Maintainers Coffee

Let users thank open-source maintainers with a real cup of coffee

Problem

Many open-source maintainers work quietly without material rewards, and users who want to thank them lack a simple way. Someone on HN built Maintainers Coffee—connect GitHub, add shipping details, and receive coffee—but such services are rare and reach is limited.

Solution

A lightweight page: enter a GitHub username to see the maintainer's saved shipping info, then send coffee or a small tip in one click. Maintainers manage shipping preferences, a thank-you wall, and sponsor acknowledgments.

Users

Open-source maintainers, developers who depend on OSS, teams that want to give back

MVP

GitHub OAuth login and shipping address binding; shareable thank-you link per username; checkout via coffee e-commerce or gift cards; maintainer dashboard for thank-you records; start with US/CA only

Revenue

Take a cut or fixed fee per coffee order; bulk packages for companies; paid sponsor logo placement on maintainer pages

Why now

AI coding increases reliance on open source and maintainer burnout is a hot topic; a small physical thank-you feels warmer than a pure tip, and indie developers can start with existing e-commerce APIs