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DishInk collects tips at checkout (see POS → Discounts & Tips) and holds them for distribution before each pay run. Two distribution modes cover the common restaurant policies.

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Modes

Equal Split

Tips are pooled and divided equally across all active staff in the selected roles. Standard for restaurants where multiple staff share tables.
Mode: equal_split.

To Waiter

Every tip goes to the waiter attached to the order at the time of payment. Standard for waiter-service-only restaurants.
Mode: to_waiter.

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Pool composition (Equal Split)

Choose which roles participate in the pool:
  • Waiter
  • Cashier
  • Kitchen (Chef, Cook, Kitchen Assistant)
  • Bartender
  • Host
  • Any custom role you have created
Each staff member marked active in the selected roles for the period receives an equal share of the pool.
Tip distribution settings

Tip Distribution settings with role checkboxes and pay_after selector.

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Distribution cadence (pay_after)

Distribution timing should match your pay schedule so pooled tips appear on the correct pay slip.

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Configuring distribution

1

Open the Tips tab

Staff → Payroll → Tips → Settings.
2

Choose mode

Equal Split or To Waiter.
3

Pick roles in the pool

Only for Equal Split. Tick every role that shares.
4

Set pay_after cadence

Shift, Week, or Month.
5

Save

Future tips follow the new rule.

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Preview

The Preview tab simulates how the current pool would distribute right now. Use it before every pay run to sanity-check the split.

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History

The History tab shows every completed batch distribution with:
  • Distribution date and cadence
  • Pool total (ZMW)
  • Number of recipients
  • Per-staff breakdown (name, role, share)
Records are immutable and linked from each affected payroll record.

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Distributing manually

Occasionally you need an off-cycle distribution (e.g. a large private-event tip). From the Preview tab, click Distribute Now. The batch appears in History and future payroll records include it.

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Tips and best practices

  • Distribute at the end of each shift for hourly staff so tips are visible on the same-day pay slip.
  • Include kitchen staff in the pool where it matches your culture — morale-positive and legal in Zambia.
  • Use Preview every time before hitting Distribute Now.
  • Keep the distribution history public to staff to build trust.

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Common mistakes

  • Generating payroll before distributing. Pay slips show zero tips until you regenerate.
  • Including inactive staff. Only staff clocked in during the period should share. Deactivate staff who have left.
  • Switching modes mid-period. Existing pool balance may not redistribute cleanly. Distribute the current pool first, then switch.
Last modified on July 19, 2026