Tips and Signature

What Does “Tips and Signature” Mean in a POS Setup?

In POS systems, “tips and signature” refers to the part of the checkout process where the customer selects a tip amount and signs directly on the screen to complete their payment.

This digital flow replaces traditional paper receipts and simplifies how tips are added during card transactions.

How It Works in Practice

When the transaction reaches the payment screen, the customer is shown tipping options, usually preset percentages like 15%, 20%, or 25%, along with a custom tip field. Once they make a selection (or skip the tip entirely), the system prompts them to sign on the iPad. After signing, they can choose how they’d like to receive a receipt – printed, emailed, or sent by text.

This process is common in service-focused businesses like cafés, salons, and counter-service restaurants, where tipping is part of the customer routine. It’s also widely used in mobile payment setups at events or pop-ups, where printed receipts aren’t always practical.

Some systems include a post-payment tip adjustment option. This lets staff add a tip after the card is authorized, typically within a set time window. It’s useful when tips are written on a printed receipt and entered manually later, though this is becoming less common with digital-first setups.

Why It Affects More Than Just Checkout

The tips and signature flow have a direct impact on both staff earnings and customer experience. A clear, user-friendly interface makes it easier for customers to tip without pressure. In fact, many businesses see a steady increase in average tips when switching to iPad POS systems, likely due to the seamless prompts and suggested amounts displayed during payment.

For staff, digital tipping means fewer missed tips, better tracking, and faster payouts. For business owners, it provides cleaner reporting and reduces errors often tied to manual tip entry.

What to Keep in Mind

Adjust tip suggestions based on your typical transaction size and service model

• Keep the interface clear – cluttered screens can confuse customers and slow down checkout
• Make sure staff understand how to handle tip adjustments, if your system allows it
• Review tip reports regularly to track performance and payout accuracy

The tips and signature feature isn’t just a formality, it shapes how customers interact with your business at the point of payment. A smooth, intuitive process encourages tipping, speeds up checkout, and creates a more modern, professional experience for everyone involved.

Handling Tips and Signatures in ConnectPOS

Tips and customer signatures play a key role in service-based transactions, especially in hospitality and F&B. ConnectPOS supports both features directly within the POS interface, making it easy for staff and customers to complete the process without extra steps.

For tips, customers can add a fixed amount or enter a custom value before checkout is finalized. The system records it alongside the order, so reporting and payouts remain accurate. This is especially useful for tracking staff performance or managing service fees.

As for signatures, ConnectPOS supports digital capture right on the screen—ideal for card payments or proof of receipt. Once signed, the image is saved with the transaction, giving you an extra layer of accountability without needing paper.

With these built-in tools, ConnectPOS helps maintain service quality and payment security while keeping the checkout experience smooth for both staff and customers.