At this year’s Salon Owners Summit, Jacob Morris, a Product Designer at Phorest, took us on a journey through the salon industry’s evolving tipping landscape, weaving in humour, real-life stories, and some eyebrow-raising research findings along the way.
The session wasn’t just about tipping – it was also about empowerment, specifically, how businesses can give their teams a financial boost through financial literacy when it comes to tracking and managing their tips.
Why Tips Matter in the Salon, Spa, and Clinic Industry
Despite being a staple in salons, spas, and clinics, tipping has become unnecessarily complicated in a world that’s moving away from cash. QR codes, third-party apps, awkward fumbling at the front desk – sound familiar? Clients want to top, but the process often feels like an afterthought.
Jacob put it simply: “We surveyed consumers in five countries, and what your clients really want is a simple way to top your staff.”
And that’s exactly what Phorest delivers. Enter PhorestTips – a fully integrated, seamless tipping system designed to empower your team, increase their earnings, and make the entire experience effortless.
This isn’t just another feature – it’s a game-changer for salons, spas, and clinics looking to take care of their teams in a meaningful way. Because when your staff feel valued and financially secure, they bring their best selves to work every day, and that’s something worth celebrating. So, how exactly does PhorestTips work? And more importantly, what kind of impact can it have on your team? Let’s dive in.
PhorestTips: A Seamless Experience Means More Tips
If tipping is meant to be a heartfelt thank you from clients to salon, spa, and clinic staff, then why has it become such an awkward, clunky process? Digging for cash, fumbling with third-party apps, or forgetting entirely – it’s a missed opportunity for both the client and for the talented professionals who deserve to be rewarded.
That’s exactly why PhorestTips was designed to be effortless, integrated, and instant. No extra steps, no hassle – just a smooth, built-in experience that makes tipping second nature. So, how does it work?
- Integrated Directly into the Payment Process: Clients are automatically prompted to tip before finalising their payment, so there’s no awkward “should I, shouldn’t I?” moment.
- Seamless & Cash-Free: Whether they’re paying by card or digital wallet, tipping is as simple as tapping a button.
- Instant Gratification for Stylists: As soon as a client leaves a tip, the stylist gets a notification – no waiting, no wondering.
And salon owners are already seeing the impact. Carol Levy from Cilantro Hair Spa in Indiana, said, “I love the integrated tips. Having it on the point of sale is perfect.”
It’s not just about convenience – it’s about results. Within just two weeks of introducing PhorestTips, Karen Thompson, salon owner of Beauty Secrets in the United Kingdom, said, “We’ve had at least 25-30% increase in tips, in just two weeks!”
The numbers speak for themselves: when you make tipping easy, clients tip more. And that means happier, more motivated staff.
Tipping as a Tool for Financial Empowerment
Tipping can also be a powerful tool for financial security, motivation, and even life-changing opportunities. Jacob touched on this in the keynote, sharing insights from real salon, clinic, and spa staff about what their tips actually mean to them. “We asked staff what they’re saving for, and we heard everything from ‘a first home’ to ‘flights to visit family’,” Jacob said.
These aren’t just small perks – they’re real-life dreams and goals being funded by the generosity of happy clients. And yet, so many businesses still rely on outdated or inconvenient tipping methods that leave money on the table. However, with PhorestTips, and by integrating tipping with the checkout process, more clients are encouraged to show appreciation, and staff see a significant increase in their earnings.
For many professionals in the salon, spa, and clinic industry, tips aren’t just extra cash – they’re the difference between making ends meet and getting ahead. A reliable, steady stream of tips helps with daily expenses, unexpected costs, and bigger financial milestones. When salons, spas, and clinics make tipping easier, they’re not just improving staff morale – they’re actively supporting staff wellbeing.
Beyond Tipping – Financial Literacy and Education
While tipping provides an incredible boost to staff earnings, financial security goes beyond just making more money; it’s also about knowing how to manage it. This is something Michaella Blissett, owner of [salon]718 in Brooklyn, New York, is deeply passionate about.
“We do financial literacy classes. As much as it’s important for staff to be able to cut and technically be good hairdressers, they should also be savvy humans and not fall into certain gaps with credit cards,” she said.
Michaella’s approach isn’t just about making more money; it’s about making money work for you. From helping staff understand savings and investments to avoiding common financial pitfalls, these lessons empower salon professionals to think long-term.
Jacob also went on to emphasise the importance of financial literacy in salon, spa, and clinic staff. By asking how we make staff more financially secure, he also went on to announce Money Talks, a brand-new webinar series and masterclass programme designed to equip salon, clinic, and spa professionals with real, practical financial knowledge.
From budgeting and savings strategies to investing and retirement planning, Money Talks will cover it all – because when your staff is financially empowered, the entire industry thrives.
A Future of Financial Empowerment
At the heart of this keynote is a simple but powerful truth: financial empowerment changes lives. By having access to education, salon, spa, and clinic staff can understand how to make money work for them and set financial goals.
As Jacob beautifully put it, “It’s about turning tip money from spendable, disposable, and forgettable into something that is savable, visible, and memorable.”
At Phorest, we’re committed to helping staff in salons, spas, and clinics take control of their financial futures. Whether it’s through PhorestTips, our upcoming Money Talks series, or the many educational initiatives we have in store, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
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