Calling Passionate ₿itcoiners: Let’s Drive Mass Adoption Together 🙌

[sharanmir]

Hey fellow Bitcoiners,

My friend Richard and I have been working on an initiative to bring Bitcoin into everyday hands. we've developed a compact digital tipping device that runs on the Lightning Network. It displays a constantly refreshing QR code linked to a venue’s Lightning wallet, complete with an in-built split payment function to ensure transparent tip splitting among staff. Every tip is automatically divided, turning each employee into a Bitcoiner without any extra effort on their part.

As a distributor, you’d help place these devices in tip-accepting businesses—at no cost to them—while earning a share from each tip processed. This project creates a natural trickle-down effect, where BTC from everyday transactions flows directly into the hands of those on the ground.

If this project speaks to the true Bitcoiner in you, please get in touch so we can work on it together. Furthermore, if you own a tip-accepting business (cafe/resto/bar...) with multiple locations and would like to receive these devices at no cost, let me know.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts, contact me @sharanmir on telegram   

[Vod]

If this project speaks to the true Bitcoiner in you, please get in touch so we can work on it together. Furthermore, if you own a tip-accepting business (cafe/resto/bar...) with multiple locations and would like to receive these devices at no cost, let me know.

I looked into the idea of table top amenities a couple years ago with a pokemon-go type game for alcohol.  How are you planning on making your money?  Advertising on the display, or an add on static display?  I ask this because one of the larger Canadian pizza chains (Boston Pizza) started doing this about a year ago.  Not the splitting of bitcoin tips, but to ask for the server, and display ads.   Even further back, I remember a pitch on Dragon's Den for something like this.  The owner of BPs, who was one of the Dragons, didn't like the idea, because he wanted "his brand" and his brand alone on anything in his restaurants.

You are asking a restaurant to give up a prime advertising spot at the table, and provide extra work for staff, for something that won't get a lot of action on it's own.  When I left the bar industry in 2018, not a single person had ever asked to pay in crypto.   Impulse spending and loose morals while drunk do not make for a non-reversible marketplace. 

My advice is to give the bar more value in the device.  If no one looks twice at your device after they realize what it is, you are not giving value to your advertisers either. 

[sharanmir]

Thanks for sharing your perspective—I really appreciate the insights from your experience. Let me clarify our approach with Piggy Tips.

The devices are simple, unbranded units (smaller than your average smartphone) that only display the words “Lightning Tips.” They’re not about flashy branding or advertising space—they’re about a mission to create a Bitcoin standard by putting BTC directly into everyday hands. Only customers who understand what the lightning network is will engage—others simply pass by. The devices display a refreshing QR code linked to a venue’s Lightning wallet. The built-in configurable split payment function then automatically distributes the tip among all staff. This means that with each tip to an establishment, every employee starts their journey as a Bitcoiner without having to purchase any BTC.

We aim to monetize microtransactions by taking a small percentage of each tip. That revenue goes right back into manufacturing more devices or if working alongside a distributor half goes to the distributor and the other to making more devices, which in turn accelerates Bitcoin adoption. As established Bitcoin users tip, the device empowers employees to become Bitcoiners without any extra cost—helping drive grassroots BTC adoption

Our goal isn’t to force a change or take away valuable advertising space—it’s to enable a seamless, grassroots method for increasing Bitcoin adoption. Hope that clarified it, thanks for engaging it means a lot

[joniboini]

We aim to monetize microtransactions by taking a small percentage of each tip. That revenue goes right back into manufacturing more devices or if working alongside a distributor half goes to the distributor and the other to making more devices, which in turn accelerates Bitcoin adoption. As established Bitcoin users tip, the device empowers employees to become Bitcoiners without any extra cost—helping drive grassroots BTC adoption

I think this can only succeed if there are enough LN users to begin with. Is there any projection on how many transactions or volumes are required so your project can break even or make a profit?

If my memory serves me right I read similar threads where business owners want to put a digital device for crypto transactions, which might compete with your product if I understood your business flow correctly.

[NotATether]

Just wondering, how many people have you recruited so far for distribution?

[sharanmir]

To reply to "joniboini":

Thanks for your question. Our (me and my partner) model is based on a simple idea: even if each device gets about $1 a day in BTC tips, it still covers distributor costs and generates a small profit. To give you some context: many cities in the US have 3-5 Bitcoin meetups per week with 20-50 active attendees, and Bitcoin conventions bring in hundreds of Lightning Network users enabling surrounding tip accepting businesses to benefit. Plus, Lightning wallet downloads are growing rapidly around the world, creating the opportunity for steady tip flow in venues where the devices are placed.
Each device continuously displays a refreshing QR code linked to the venue's Lightning wallet. The built-in split payment feature automatically divides every tip among staff members. This system not only ensures fair, transparent tip distribution-eliminating issues like theft or uneven splitting-but also avoids regulation/taxation, as tips are gratuities.
With this setup, as Bitcoiners visit and tip, the device automatically distributes Bitcoin to staff members, which helps turn them into Bitcoin holders without them needing to buy any BTC. This phenomenon would be called the trickle down effect. The revenue model is simple: we take a 15% platform fee, and distributors earn 50% of that fee on each tip received from devices linked to them. Even with modest tip volumes, this provides passive income that can cover small costs. As more people adopt Lightning and more Bitcoiners engage, the income potential will only grow.
This system not only drives Bitcoin adoption but also allows the growth of a grassroots network of new Bitcoiners (the mission at hand).


And to reply to "notatether":
In relation the amount of distributors. Because we are just getting started and the software is almost complete I've just begun outreach and only have 4 distributors at the moment 1 in the United States and 3 in the UAE each agreeing to place about 5 devices at no cost as soon as they are ready. They aim to install them at cafes they know that have frequent BTC community meetups.

And to both:
I'd be happy to give more details or discuss anything. Furthermore if there were any suggestions from the community as to where to send some devices at no cost to next, would be greatly appreciated.

[Vod]

I like the idea of adding the ability to pay with crypto, but have you run the numbers?

I'll ask these questions, and if you don't want to answer that's fine - they are also for you to determine if this is financially worth it.

- You make 7.5 cents on a $1 tip - what is the amount of tips needed to break even on each device?  To break even from startup costs?
- Who pays to replace the device if it is smashed, drowned, or stolen?
- How often do the devices need to be charged? How will the staff know when they need to be charged?
- How is the device configured?  Does each one need to be configured?  What about updates?
- How will you deal with people swapping the device with an identical one?

You claim this will lead to a trickle down effect, meaning those who receive crypto may become avid users.  Have you talked to any staff member that would turn down 100% of a cash tip over 85% of crypto split between all working staff?  You can also ask them at that time if receiving crypto would make them more likely to learn about it, or cash it out ASAP.   I bounced just a few years ago - these waitresses don't view a bitcoin meeting or their participants as "cool" , "desirable", or "bleeding edge"  

You could make coin from exchange affiliation, but again, it won't be much.

[sharanmir]

Thanks for your detailed questions—I’ll break down our approach and projections.

On a $1 tip, the platform fee is 15%, or 15 cents, and as a distributor you receive 50% of that fee—roughly 7.5 cents per tip. Based on our conservative estimates, each device would need to process only around 200 $1 tips to recoup the startup cost. As LN adoption grows, we expect tip volumes to increase well beyond that baseline.

Regarding device durability, we’re planning to incorporate a warranty and replacement policy into our distributor agreement. If a device is damaged, stolen, or otherwise compromised, replacement costs will be managed under this support framework, minimizing any burden on you.

Our devices are designed for efficiency: they’re compact (smaller than a smartphone) and just need to be plugged into a USB slot to stay working (USB-C powered can be made portable with a portable battery). Each unit comes pre-configured with our software and can be updated remotely. The split payment function is fully configurable—distributors can adjust it based on how many employees are on duty each day, ensuring transparent, instant tip splitting. This eliminates common issues like theft or uneven distribution seen with traditional tip jars.

The natural trickle-down effect is more powerful than you think as every BTC conference I have gone to people have offered to sent a small amount of sats just for others to get started on their BTC journey. Venues hosting regular BTC meetups—often 3–5 per week with 20–50 participants—along with BTC convention venues and crypto-friendly cafes, already see a steady flow of LN users. When these Bitcoiners tip via our device, the BTC is immediately split among staff, turning every tip into a step toward grassroots BTC adoption. Even if the initial daily revenue is modest, it not only covers distributor costs but also has the potential to grow significantly as LN wallet downloads continue to rise exponentially. The minimal costs for each device is what allows for profit to be made.

In short, our model is designed to create a sustainable, grassroots movement that both drives Bitcoin adoption (By putting BTC into the people's hands) and generates passive income for distributors. I hope this answers your questions and clarifies our approach. After conducting some research in Dubai and in Los Angeles I have determined that waiters do in fact believe that Bitcoin is something of the future and they do show interest in the ability to earn BTC without having to actually purchase it. When it comes to the point about people choosing to tip cash over BTC, I believe that it has no effect as the trickle down effect relies on the good heartedness of all us Bitcoiners who when presented the chance to tip a bit in sats would happily give more than a dollar to increase BTC adoption wherever we go. If anyone would actually like to be a distributor hit me up on telegram (@sharanmir) and I would happily send over 5 devices for free (linked to your name for distribution) as soon as the software is done. All you would have to do is to place a few devices in BTC populated areas or cafes that receive BTC meetups frequently. I am trying to increase BTC adoption over everything else hope you see that the project aligns with this vision and not making money as the priority

[Vod]

You danced around one of the most important questions - who pays when a device needs replacement?

If the bar is having a crypto get together, the manager needs to go into each device and configure it.    The manager then either has to eat the $15 cost (plus battery?) if a device goes missing, or pass it on to the staff. 

It's an interesting hobby to play with crypto, but you shouldn't lead people on about making profit off investing.

[sharanmir]

I understand the concern. The device is free for establishments, so the host never has to pay. If a device needs replacement—due to loss or damage—I will send a replacement unit at no cost. The manager only needs to configure the device once upon receiving it, and after setup, it stays plugged in via a USB-C cable (so there’s no battery) while continuously displaying a refreshing Lightning QR code.

The only cost comes into play for distributors. Those interested in being a distributor will receive the first 4-5 devices free (depending on inventory) to see the devices in action. After that, any additional units would need to be purchased. This way, no one else bears any cost, and the focus remains on driving grassroots BTC adoption. Not sure why you are so quick to call it a scam. I'm still happy to answer any other questions

[Zwei]

device this, device that...

you say you already developed it and have units ready, but you have not shared anything besides words.
at least post some pics, or a video of it.

[Vod]

Not sure why you are so quick to call it a scam. I'm still happy to answer any other questions

I'm not calling it a scam - I'm saying it's not a profitable idea, but more of a hobby.  If someone snags one as a souvenir, you cannot count on the staff to openly accuse people when they are on tips.  Your business plan does not take loss into account, and you only see small profit if everything works 100%.

Also, if someone steals one, are they able to retrieve the business WIFI credentials?   Those have to be stored on the device since is powered off when moved.

Finally, you want the venue to run USB cables on a table where there is alcohol?  I've never seen a table display that is not battery operated. 

Anyway, I wish you good luck with your hobby, and hopefully you can grow it into something that can make $.

[Vod]

I thought about a way you could monetize this.  Right now you are using a raspberry pi with NFC and wifi?  Why don't you attach a midsize touch monitor to it, and use it as part of a "trivia type" night out for your crypto get together.  This would be more likely to get people interested in what you were doing, and would make the device harder to steal.

That is the hardware part, which you give away for free, and take a much smaller cut than 15%.  Make your money by running the stream the trivia contest is in.  In between questions, you can show advertisements or "did you know???" type facts to draw interest.

The touch screen is important.  It allows tables/teams to enter answers in real time, giving you real time stats.  People who drink love competition. 

[sharanmir]

I would love to show images but it does not allow me to attach any images anywhere on here when I press attach image it just shows a text, I also have a video that shows it as well but there is no place to upload video on this,. i suppose if truly interested hit me up on telegram and I will more than happily forward all the videos/pictures I have of the devices. @sharanmir. Also in terms of the credentials and stuff getting stolen it does not apply as the screen has the ability to show two QR codes. One to accept tips with (lightning wallet address) and the other with a QR code that takes them to a login portal where they have their own login details which they are to save upon first setting up the machine. So in terms of "if someone was to steal the device" they would still need the login details that is only known by the host of the machine. Setting up the machine as a host goes as follows (it's a pretty simple process):

1. Power Up Your Piggy
Plug in your Piggy device.
It will automatically start and initialize as an access point.
2. Connect to Piggy
On your phone or computer, go to Wi-Fi settings.
Connect to the network called "Tips".
3. Provide the Store's Wi-Fi details
Open a web browser and go to 192.168.4.1. (It might automatically pop up a browser so this may not be neccesary)
Enter the store's Wi-Fi credentials.
Once connected, the Piggy is ready!
4. Start Collecting Tips
• The Piggy will now display a LNURL QR code for customers to scan and tip.
5. Access Your Account Dashboard
Tap 5 times on the screen to reveal your Account URL QR code.
Scan it with your phone to access the dashboard (Go into the account details section to add a password to secure your account and keep this password safe).
6. Set Up Split Payments
In your dashboard, go to Split Payment settings.
Assign tip distribution among the store's employees.

Since I am unable to attach an image directly on here for some reason I suppose I am able to attach a google drive file with some media I uploaded so here are some videos/pictures of it or if you are not comfortable clicking the link you can message me on telegram as mentioned earlier:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zkcok00x_HjXuI5qFCsAK6jtbdp_TPT1?usp=sharing

Furthermore in relation to never having seen USB cables on a bar is something I would have to disagree with as usually the Bar's POS system has cables running all over the bar and usually the POS system is right where the drinks are being served/poured so that people are able to immediately make payments and also all you need to do is use a long USB-C cable which is connected only slightly away from the bar. Where the cable connects to the device is covered by the case of the device so it is pretty water resistant. Anyhow happy to discuss anything further

[joniboini]

I would love to show images but it does not allow me to attach any images anywhere on here when I press attach image it just shows a text, I also have a video that shows it as well but there is no place to upload video on this,.

You can upload your images on image hosting websites and post the bbcode/image link here. It won't show up in your preview because you're a newbie but someone can quote your post to make it visible. I checked your Google Drive link and I suggest you to upload them to image hosting website like talking since most people are not comfortable viewing link like that.

[Vod]

Furthermore in relation to never having seen USB cables on a bar is something I would have to disagree with as usually the Bar's POS system has cables running all over the bar and usually the POS system is right where the drinks are being served/poured so that people are able to immediately make payments and also all you need to do is use a long USB-C cable which is connected only slightly away from the bar.

You'll need to purchase a copper membership if you want to post images.   

Who are you disagreeing with?  I mentioned I've never seen a table display device in a bar that doesn't run on batteries - does the bar provide the USB power adaptor for liability reasons or does the customer bring it?    Do the staff need to tape down your long cables when there are no nearby power receptacles? What happens when one of your devices, not properly maintained, starts a fire on a table soaked in the higher proof spirits?  Does their insurance even cover temporary wiring on customer tables?

You seem to be very defensive about your idea, which is fine, but don't let your rigidity close your mind to new ideas and opportunities.  I bounced in bars across Alberta, Nova Scotia and Ohio - after hours I have seen things you never have - and I don't believe this tiny device will gain any traction.  Add features to it and make it interactive.  Would you rather be known as a guy who makes lightning top devices, or as the host of Lightning Trivia?   Your first gigs in each new city may even attract the local media.