What Is a POS Tip Screen?

The POS tip screen is the part of your payment device where the guest chooses how much to make tip. You might have seen it at counters and tables, usually showing a few preset buttons like 18%, 20%, and 25%, plus an option to enter a custom amount or skip the tip.

How you set it up is an important part. Default percentages push guests toward certain amounts, so a screen display set around 20% can be around 10%. At a full-service restaurant, many owners set it at 18%, 20%, and 22%. For counter service, lower options are common, since guests tend to tip less there.

Guests get tired of tip screens popping up everywhere, and a tip screen can leave a bad taste. Make sure “No tip” and “Custom” are easy to find.

Also check the cost. Card tips are processed like any sale, so you pay a fee on them, and that’s worth knowing when you set your budget.

Make sure your staff knows how tips get paid out. If the screen collects it, your team should know exactly when and how they’ll see that money.