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Tip Pool Policy Template Australia

Generate a free, compliant tip pool policy for your venue. Choose from equal split, hours-based, or role-weighted methods. Staff-friendly and transparent.

Customise Your Policy

Allow managers to receive tips (only when directly serving customers)

Cash tips are included in the tip pool

Digital tips (QR code, card, mobile) are included in the tip pool

Include detailed record keeping and transparency requirements

Generated Policy

TIP POOL POLICY [Your Restaurant Name] Effective Date: 21 February 2026 1. PURPOSE This policy outlines how tips are collected, pooled, and distributed among eligible staff at [Your Restaurant Name]. The purpose is to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with Australian workplace laws. 2. SCOPE This policy applies to all eligible staff members who receive tips as part of their employment at [Your Restaurant Name]. 3. WHAT COUNTS AS TIPS The following tip types are included in the tip pool: • Cash tips • Digital tips (via QR code, card, or mobile payment) Service charges and surcharges are not considered tips and are not included in the tip pool. 4. POOLING METHOD Tips are divided equally among all eligible staff members who worked during the distribution period. Each eligible staff member receives an equal share regardless of hours worked or role. 5. ELIGIBILITY The following staff members are eligible to receive a share of the tip pool: • Front-of-house staff Managers are not eligible to receive tips unless they directly serve customers during their shift. To be eligible for a distribution period, staff must have worked at least one shift during that period. 6. DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE Tips are distributed weekly, typically on [specify day]. Distribution occurs via [specify method: bank transfer, cash, or other method]. 7. RECORD KEEPING & TRANSPARENCY All tip distributions are recorded and documented. Staff members receive a record showing: • Total tip pool amount for the period • Their individual share amount • Calculation method used • Distribution date Records are kept for tax and compliance purposes. Staff can request to view tip pool records at any time. 8. DISPUTE RESOLUTION If a staff member has concerns about tip distribution, they should: 1. Discuss the matter with their direct supervisor or manager 2. If unresolved, escalate to [specify: venue manager, HR, or owner] 3. All disputes will be investigated fairly and transparently Staff have the right to raise concerns without fear of retaliation. 9. POLICY REVIEW This policy will be reviewed on or before 21 August 2026 to ensure it remains fair, transparent, and compliant with Australian workplace laws. Changes to this policy will be communicated to all staff in writing at least [specify: 2 weeks] before implementation. --- Acknowledged by: [Staff Member Name] _________________ Date: _________ [Staff Member Name] _________________ Date: _________ [Add additional signature lines as needed] Policy approved by: [Manager/Owner Name] _________________ Date: _________

Tip: Use our tip split calculator to calculate actual distributions. Understand fees with our tip fee calculator. Learn more about cashless tipping in Australia.

How It Works

How This Tip Pool Policy Generator Works

Create a compliant, transparent tip pool policy in minutes.

1

Customise Your Settings

Select your venue type, pooling method (equal, hours-based, or role-weighted), choose which roles are included, set distribution frequency, and configure tip types and record keeping options.

2

Review Generated Policy

The generator creates a complete policy document with all required sections: purpose, scope, pooling method, eligibility, distribution schedule, record keeping, dispute resolution, and review date.

3

Copy, Download & Customise

Copy the policy to your clipboard, download as a .txt file, or edit it further. Review and customise placeholders (like percentages for role-weighted methods) before sharing with staff.

Examples

Policy Examples

See how different pooling methods work in practice.

Hours-Based Example

Pooling Method: Hours Worked

"Tips are distributed proportionally based on hours worked during the distribution period. Staff members who work more hours receive a larger share of the tip pool."

Example: If the tip pool is $500 and three staff worked 8, 6, and 4 hours respectively, they receive $222.22, $166.67, and $111.11.

Role-Weighted Example

Pooling Method: Role Weighted

"Tips are distributed using role-based weighting. Front-of-house staff receive 60%, kitchen staff receive 30%, and support staff receive 10%."

Example: If the tip pool is $500, FOH receives $300, kitchen receives $150, and support receives $50 (then divided among staff in each role).

Benefits

Why a Clear Tip Pool Policy Matters

Fairness, clarity, and compliance start with a written policy.

Fairness & Clarity

A written policy ensures all staff understand exactly how tips are distributed. This removes ambiguity and prevents misunderstandings. When everyone knows the rules, disputes are less likely.

Reduces Disputes

Clear policies prevent workplace conflicts. Staff can refer to the policy if questions arise, and managers have a documented process to follow. This reduces tension and improves team morale.

Helps Compliance

Australian workplace laws require fair tip distribution. A written policy demonstrates compliance and provides documentation if questions arise. It also helps ensure tips belong to employees, not employers.

Tax Record Habits

A policy that includes record keeping requirements helps staff develop good tax habits. Digital tipping platforms provide automatic records, but cash tips need manual tracking. Clear policies encourage proper documentation.

Related Resources

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📚Guides & Resources

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Cafe Setup Guide Melbourne

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Bar Tipping - Summer Events

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Bar Summer Strategy

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Bar Staff Training Tips

Staff training tips for bar cashless tipping

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about PocketTip.

Tip Pooling

Common questions about tip pool policies and fair tip distribution

What is a tip pool policy?
A tip pool policy is a written document that outlines how tips are collected, pooled, and distributed among eligible staff members. It ensures fairness, transparency, and compliance with Australian workplace laws. A clear policy helps prevent disputes and provides staff with certainty about how tips are shared.
How do you ensure tip pooling is fair?
Fair tip pooling requires a clear, written policy that all staff understand. Common methods include equal split (everyone gets the same), hours-based (proportional to hours worked), or role-weighted (different percentages per role). The key is transparency: document the method, communicate it clearly, and provide records of distributions. Our template helps you create a fair policy.
Can managers take tips in Australia?
Generally, managers should not take tips unless they directly serve customers. Tips belong to customer-facing staff. If a manager performs service work (e.g., serving tables during busy periods), they may receive a share, but this must be clearly defined in your tip policy. Check your Fair Work Award for specific guidelines.
Do I need to keep records of tip distributions?
Yes. Both employers and employees need accurate records of tip distributions for tax purposes. Employees must declare tips on their tax return. Digital tipping platforms provide automatic records, making tax reporting easier than cash tips. Our template includes record keeping requirements.
Why is transparency important in tip pooling?
Transparency builds trust, prevents disputes, and ensures compliance. When staff understand how tips are distributed and can see records, they feel valued and respected. Transparent policies reduce workplace tension, improve morale, and help ensure your policy is fair and defensible if questioned.

About Cashless Tipping

Understanding digital tipping in Australia

What is cashless tipping in Australia?
Cashless tipping is a digital way for customers to tip service workers using card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay instead of cash. QR code tipping platforms like PocketTip make it easy for Australian workers to accept tips in our tap-and-go economy.
How does QR code tipping work in Australia?
QR code tipping works by linking a QR code to a digital tip page. When a customer scans the code with their phone camera, they open your tip page and can tip using card or mobile wallets without cash. It's the modern digital tip jar for Australia's cashless economy.
Is this the same as a digital tip jar?
Yes. PocketTip works like a digital tip jar customers scan your QR code and tip cashlessly using card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. It's designed for Australian service workers who want to accept cashless tips.
Why do Australian workers need digital tipping?
Most Australians don't carry cash anymore. Cashless tipping with QR codes lets customers tip service workers using the same tap-and-go payment methods they already use for everything else. It removes the 'I don't have cash' problem.
What types of workers use cashless tipping?
Cashless tipping is used across Australian hospitality workers, café baristas, restaurant servers, bartenders, rideshare drivers, delivery workers, salon staff, performers, event staff, and more anywhere customers want to say thanks in a cashless way.

Getting Started

Everything you need to begin accepting tips

How do I create a tip page?
Creating a tip page on PocketTip is free and takes about 60 seconds. Sign up, choose your event type, add your details, and you'll get a unique QR code and shareable link. No technical skills needed.
Do I need a Stripe account?
No separate Stripe account needed. We use Stripe Connect to handle payments securely. You'll complete a simple onboarding process to receive payouts directly to your Australian bank account.
How long does setup take?
Setup takes about 60 seconds to create your tip page. Stripe Connect onboarding (required for payouts) takes 5-10 minutes and can be done anytime before your first tip. You can start sharing your QR code immediately.
Is there a mobile app?
No app needed. Your tip page works perfectly in any web browser on any device. Customers scan your QR code and tip directly through their phone's browser using card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
Can I customise my tip page?
Yes. You can add your name, photo, event details, welcome message, and choose colours to match your style. Make it personal so customers know they're tipping the right person.

For Customers

How tipping works for your customers

How do I tip someone?
Scan the QR code with your phone camera or tap the link. Choose a tip amount (or enter custom), add an optional message, and pay with card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. The whole process takes about 30 seconds.
Are there fees for tipping?
Small processing fees apply (similar to buying coffee with card). Fees are shown upfront before you confirm payment. The person receiving the tip gets 100% of the tip amount you enter.
Can I tip anonymously?
Yes. You can choose to leave your name or tip anonymously. Either way, the person receiving the tip gets a notification and can see your message (if you leave one).
What payment methods can I use?
You can tip using any major credit or debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other mobile wallets. All payments are processed securely through Stripe.
Is tipping safe and secure?
Yes. All payments are processed securely through Stripe, the same payment system used by millions of businesses worldwide. We never store your full card details.

Pricing & Fees

Transparent pricing with no hidden costs

How much does it cost to use PocketTip?
Creating and using your tip page on PocketTip is completely free. There are no monthly fees, no setup costs, and no subscriptions. You only pay small processing fees when someone tips you (similar to card transaction fees).
What fees do I pay?
You don't pay any fees. The person leaving the tip pays small processing fees (shown upfront). You receive 100% of the tip amount they enter. No service fees, no monthly costs, no hidden charges.
How much are the processing fees?
Processing fees vary by country and payment method, typically around 2-3% plus a small fixed fee (similar to standard card transaction fees). Fees are always shown to the tipper before they confirm payment.
Are there any hidden costs?
No hidden costs. Creating your tip page is free. You receive 100% of tips. The only fees are small processing fees paid by the person leaving the tip (shown upfront). No monthly fees, no setup costs, no surprises.
Do I need to pay for a subscription?
No subscriptions required. ${process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_PRODUCT_NAME} is free to use forever. Create unlimited tip pages, generate QR codes, and accept tips with no monthly or annual fees.

Payouts & Money

How you receive your tips

How do I get paid?
Tips are automatically transferred to your Australian bank account via weekly payouts. You'll complete a simple Stripe Connect onboarding to link your bank account. Payouts happen automatically every week.
How often do I get paid?
Payouts happen weekly. Tips received during the week are automatically transferred to your bank account. You'll receive an email notification when each payout is processed.
Is there a minimum payout amount?
No minimum payout amount. All tips are automatically included in your weekly payout, regardless of the amount. Even small tips are transferred to your bank account.
What bank accounts are supported?
We support all major Australian banks. You can link any Australian bank account during Stripe Connect onboarding. Payouts are processed via direct bank transfer.
How long until I receive my first payout?
Your first payout typically arrives 7-10 days after your first tip (to allow for processing and bank transfers). Subsequent payouts happen weekly. You'll receive email notifications for each payout.

Security & Trust

Safe and secure platform

Is PocketTip safe to use?
Yes. We use Stripe, one of the world's most trusted payment processors, to handle all payments securely. Your bank details are never stored on our servers. All transactions are encrypted and secure.
Who can see my tip page?
Only people with your QR code or link can access your tip page. You can make your page public (anyone can find it) or keep it private (only people with the link can access it).
What information do you collect?
We collect basic information needed to create your tip page (name, email) and process payouts (bank details via Stripe). We never share your information with third parties except as needed to process payments.
Can I delete my tip page?
Yes. You can delete your tip page or account at any time from your dashboard. Deleted pages stop accepting tips immediately, and any pending payouts will still be processed.
What if I have a problem with a payment?
Contact our support team if you have any issues with payments or payouts. We use Stripe's secure payment system, which includes fraud protection and dispute resolution.

Using Your QR Code

Display and share your tip page

How do I print my QR code?
Download your QR code as an image from your dashboard, then print it like any photo. You can print it on paper, stickers, or professional signage. The QR code never expires.
Where should I display my QR code?
Display your QR code where customers can easily see and scan it: on your counter, table, receipt, or tip jar. Make it visible and accessible. Many venues print it on a small sign or sticker.
Can I share my tip page link online?
Yes. You can share your tip page link on social media, in emails, or anywhere online. Customers can tip directly from the link without needing to scan a QR code.
Does my QR code expire?
No. Your QR code never expires. Once created, it works forever. You can use the same QR code for years, print it on multiple signs, or share it anywhere.
Can I have multiple tip pages?
Yes. You can create unlimited tip pages for different events, venues, or purposes. Each page has its own QR code and link. Perfect for different jobs or events.
PocketTip QR code tipping dashboard showing tips and payouts for Australian service workers
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Start Accepting QR Code Tips in Australia Today

Join Australian hospitality workers, baristas, bartenders, and service workers using QR code tipping. Customers scan and pay with card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Free setup, weekly payouts to your Australian bank.