> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.dishink.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Tip Distribution

> Equal-split pooled tips across roles, or route tips directly to the waiter who served the table.

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

## Modes

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Equal Split" icon="users">
    Tips are pooled and divided equally across all active staff in the selected roles. Standard for restaurants where multiple staff share tables. <br />Mode: `equal_split`.
  </Card>

  <Card title="To Waiter" icon="user-tie">
    Every tip goes to the waiter attached to the order at the time of payment. Standard for waiter-service-only restaurants. <br />Mode: `to_waiter`.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## 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.

<Frame caption="Tip Distribution settings with role checkboxes and pay_after selector.">
  <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/dishink/images/staff/tip-distribution-settings.png" alt="Tip distribution settings" />
</Frame>

## Distribution cadence (pay\_after)

| Value   | When tips are distributed                                 |
| ------- | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| `shift` | At the end of every shift (via Clock Out reconciliation). |
| `week`  | Weekly, aligned to the pay schedule.                      |
| `month` | Monthly, aligned to the pay schedule.                     |

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

## Configuring distribution

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Tips tab">
    **Staff → Payroll → Tips → Settings**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose mode">
    Equal Split or To Waiter.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pick roles in the pool">
    Only for Equal Split. Tick every role that shares.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set pay_after cadence">
    Shift, Week, or Month.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Future tips follow the new rule.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Preview

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

## 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.

## 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.

## 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.

## 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.

## Related pages

* [Payroll Overview](/staff/payroll/overview)
* [Generating Payroll](/staff/payroll/generating)
* [Pay Slips & Breakdown](/staff/payroll/pay-slips)
* [Staff Earnings Portal](/staff/payroll/staff-earnings)
* [Discounts & Tips](/pos/discounts)