Payonentry

Payonentry is a payment model in which access to a venue, event, or service is contingent upon making a payment at the point of entry. The term is used in both physical and digital contexts to describe a gatekeeping approach that collects fees before admission.

Implementation typically involves on-site cashiers or point-of-sale devices for cash, card readers, or mobile payment apps at the entrance. In some cases, digital gates or turnstiles validate a ticket or receipt only after payment has been completed. Payonentry is often contrasted with pre-purchased or annual memberships and with post-entry billing models where access may be charged after use.

Advantages include immediate revenue collection, reduced risk of counterfeit or overbooked entries, and straightforward accounting at the point of access. It can also simplify capacity management by tying admission directly to payment. Disadvantages include potential entry delays due to lines or payment processing, deterrence of prospective visitors, higher cash-handling costs, and privacy concerns when digital payments are tracked. Accessibility considerations and equity issues may arise if payment options are limited or not affordable for all potential attendees.

Variants may include time-based windows (hourly or session-based entry), tiered pricing by entry type or age, and exemptions for children or members. Some venues combine payonentry with pre-authorization holds or deposits to secure attendance. In digital contexts, payonentry might gate access to services or content at first use, with subsequent usage free or discounted.

See also: gate pricing, door charge, pay-at-the-door.