The adoption of iPad POS systems is changing how restaurants interact with customers. A survey found that 86% of respondents prefer to input their own tip rather than have the server do it. Close proximity of servers encouraged 41% of respondents to tip more. Nearly 90% found iPad POS systems not difficult to tip on. Almost 30% would be more likely to tip if they had to select a "no tip" button. While most prefer inputting their own tip, 35% of women would tip more if the server input it. A majority prefer using iPad POS at casual or fast casual restaurants like Panera.

1. Software Advice IndustryView:
iPad POS Report
Trends and best practices from the industry

2. The adoption of mobile, iPad-based POS systems is changing the way servers and
restaurants interact with their patrons. This is especially true for the evolved
tipping process that’s a result of these systems. We surveyed consumers familiar
with tipping on these iPad POS systems to determine their preferences when
using this software to tip.
Abstract

3. Exactly 86 percent of respondents prefer to input the tip themselves rather than
have to tell it to a server or cashier and let them type it in.
Strongly prefer to
input myself
66%
Moderately prefer to
input myself
20%
Moderately prefer
server to input
12%
Strongly prefer
server to input
3%
Customer Preferences for Server Inputting Tip

4. Forty-one percent of respondents indicated a close proximity of the server or
cashier would encourage them to tip more than they usually would.
Definitely increase
tip
12%
Probably increase tip29%
Would tip either way41%
Probably decrease
tip
14%
Definitely decrease tip4%
Effect of Server Proximity on Customer Likelihood to Tip

5. Nearly 90 percent of respondents find tipping on iPad POS systems to be “not at
all” or only “minimally difficult.”
Not at all difficult51%
Minimally difficult38%
Moderately difficult10%
Very difficult1%
Extremely difficult1%
Perceived Difficulty Tipping With iPad POS Systems

6. Almost 30 percent of respondents said they’d be more likely to tip if they had to
select a “no tip” or opt-out button in order to not tip and complete the payment.
Definitely increase
likelihood to tip
7%
Probably increase
likelihood to tip
22%
Would tip either way50%
Probably decrease
likelihood to tip
14%
Definitely decrease
likelihood to tip
5%
Wouldn’t tip either
way
2%
Impact of Opt-Out Button on Customer Likelihood to Tip

7. Nearly a quarter of respondents indicated they’d give higher tips if the server
inputs the tip into the iPad as opposed to themselves.
Tip much more2%
Tip somewhat more22%
Tip about the same55%
Tip somewhat less11%
Tip much less5%
Wouldn’t tip at this
establishment
4%
Tipping Amount when Server/Cashier Inputs

8. Although other data shows customers prefer to input their tips themselves, 35
percent of female respondents would tip more if the server typed in the tip.
Tipping Amount when Server/Cashier Inputs, by Gender
Male
Extremely satisfied1%
Satisfied18%
Neither satisfied
nor dissatisfied61%
Dissatisfied13%
Extremely dissatisfied7%
Female
Extremely satisfied5%
Satisfied30%
Neither satisfied
nor dissatisfied52%
Dissatisfied10%
Extremely dissatisfied3%

9. Percent of sample
A majority of respondents prefer to use these iPad tipping systems at either typical
casual, sit-down or fast casual restaurants such as Panera or Chipotle.
Preferred Restaurant Type for Using iPad POS to Tip
Casual
Fast casual
Fine dining
Fast food
None of the above
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
9%
28%
43%
50%
68%

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Read about our findings in more detail.Read Report