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The digital-tipping provider eTip announced late Monday it has partnered with Davidson Hospitality Group to make its service available to Davidson’s 85 hotels and resorts, as well as the company’s more than 200 restaurants, bars, and lounges in the United States.
To initiate a payment through eTip’s application, consumers scan a QR code at the point of service, such as with the concierge, using the camera on their smart phone. They then select a predefined tip amount or enter a custom tip. Consumers can fund the tip using a digital wallet or credit card.
Consumers can use the eTip solution to tip hotel bellmen, a concierge, valets, housekeepers, and other hotel and resort staff. The application also offers a tap-to-tip option, which allows consumers to initiate a tip through an NFC-enabled QR code. Consumers can also use eTip to leave a review of the service received and rate the quality of the service. Other merchant categories serviced by eTip include salons, bars and non-profits.
The deal with Davidson comes on the heels of eTip’s recent partnerships with Visa Inc. and American Express Co. To entice AmEx merchants to adopt its digital-tipping solution, eTip is waiving onboarding fees for the first year. The offer is available to AmEx merchants through the end of the year. Otherwise, eTip’s pricing plans start at $125 a month or $900 for a yearly contract, according to the company’s Web site.
Some 65% of people tip more when using digital technology than they would have using cash, according to a recent survey of 2,000 Americans conducted by OnePoll for Forbes Advisor.
“Together with Davidson Hospitality Group, we’re setting the stage to empower guests to show even more appreciation for excellent service while also empowering hotel staff to experience greater security and convenience for the tips they receive,” eTip chief executive and co-founder Nicolas Cassis says in a statement.
