Hospitality employers highlight role of tipping in recognising service
Tipping still key to customer recognition, say three in four Irish hospitality employers
Three in four hospitality employers agree that tipping is seen as a way for customers to recognise good customer service, according to new research from leading Irish payment technology company Paynt.
The CCPC noted that while tipping is increasingly common, confusion can arise where suggested gratuities appear on digital payment terminals or where service charges are not clearly explained
The research was collated by surveying business owners and members of the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) and gathered feedback from hospitality businesses across Ireland on tipping practices and attitudes to digital tipping technology.
The findings highlight the continued presence of tipping across the sector, while also pointing to growing interest in cashless tipping solutions as payment habits continue to evolve.
Key findings
• 74% of hospitality employers said tipping is seen as a positive recognition of service. • 65% believe tipping can influence customer service levels
• 87% were unaware that Irish businesses using digital tipping technology have reported tip volumes increasing by more than three times.
• 43% were unsure whether their company would benefit from a cashless tipping solution, while 39% of those respondents said they would be interested in learning more about digital tipping technology.
• 87% were unaware that Irish businesses using digital tipping technology have reported tip volumes increasing by more than three times.
• 43% were unsure whether their company would benefit from a cashless tipping solution, while 39% of those respondents said they would be interested in learning more about digital tipping technology.
Clear guidance for consumers
The findings come as the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) recently issued guidance on tipping practices in Ireland, aimed at improving transparency for both consumers and businesses.
The CCPC noted that while tipping is increasingly common, confusion can arise where suggested gratuities appear on digital payment terminals or where service charges are not clearly explained.
This reinforces the importance of transparency and clear consumer choice for customers.
The research suggests there is an opportunity for greater awareness around digital tipping systems — particularly in ensuring that solutions are transparent, voluntary and clearly communicated.
Adrian Cummins, chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, said: “Tipping has long been part of the hospitality experience and is often viewed as a way for customers to recognise good customer service as the survey results indicate.
“The CCPC guidance highlights the importance of transparency and clarity around tipping practices, and the industry is committed to ensuring customers always have clear information and choice when it comes to gratuities,” Mr Cummins said.
Kia Morice, Ireland’s country director for Paynt, said the company welcomed the CCPC’s focus on transparency.
“We fully support the CCPC’s guidance, which places transparency and consumer choice at the centre of tipping practices.
At Paynt, tips are clearly presented, fully voluntary, and distributed directly to staff in line with agreed business practices.
“Our research highlights growing interest among hospitality businesses in learning more about digital tipping solutions.
“As proud patrons of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, we are committed to working with the sector to share information on secure, transparent cashless tipping.
“Irish restaurants currently using our solution have reported tip volumes increasing by up to three times since implementation.
Making tipping easy and transparent for customers helps businesses ensure staff can benefit while maintaining clarity and compliance,” she said.
For more information on integrated payment and tipping solutions for the hospitality sector, visit www.paynt.com.
