More and more restaurants are going high-tech and turning to mobile POS systems-particularly iPad POS technology offerings. According to new research from Software Advice, these systems are ushering in new dining experiences for restaurant owners, employees and consumers.

The Software Advice report says there are many operational benefits for restaurateurs using iPad POS technology. "Servers can spend more time ensuring customers' needs are met, and these systems can be programmed to upsell customers on additional items such as toppings, sides and drinks…[In addition, the wait staff can quickly] dispatch orders to the kitchen or bar while still interacting with customers. And at the end of the meal, payments can be processed and completed in seconds…An improved customer experience often leads to greater tips, while upselling increases the average bill price, and thus can yield both increased revenue and larger tip amounts."

These systems can also be easier on customers, who can select tip amounts in pre-set increments (e.g., 15, 20 or 25 percent) to charge to their credit cards, eliminating the need to do math.

One of the interesting results of this new technology is that diners are tipping more, apparently affected by the proximity of the wait staff while they're making their transactions.

Software Advice surveyed consumers "to uncover exactly what is causing people to tip more that usual on iPads at small businesses like restaurants, coffee shops or food trucks." Some of the key findings include:

  • More than 50 percent of respondents say using an iPad to leave a tip at food and beverage establishments is "not at all difficult."
  • 41 percent say close proximity to the server/cashier while entering a tip amount would "probably" or "definitely" increase their likelihood to tip.
  • 86 percent with a preference prefer to use iPads to input tips themselves, rather than having the server/cashier do it for them.
  • 35 percent of female respondents would tip more if the server or cashier input the tip for them, compared to only 19 percent of male respondents.
  • 29 percent of respondents say they would be more likely to leave a tip if required to press a "no tip" button to opt out of tipping.

Why should you care that your servers are getting larger tips? Well, says Software Advice, "Greater tips often lead to happier employees, which can facilitate improved customer service and experiences-which typically leads to happier customers who tip more frequently, and in greater amounts."

In other words, everyone-you, your staff and your customers-wins.

Chart courtesy: Software Advice

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