Baywood Hotels has selected eTip for its digital tipping solution at its properties. The new solution, powered by eTip and offered through the Visa network, allows guests to easily and securely express gratitude to hotel associates. eTip will be available at properties within the Baywood Hotels portfolio – including Hilton, Marriott, IHG and Choice branded hotels.
With the growth of digital payment technologies, fewer Americans carry cash, particularly when they visit hotels. Now, 40 percent of guests at U.S. hotels report carrying significantly less cash than they did five years ago.
"We pride ourselves on seeking innovative solutions to best serve the needs of our employees," Baywood hotels COO Ryan Lee said in a statement. "With eTip's solution, we're proud to not only modernize a time-honored tradition of allowing guests to express their appreciation but also thrilled to offer a method for employees to more quickly and efficiently enjoy the benefits of their dedicated work."
eTip requires no mobile app download or login credentials. Guests need to do is scan a QR code using the camera on their mobile phone, tap the banner that appears on their screen, and then securely tip using their preferred payment method. eTip also offers "tap to tip," which gives users the ability to pay through an NFC-enabled QR code. The feature is activated by a user tapping their smartphone on the QR code, automatically opening the profile of the associate or department the guest wishes to tip. Once the guest leaves a tip electronically, associates can quickly receive the tip in their bank account through Visa Direct, eliminating the need to wait for a tip to be paid through the weekly or bi-weekly payroll process. eTip makes digital tipping easier and faster for guests and associates.