How Schulte Hospitality Standardized Digital Tipping
Across 159 Hotels to Enhance Associate Retention

About Schulte Hospitality

Schulte Hospitality is a leading third-party management company with deep, multi-generational experience in the hospitality industry. Their diverse team operates more than 200 locations across 38 states and 5 countries.

The portfolio includes properties from major brands like Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and Hyatt, as well as unique independent and boutique properties and restaurants.

The Challenge: Scaling Digital Tipping Across a Multi-Brand Portfolio

Schulte Hospitality faced the challenge of implementing a digital tipping solution that could be standardized across their diverse portfolio while accommodating the unique needs of different brands and property types. They needed a solution that would:

1. Work with both W2 employees and contract labor
2. Integrate with their existing HR systems
3. Scale efficiently across properties of different sizes and brands
4. Provide consistent management reporting
5. Address the increasingly cashless nature of guest transactions

"It's been a year since we partnered up with eTip and something that we really like and appreciate is that every time we have a question or we need any kind of help we get assistance we need immediately"

Jason Jackson

VP Operational Strategy & Integrations, Schulte Hospitality

The Selection Process: Finding the Right Partner

Schulte Hospitality began with a pilot at a few properties in late 2022 before conducting a comprehensive evaluation of five digital tipping platforms in early 2023. After testing multiple solutions, they selected eTip for their portfolio-wide implementation.

Key factors in their decision included:

• The ability to support contract labor
• Scalable administrative capabilities
• Collaborative partnership approach
• Comprehensive reporting dashboard
• Cost-effective pricing structure

“The standouts for choosing eTip included; collaboration & partnership in developing the right program for Schulte, competitive pricing, and sustainability.  The eTip team has been simply phenomenal to collaborate with and have truly embraced our mutually beneficial partnership. While they worked closely to understand Schulte’s needs and expectations (and deliver to such), they welcomed feedback and guidance on enhancement opportunities to be implemented system-wide.  eTip has a truly sustainable effort and platform, and continues to develop strategies for their program and financial stability for team members.”

Jason Jackson

VP Operational Strategy & Integrations, Schulte Hospitality

The Solution: A Standardized Implementation Approach

After the initial pilot phase, Schulte Hospitality developed a standardized approach for implementing eTip across their entire portfolio:

• Eliminated individual tip jars in favor of department-based solutions
• Created multiple options for room attendants, one for front desk, and one for other departments
• Utilized acrylic frames for professionally displayed collateral
• Developed customized intake forms for efficient onboarding
• Built ADP integration for employee ingestion and tip assignments
• Conducted property-level training with eTip support

Results: Exceeding Expectations Across the Portfolio

The implementation of eTip has delivered impressive results across the Schulte Hospitality portfolio:

Substantial Tip Revenue

The properties have collected over $180,000 in digital tips, with $84,000 of that amount coming in just the most recent six-month period, showing strong growth and adoption.

Improved Associate Experience

Properties that are fully engaged with the platform report enthusiastic responses from associates who appreciate the additional income stream.

Streamlined Operations

The standardized approach across properties has simplified administration and training, allowing for consistent implementation regardless of brand or location.

Easier Management Oversight

Integration with ADP has streamlined reporting and associate management, though customizable dashboard features continue to evolve.

Looking Ahead

Following the success with the initial 90 properties, Schulte Hospitality:

• Recently added 29 additional properties through a merger with Emerald Hospitality Working with their newly acquired Emerald Hospitality division to transition 29 more properties to eTip
• Is currently adding the remaining 30-40 additional properties by May 2025
• Exploring eTip's restaurant platform for food and beverage operations
• Looking to enhance integration with future HR systems

“Since just a couple months into our collaboration and partnership, I’ve enthusiastically recommended eTip to past and present industry peers. If you’re looking for digital tipping, this is the platform to choose.  I welcome any inquiries as to our story and will happily share my experience.”

Jason Jackson

VP Operational Strategy & Integrations, Schulte Hospitality