Tip BasicsTip Legality
Nov 1, 20245 Min Read

How QR Code Tipping and Contactless Payments are Transforming the Hospitality Industry

How QR Code Tipping and Contactless Payments are Transforming the Hospitality Industry

Whether you’re a frequent diner, an industry professional, or someone keeping up with the latest trends, you’re likely familiar with the term “contactless payment.” As technology continues to shape the service industry, contactless payments and the use of QR codes are at the forefront of innovation. Now, TipHaus is joining the future of tipping with our new QR Code Tipping feature, allowing customers to tip directly from their smartphones – no cash or contact needed. This blog explores the numerous benefits and changes related to contactless payments, and how TipHaus is poised to revolutionize the tipping process.

Contactless Payments Overview

A contactless payment is a secure and convenient method that allows consumers to pay for goods and services without the use of traditional methods like cash or card. Instead, a contactless card, smartphone, or QR code is placed near a compatible card reader, or the vendor’s point of sale (POS) reader, when it is time to pay. 

  1. Convenience:  The convenience of contactless payments is one its most loved features. Instead of scrambling for cash or typing in a PIN, you have the ability to make your transaction quick and effortless.  With a simple tap or wave of a card or smartphone your purchase is complete in seconds. There is no physical contact necessary, which provides a convenient solution for both workers and customers in your restaurant. 
  2. Enhanced Security: Contactless payments are equipped with strong security features like tokenization and encryption to reduce fraud risk for its users. These features help ensure that your data is securely transmitted and stored. This added layer of security gives customers the confidence they need to use their contactless payments without fear of losing their hard earned money.  
  3. Speed and efficiency at checkout: When it comes time to check out, contactless payments help cut down the time it takes to pay, making the process more efficient. Implementing this feature can increase table turnover and get customers in and out of the restaurant quicker, while maintaining high customer satisfaction. 


TipHaus Tip: With Apple Wallet, you can pay your bill without needing to unlock or sign into your phone. It works without an internet connection, cellular data, or charge.

And yes, you read that right, even when your iPhone has died, there may still be enough power in the battery to support Express Card transactions. This ensures that the process is quick, seamless, and ready for any scenario. 

How to Leverage QR Codes for Your Restaurant

QR codes are the #1 form of contactless payments used, especially in the service industry. They are machine-readable codes used to store information such as website URLs or payment details. QR codes are scanned using the camera on your smartphone which then redirects you to its unique page. They can be used for payment details, but also for digital menus, mobile coupons, online reservations, a link to your website, or boosting special deals and promotions. QR codes are a valuable tool for restaurant owners to use to engage with customers while keeping the process efficient and touch-free. 

1. Choose the Best QR Code Generator: Opt for a platform that streamlines the creation and updating of your restaurant’s menu. This not only saves time and money but also aligns with eco-friendly practices by reducing the reliance on single-use paper menus. Here are some platforms we recommend: QRFY, QR Tiger, and QRCode Monkey

2. Create Your QR Code: Input the URL for your restaurant menu and any other important information. Generate your QR code and incorporate it directly onto your menu, flyers, business cards, social media, or other promotional materials. Lastly, encourage customers to scan! 

3. Monitor Your Results: Track the QR code to see how many people are scanning your codes and what actions they take. This data helps gauge the success of your campaign and allows for necessary adjustments.

QR codes offer valuable benefits beyond just restaurants, they’re especially useful for our customers managing multi-revenue centers, including valet, spa, wellness, and hotel services. Discover how TipHaus can streamline operations across various areas of your business. Take a look!

Hotel and Valet Services: With QR code tipping, valet services and hotels can simplify their tipping process, making it easier for staff in all positions to receive tips quickly and efficiently.

In The Casino: Simplified distribution of tips for various roles like dealers, servers, and bartenders, while ensuring accurate and timely payouts.

In The Restaurants & Bars: Automated tip distribution saves managers time and results in happier staff and better guest service.

Pool, Spa and Wellness Center: Effectively manage tips for spa therapists, massage therapists, wellness and pool staff.

The Rise in QR Code Tipping:

Skip the sale, just the tip, please.

QR codes have been on the rise in our increasingly cashless society; and have proven to be a convenient solution for expressing appreciation through tipping. There has been a rising trend in tipping beyond restaurant workers, extending the gratuity to hardworking employees like housekeepers and valet drivers who go above and beyond to make sure you have a quality experience. 

Often these workers do not have the opportunity to receive tips through conventional methods; this is where QR codes come to the rescue. No more worrying about not having cash on hand, or waiting for the right moment to show that you value their services.  

Scan, tip, and show your appreciation directly from your phone.

Innovative Ways to Use QR Codes in Your Restaurant

Customizable Orders: Create a QR code for customizable dishes or drinks, allowing customers to personalize their orders by selecting ingredients, toppings, or flavors directly from their smartphones.

Interactive Wine Lists: For establishments offering an extensive wine list, incorporate a QR code that leads customers to detailed information about each wine, including tasting notes, pairings, and origin details.

Chef’s Specials or Cooking Demos: Introduce a QR code on the menu that links to videos of chefs showcasing special dishes or providing cooking tips. This not only engages customers but also adds a personalized touch to the dining experience.

Digital Chef’s Notes: Attach QR codes next to each menu item that, when scanned, reveal personal notes from the chef—stories, anecdotes, ingredients, or even the chef’s experience in crafting it.

The Decline of Cash Tips and the Rise of QR Code Solutions in Hospitality

Over the past decade, cash usage has significantly decreased. A study found that only about 16% of all transactions are now conducted in cash. This shift has particularly impacted hotel staff, such as housekeepers, bellhops, and valets, who traditionally rely on cash tips to supplement their income. Without cash, these workers have seen a decline in their overall earnings. 

Hotel workers often face challenges in receiving tips when guests pay for services via card or other cashless methods. Positions such as housekeeping and valet services have been notably affected, as guests may not think to tip these employees when making electronic payments.

Implementing QR code tipping can be a solution to counter the decline in cash tips. This method makes it easier for guests to leave tips digitally without needing cash on hand. By placing QR codes in strategic locations throughout hotels, guests can quickly and easily tip staff members, improving the likelihood of receiving gratuities. Research indicates that mobile tipping can potentially increase tips for hotel staff.       

QR codes encourage tipping by clearly indicating when a tip is welcome, thus implying that guests should contribute. With mobile tipping, guests can also choose the exact amount they want to tip, which may lead to increased frequency and higher amounts of gratuity.

QR Code Tipping: The Next Evolution in Gratitude

Introducing TipHaus QR Code Tipping:

With the launch of our new QR Code Tipping feature, TipHaus allows hospitality operators to simplify and modernize the tipping process. Whether you’re in a restaurant, hotel, or service-oriented venue, you can now display custom QR codes that enable customers to tip with just a quick scan of their smartphone.

This new tipping method makes it easier for both customers and employees. No cash? No problem. Guests can simply scan the QR code, enter the amount they wish to tip, and show their appreciation directly from their device.

How it Works:

  1. Scan – Customers can scan a QR code displayed at the table, on a receipt, or in strategic locations.
  2. Tip – Enter the desired tip amount in seconds, directly on their phone.
  3. Confirm – With a simple confirmation, the tip is sent, leaving both the guest and employee satisfied.

Why QR Code Tipping is a Game-Changer:

QR Code tipping takes the guesswork out of tipping and ensures that service professionals receive their hard-earned tips even when cash isn’t available. This innovation eliminates the need for customers to scramble for cash or ask for extra help from employees to facilitate tips.

Benefits of QR Code Tipping:

  • Convenience: Customers can tip on the go, even without cash or a point-of-sale system nearby.
  • Enhanced Employee Satisfaction: Employees can receive their tips faster and more reliably, improving overall morale.
  • Operational Efficiency: By reducing reliance on cash, operators streamline back-office reconciliation and minimize potential errors.

The Future of TipHaus: Contactless Payments and Beyond

As contactless payments and tipping become the new standard, TipHaus continues to innovate and adapt to the needs of the modern service industry. The introduction of QR Code Tipping is a crucial part of our mission to simplify the tipping process for both customers and employees.

  • Restaurants & Cafes: Enable customers to scan and tip at their table or directly from the receipt.
  • Hotels & Hospitality: QR code tipping allows hotel guests to express their appreciation to housekeeping staff, valet drivers, and room service without needing physical cash.
  • Service Workers: From delivery drivers to parking attendants, TipHaus ensures everyone can receive tips securely and easily.

Conclusion: The Power of QR Code Tipping with TipHaus

In an era where contactless payments are increasingly robust, TipHaus is at the forefront of tipping innovation. The introduction of QR Code Tipping not only streamlines the tipping process but also enhances convenience for guests and employees alike. With TipHaus, turning tips into trust has never been easier.

Ready to see how QR Code Tipping can transform your business? Visit TipHaus.com to schedule a demo and learn more.