As the tipping legislation moves closer it should become clear how it will be implemented.
Tipping has never been more important for the staff working in hospitality especially and with the staff we meet and talk to are saying that people are no longer carrying cash. We have also been hearing that around 80% of transactions are by card. Cash tips are disappearing along with that trend.
The tip is in an industry that has traditionally been on the lower end of the pay scale and has been a vital boost to the wage packets of the people working in these vocations.
We have seen big top end chains saying how electronic tipping will be to costly to the business and remove service charges from their business. Surely this would be a big mistake when staff recruitment and retention is so difficult.
The need for incentives such as a genuine tipping solution is crucial. The assurance that all of tips are going to the staff in a transparent method that doesn't heap substantial extra cost on a struggling industry is essential.
If the staff see tip rewards coming their way, it not only promotes good service by the way of reward for their attention to the needs of the clientele it also sees financial reward that helps to keep well trained and diligent staff in the jobs. Where experienced staff are so important to deliver business success if they see the fruits of their labour they are much more likely to stay.
Graham Cook Director tipmywaiter
