diff --git a/app.py b/app.py
index 69736ae..c7f5673 100644
--- a/app.py
+++ b/app.py
@@ -672,6 +672,9 @@ def admin_request(rid):
                 flash('Select at least one file to deliver.', 'error')
                 return redirect(url_for('admin_request', rid=rid))
 
+            # Record payment immediately so the reference is preserved even if email fails.
+            update_request(rid, square_payment_ref=payment_ref, status='delivered')
+
             attachments = []
             for path in selected:
                 p = Path(path)
@@ -682,10 +685,10 @@ def admin_request(rid):
             body = f"Hi {req['name']},\n\nThanks for your payment! Your selected song(s) are attached to this email.\n\nYou can also keep streaming them here: {player_link}\n\nEnjoy!\n\n— {current_app.config['BOOTH_NAME']}"
             try:
                 send_email(req['email'], 'Your theme song files are here!', body, attachments=attachments, inline_images=build_signature_images())
-                update_request(rid, square_payment_ref=payment_ref, delivery_sent_at=now_utc(), status='delivered')
+                update_request(rid, delivery_sent_at=now_utc())
                 flash('Delivery email sent with MP3 attachments.', 'success')
             except Exception as e:
-                flash(f'Failed to send delivery email: {e}', 'error')
+                flash(f'Payment recorded, but delivery email failed: {e}', 'error')
 
         return redirect(url_for('admin_request', rid=rid))
 
diff --git a/templates/admin/request.html b/templates/admin/request.html
index 8bb06da..92905ed 100644
--- a/templates/admin/request.html
+++ b/templates/admin/request.html
@@ -279,6 +279,9 @@
             <span class="status-badge missing">❌ Not sent yet</span>
             {% endif %}
           </p>
+          {% if req.square_payment_ref %}
+          <p><strong>Square Payment Reference:</strong> {{ req.square_payment_ref }}</p>
+          {% endif %}
           <form method="POST">
             <input type="hidden" name="action" value="mark_paid_deliver">