Digital Tipping

The digital tipping feature allows guests to leave cashless tips for hotel staff. Guests can access the tipping page through the Guidebook, Reviews page, or via a direct link sent in messages. Tipping works with all supported payment providers: Stripe, Shift4, and Authorize.net.

Requirements

  • Payment Provider: A configured payment provider (Stripe, Shift4, or Authorize.net) is required to receive tips

  • Plan: Checkin plan or higher

To set up your payment provider, navigate to Admin > Integrations > Guest Payments and connect your account.

For Admins

Enabling Tipping Display

To show the tip button on the Guidebook and Reviews pages:

  1. Navigate to Admin > Settings > Checkin

  2. Click the Guidebook sub-tab

  3. Check "Display Tip Button on Guidebook and Reviews"

  4. Save your changes

Once enabled, a "Tip Staff!" button will appear on:

  • The Guidebook homepage

  • The Reviews page

Finding Your Tipping URL

Your property's tipping URL is available in Admin > Site Info. The URL follows this format:

https://app.helloshift.com/sites/{site-name}/guests/tip

On the Site Info page, you'll also find a QR code that you can print and post around your property (lobby, rooms, elevator, etc.) for easy guest access.

Sending Tipping Links to Guests

You can include the tipping link in automated messages to guests using the snippet variable:

{{tipUrl}}

Recommended Timing:

  • Day before checkout

  • Post-checkout follow-up message

  • Thank you messages

Example Message:

Thank you for staying with us! If you'd like to leave a tip for our staff,you can do so here: {{tipUrl}}We appreciate your generosity!

For Guests

Accessing the Tip Page

Guests can access the tipping page in three ways:

  • Guidebook: Click the "Tip Staff!" button on the Guidebook homepage

  • Reviews Page: Click the "Tip Staff!" button after the review links

  • Direct Link: Use the URL sent in a message or scan a QR code

Making a Tip

  1. Select Amount:

    • Use the + and - buttons to adjust the amount

    • Or click a preset amount: $25, $10, or $5

    • Default amount is $10

  2. Add a Message (Optional):

    • Mention specific staff members or departments

    • Example: "Thank you to the housekeeping team for the excellent service!"

  3. Enter Card Details:

    • Enter credit/debit card number

    • Card details are securely processed by Stripe

  4. Submit:

    • Click "Send Tip"

    • A confirmation message appears on success

Anonymous Tipping

Guests don't need to be checked in or have a reservation to leave a tip. Anyone with access to the tipping URL or QR code can submit a tip, making it easy for walk-in guests or visitors to show appreciation.

Payment Processing

  • Payment Gateway: Your configured provider (Stripe, Shift4, or Authorize.net)

  • Supported Methods: Credit and debit cards

  • Currency: USD

  • Connected Account: Tips are deposited directly to your merchant account

  • Processing: Real-time payment processing

Admin Setup

  • Enable Setting: Admin > Settings > Checkin > Guidebook

  • Payment Setup: Admin > Integrations > Guest Payments

  • Tipping URL & QR: Admin > Site Info

Snippet Variables

VariableDescription

{{tipUrl}}

Direct link to the tipping page for the guest

Features

  • Cashless tipping via Stripe, Shift4, or Authorize.net

  • Mobile-responsive design

  • Preset amount buttons ($5, $10, $25)

  • Custom amount entry

  • Optional message for staff recognition

  • Anonymous tipping support (no reservation required)

  • QR code generation for physical displays

  • Secure payment processing

Best Practices

Promoting Tips

  1. Post QR codes in high-visibility areas:

    • Front desk

    • Guest rooms (nightstand or desk)

    • Elevator

    • Checkout area

  2. Include in messaging:

    • Post-stay thank you messages

    • Checkout reminders

    • Feedback request emails

  3. Train staff to mention digital tipping as an option for guests who want to show appreciation

Timing

The best times to promote tipping:

  • Day before checkout: Guest has experienced most of their stay

  • At checkout: Fresh in guest's mind

  • Post-checkout: Follow-up gratitude message

Troubleshooting

"Requires payment setup" warning

Cause: Payment provider not connected

Solution: Navigate to Admin > Integrations > Guest Payments and connect your payment provider

Tip button not appearing

Cause: Display setting not enabled

Solution:

  1. Go to Admin > Settings > Checkin > Guidebook

  2. Check "Display Tip Button on Guidebook and Reviews"

  3. Save changes

Payment failed

Cause: Card declined or payment provider configuration issue

Solution:

  • Guest should try a different card

  • Verify your payment provider account is properly connected and in good standing

  • Check your payment provider's dashboard for detailed error information

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