1
Verify Student
Student enters an SMU number in Telegram. n8n checks it against the existing student database and links the Telegram user ID.
System Overview
The first version can support one gym, while the schema and routing are designed to scale when additional gyms are onboarded.
2
Purchase Pass
The bot displays gym options, confirms the chosen gym, creates an order, then shows price, PayNow number, and no-refund terms.
3
Issue Verification
After payment proof is approved, the bot sends a unique pass code or QR/image that the student shows at the gym counter.
Animated Workflow
Each step maps directly to an n8n branch, node group, or sub-workflow.
STEP 01
Telegram Trigger receives message
Capture text, photo, document, Telegram user ID, and chat ID. Route /start or new users to the login step.
Telegram TriggerSetCode
STEP 02
Load conversation state
Retrieve the current stage from conversation_states. If none exists, create awaiting_smu_number.
Database LookupIF
STEP 03
Verify SMU student number
Validate the format, then query active student records. If invalid, ask the student to try again.
Postgres/MySQLSwitch
STEP 04
Show available gyms
Query active gyms and present a numbered list. In MVP mode, show one gym and ask the student to reply with 1.
gyms tableTelegram Send
STEP 05
Confirm gym selection
Save the selected gym temporarily, then ask the student to reply YES or NO before creating the order.
awaiting_gym_confirmation
STEP 06
Create pending order
Generate an order reference, freeze the selected gym price, and set status to pending_payment.
pass_ordersorder_reference
STEP 07
Collect PayNow screenshot
Send PayNow number, amount, order reference, and no-refund warning. Wait for an image upload.
PhotoDocumentpayment_uploaded
STEP 08
Verify payment
MVP path: forward screenshot to an admin Telegram group. Admin approves or rejects using the order reference.
Manual approvalOCR optionalAPI future
STEP 09
Generate pass and send to student
Create a unique code, optional QR/pass image, expiry time, and one-time-use redemption status.
Code NodeQRTelegram Send Photo
STEP 10
Counter staff redemption
Staff checks or redeems the pass code. n8n rejects expired, already used, or invalid passes.
REDEEM commandstatus: redeemed
Database Blueprint
Use these tables in PostgreSQL, MySQL, Supabase, Airtable, or Google Sheets depending on your stack.
students
| Field | Purpose |
|---|---|
smu_number | Student card number for login verification. |
full_name | Displayed on final pass. |
telegram_user_id | Links Telegram account after verification. |
status | active, inactive, or blocked. |
gyms
| Field | Purpose |
|---|---|
gym_name | Shown in Telegram selection list. |
price | Per-entry pass price. |
paynow_number | Payment recipient number. |
is_active | Controls availability. |
pass_orders
| Field | Purpose |
|---|---|
order_reference | Payment note and admin approval key. |
status | pending_payment, verified, redeemed, expired. |
pass_code | Unique one-time verification code. |
expires_at | Optional pass expiry timestamp. |
conversation_states
| Field | Purpose |
|---|---|
telegram_user_id | Identifies the active conversation. |
current_step | Routes the next message. |
selected_gym_id | Stores temporary gym choice. |
active_order_id | Connects payment upload to an order. |
n8n Node Map
Recommended nodes for the MVP workflow and future-ready payment verification.
Telegram TriggerReceive messages, commands, photos, and document uploads.
Normalize MessageExtract chat ID, user ID, text, file IDs, and attachment flags.
State LookupRead conversation state and route to the correct branch.
Student DB QueryCheck SMU number against active student records.
Gym DB QueryReturn active gyms with name, location, price, and PayNow number.
Order CreationCreate pending order and freeze selected price.
Admin VerificationForward screenshot to admin group for approve/reject commands.
Pass GeneratorCreate unique code, optional QR, expiry, and final Telegram response.
Core Logic Snippets
Drop these into n8n Code or database nodes and adapt field names to your actual database.
MVP recommendation:
Start with manual admin payment verification. Screenshot-only automation is easy to spoof, so full automation should wait until you have a payment API or reconciliation feed.
Start with manual admin payment verification. Screenshot-only automation is easy to spoof, so full automation should wait until you have a payment API or reconciliation feed.
// Generate a pass code in n8n Code node
function randomCode(length = 8) {
const chars = 'ABCDEFGHJKLMNPQRSTUVWXYZ23456789';
let result = '';
for (let i = 0; i < length; i++) {
result += chars[Math.floor(Math.random() * chars.length)];
}
return result;
}
return [{
json: {
pass_code: `GYM-${randomCode(8)}`,
expires_in_hours: 24
}
}];