HomeIrish NewsHospitality Businesses Bridging Revenue Gaps with Cashless Tipping Solution

Hospitality Businesses Bridging Revenue Gaps with Cashless Tipping Solution

A number of leading Irish hospitality businesses have said that the implementation of a cashless tipping solution has led to substantial increases in tips and can help hospitality businesses to bridge revenue gaps.

Since the pandemic; restaurants, cafés, and bars across Ireland are embracing technology to streamline tipping processes, improve revenue, and support their staff.

Recent case studies show that adopting Paynt’s URocked cashless tipping solution is not only simplifying tipping for customers – but also driving increased tips and improved staff morale. 

Leading the charge in Cork, Dublin, and beyond, Sober LaneBubba’s Fish MarketD’Olier Street, and Orwell Road (part of the Bereen Brothers Group) have shared their success stories with URocked, Paynt’s cashless tipping solution that is transforming the way businesses manage tips and employee satisfaction. 

Paynt has been a leading provider of payment and tipping solutions in the Baltic region the last number of years, establishing their first Irish office last year. 

The company has now announced a new Director of Irish operations in Kia Morice to spearhead their growth and development across the country over the next number of years.

Speaking following her appointment, Ms Morice said the company welcomed news that the new draft programme for government includes plans to cut the VAT rate to 9% for food services, entertainment and hairdressing in the 2025 budget:

“We fully support the proposal of this measure by the Government and hope it will help alleviate some pressure on both new and existing customers. As patrons of the RAI we have witnessed their tireless work and campaigning first-hand. We are delighted to see Adrian and the team’s efforts come to fruition and hope we can continue to do our part to offer our own support to the industry and staff through our solutions. 

“The enthusiastic reception from the Irish Hospitality Sector has been incredibly gratifying. By simplifying tipping processes and ensuring equitable distribution, Paynt empowers businesses to boost revenue while streamlining operations. This creates a true win-win scenario for staff, customers, and the bottom line.

“After 25 years in London, I am delighted to return home to lead Paynt’s expansion in Ireland as Country Director. It’s an honour to contribute to the success of Irish businesses.

“In December last year, we witnessed a remarkable 74% increase in tip revenue, a testament to the beneficence of Irish consumers who generously rewarded exceptional service during the festive season,” Ms Morice added.

“We have entered 2025 with strong momentum, partnering with esteemed establishments and welcoming numerous new clients. January has started impressively, and we are on track to achieve 30% monthly growth in processed tips across Ireland this year. To support this continued growth, we will be expanding our Irish operations, creating new job opportunities,” she concluded.

Paynt tipping solution URocked’s success with its existing Irish clients is echoed by testimonials from those currently using their solutions, including Dublin’s D’Olier Street, Bubba’s Fish Market and Orwell Road, in addition to Cork’s Sober Lane

A Win for Both Customers and Staff

At Sober Lane in Cork, the introduction of cashless tipping has seen a significant surge in tip percentages, with customers opting for a simple 10% tip on larger bills.

General Manager of Sober Lane, Conor McLoughlin said: “Previously, customers would leave loose change. Now, we’re seeing people leave €10 instead of €2.20, and it’s all thanks to the convenience of the Paynt solution.”

This positive shift is echoed by other businesses. Bubba’s Fish Market in Dalkey saw a marked increase in tips after switching from a QR code-based tipping system to Paynt’s tipping solution.

Co-owner Stephen Hanley said: “After the pandemic, customers weren’t carrying cash, so we turned to cashless tipping. The result? A noticeable increase in tips, sometimes even doubling compared to before.” 

At Orwell Road, a small neighbourhood restaurant in Rathgar, Dublin which is part of the Bereen Brothers Group, General Manage, Goran Jandricreported a 20-40% increase in tips after switching to a cashless system, which has also made tax reporting and distribution of tips more transparent. “Customers are happy to leave a higher tip on their cards, and our staff are seeing the benefits,” Goran added. 

Impact on Staff Morale and Tip Distribution 

The shift to cashless tipping has also improved the way tips are distributed among staff. Staff at all four establishments report that tips are now more evenly and fairly split. 

For example, at Orwell Road, tips are distributed based on hours worked. This new system is not only equitable but also transparent, reducing any confusion or complaints about tip allocation. D’Olier Street, a Michelin-star restaurant in Dublin, has embraced the technology for its seamless integration into daily operations, with staff benefitting from easier and fairer tip settlements. Co-owner Jane Frye said, “Paynt made it simple and transparent. Staff are happier because they can see exactly how much they’re getting, and it’s easier for us to manage.” 

Proven Growth: Tips Triple for Some Businesses 

The benefits of cashless tipping solutions are evident. A recent survey conducted by the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI), in collaboration with Paynt, revealed that 83% of businesses using cashless tipping systems reported seeing a significant increase in tips. Some businesses, including those using Paynt tipping solution, have even reported a triple increase in the total amount of tips. 

Adrian Cummins, CEO of the RAI, commented: “The feedback from businesses reaffirms what we’ve always known – tips are essential for the wellbeing of staff and the overall customer experience. Cashless tipping not only simplifies this process but can also significantly increase revenue – which is hugely beneficial for both businesses and staff alike and any boost to the industry at the moment is welcomed by the RAI.” 

Why Cashless Tipping Works 

Paynt tipping solution URocked, a leader in cashless tipping solutions, offers businesses a simple, efficient platform to collect, manage, and distribute tips. By reducing the reliance on cash, the solution makes it easier for customers to leave a tip, while staff receive 100% of the tips without the complications of cash handling or tax issues. The system is particularly beneficial for businesses operating in urban areas, where cashless payments are increasingly the norm. 

A Solution for the Future 

With Paynt tipping solution now in use by over 100 hospitality businesses across Ireland, cashless tipping is here to stay. As businesses continue to adapt to changing customer expectations and new legislation, the transition to digital tipping solutions is seen as a key step towards increasing transparency and fairness in tip distribution. 

The new legislation surrounding tips, which ensures employees receive 100% of the gratuities they earn, has been welcomed by most in the industry. However, some businesses have expressed confusion over the financial details of the law. The widespread adoption of cashless tipping systems like Paynt provides an efficient, clear solution to this challenge, ensuring compliance and reducing administrative headaches. 

Paynt’s tipping application, URocked is simple, and the user-friendly interface makes it easier for staff to track their earnings and for businesses to comply with tax and legal regulations. “It’s streamlined, effective, and keeps us compliant with the new tipping laws,” said Jane Frye from D’Olier Street

The hospitality industry in Ireland is currently in the midst of a transition period as they adapt to new legislation around tipping, and how tips are handled, with Paynt’s URocked’s cashless tipping solutions set to play a major role. By increasing tips, improving staff morale, and simplifying operations, businesses are boosting their bottom lines and enhancing the customer experience. As more establishments make the switch, cashless tipping is poised to become a key part of the future of Irish hospitality. 

Geoff Percival
Geoff Percival
Geoff has worked in business, news, consumer and travel journalism for more than 25 years; having worked for and contributed to the likes of The Irish Examiner, Business & Finance, Business Plus, The Sunday Times, The Irish News, Senior Times, and The Sunday Tribune.
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