picture this: You're a musician who just finished an amazing set. People loved it and want to tip you, but nobody carries cash anymore. You've got a bunch of payment apps, but switching between them is a hassle, and keeping track of your earnings across platforms is a nightmare.

This isn't a hypothetical scenario - it's something I saw happening every weekend in venues across Birmingham. Musicians were losing out on earnings simply because accepting digital payments was too complicated.

The Solution

That's where Cashless comes in. We're building the simplest way for musicians to accept payments and manage their earnings. Here's how it works:

  • One Link for All Payments

    Musicians get a single, customizable link (like spendcashless.com/artist-name)

  • Multiple Payment Methods

    We support all major payment methods through Stripe integration

  • Smart Analytics

    Track earnings, popular venues, and best-performing nights

  • Instant Deposits

    Get your money when you need it, not days later

Technical Implementation

Building a fintech product comes with unique challenges. Here's how we're tackling them:

Security First

  • PCI Compliance

    Secure infrastructure through Stripe's platform

  • End-to-End Encryption

    All transactions are fully encrypted

  • Regular Security Audits

    Continuous penetration testing and security reviews

Performance

  • Blazing Fast

    Next.js for lightning-quick page loads

  • Edge Computing

    Quick payment processing through edge functions

  • Mobile Optimized

    Crucial for live venue environments

Reliability

  • Real-time Updates

    Instant payment status notifications

  • Offline Support

    Works even with spotty venue WiFi

  • Automated Reporting

    Seamless reconciliation and tracking

What's Next

We're just getting started. Our roadmap includes:

  • Venue QR Codes

    Easy tipping through venue-specific QR codes

  • Platform Integration

    Seamless connection with booking platforms

  • Tax Automation

    Simplified tax reporting for musicians

  • Split Payments

    Easy payment distribution for bands and groups

Join Us

If you're a musician or venue owner interested in simplifying your payment experience, check us out at spendcashless.com. We're always looking for feedback and early users to help shape the future of the platform.

Building Cashless has been an incredible journey so far, combining my passion for fintech with my desire to solve real problems for creators. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow and evolve!