NFC wristband vs. paper token — what actually pays off?
· 5 min · Zomk
Paper tokens are cheap — until you count change, loss and queues. An honest comparison.
Paper tokens
Cheap per unit and familiar. But: change at the till, loss in the crowd, counterfeits, slow bar service.
NFC wristbands
Reusable or single-use, no cash at the bar. Guests top up via app or top-up station, staff just tap.
Example: 1,500 guests
- Tokens: 4 cashiers x 3 days, ~15% loss on change and tokens, 20-minute queues at peak.
- NFC: 1 top-up station, 2 bar staff, no change loss, 5-minute peak queue.
When does NFC pay off?
From roughly 500 guests or with multiple parallel bars. Small events do fine with card + cash.
What about refunds?
Zomk gives guests 72 hours to get remaining balance refunded by IBAN. After that it can be donated to the club.