FAQ
Quick answers — pricing, customers, payments, and setup.
The basics
Do my customers need to download an app?expand_more
No signup, no email, no account — just one QR scan. Customers who already have the free Blinko app connect instantly; new ones do a quick one-time free download.
How much does Blinko cost?expand_more
Blinko has a free plan that stays free forever. Paid plans start at $19/month (Indie) with a 15-day trial — no credit card required.
How long does setup take?expand_more
Most businesses go live in under 10 minutes — print your QR sticker, configure your first stamp card or welcome offer, and you are running.
Will I lose my customers if I switch from Square or Toast?expand_more
No. Blinko sits alongside your existing POS — you keep your payment flow and just add the loyalty layer on top.
What kind of businesses use Blinko?expand_more
Cafes, restaurants, nail salons, barbershops, retail shops, gyms, churches, yoga instructors, food trucks, and any business with repeat customers — including solo professionals without a fixed location.
Can I run a refer-a-friend campaign in Blinko?expand_more
Yes. Blinko's referral campaigns let your existing customers invite friends with a personalized QR coupon — both the referrer and the new customer earn a reward when the friend makes their first purchase.
Does my customer have to download an app to refer their friend?expand_more
No. Customers share the referral coupon directly via iMessage, WhatsApp, or any messaging app. The friend who receives it sees the offer instantly in the link preview, and only installs Blinko if they want to claim the reward.
Blinko Business
Do my customers need anything to join?expand_more
No signup, no email, no account — just one QR scan. Customers who already have the free Blinko app connect instantly; new ones do a quick one-time free download.
Does Blinko replace my POS?expand_more
No. Blinko runs alongside whatever register and processor you already use. Nothing about how you take payment has to change.
What does it cost?expand_more
The Free plan is free forever — it’s not a trial. Paid plans add capacity and connected automations, with a 30-day free trial and no credit card to start.
Blinko Spots
Is Blinko Spots free?expand_more
Yes — free on iPhone and Android, with web discovery at spots.blinko.ai.
How does my business appear in Spots?expand_more
Publishing your Blinko business profile creates your public spot automatically — no separate listing to manage.
What do followers see?expand_more
Your broadcasts, offers, and updates — delivered directly, not filtered through an algorithm.
Blinko Copilot
Can Copilot send campaigns on its own?expand_more
No. Copilot drafts and proposes; every campaign waits for your approval. You’re always in control.
What languages does it speak?expand_more
Copilot works in English and Spanish — proposals, explanations, and chat.
Which plan includes Copilot?expand_more
Copilot is part of Blinko Business — start free and meet it on day one.
Automations
How many automations can I run?expand_more
Every automation is available on every plan. Active-automation caps: Free 1, Indie 3, Business and Enterprise unlimited.
What can trigger an automation?expand_more
A QR scan, a form submission, a booking, a payment, or a customer going quiet — real customer behavior, not schedules alone.
Do I need to configure anything technical?expand_more
No. Pick the automation, adjust the message and timing, and turn it on. Copilot can propose the setup for you.
Payments
Does Blinko really charge 0%?expand_more
Yes — Blinko takes no platform fee on payments. You pay only your payment processor’s standard rate.
Do I need a new payment processor?expand_more
No. Connect the Stripe or Square account you already have and keep your existing setup.
Can customers pay in person?expand_more
Yes — show your QR and they pay on their phone. No extra hardware.
QR Engagement
Where do I get my QR sticker?expand_more
Blinko generates it in your dashboard — download the print-ready file and print it anywhere.
What happens when a customer scans?expand_more
They land on your spot: join your loyalty program, see your offers, pay, or book — depending on what you’ve set up.
Can I use different QRs for different places?expand_more
Yes — stickers, cards, and posters can carry distinct codes so you can see which placement performs.