Manchester-based digital tipping startup Gratuu signs first restaurant partner

La Bandera, the Manchester-based Spanish eatery, has become the first restaurant to collaborate with digital tipping solution startup Gratuu.

Founded by Manchester entrepreneur Renate Kalnina, Gratuu enables customers to pay tips directly into a staff members’ bank accounts using their mobile phones.

La Bandera, which is located at 2 Ridgefield, is hoping the partnership will deliver a fair and transparent tipping system for its staff.

Through Gratuu, users can tip directly or via a virtual tip-jar by either scanning a QR code or visiting Gratuu’s website and typing in a unique ID number.

The company charges a 3.5% fixed rate per transaction.

Yashin Dadashnejad, the owner of La Bandera, said: “I think it is a very good idea for everybody, for the staff, for the customers and for the company.

“Customers are very excited about the future of the company when I talk about Gratuu because, they recognise that there is a potential to provide a complete transparency and control in the industry.”

He added: “It is a new approach and you have to be patient. However, I strongly believe that it will take off, like when Deliveroo started no one wanted to give the card details, and now it’s everywhere.”

Gratuu is currently used by two hairdressers – Didsbury-based Urban Angels and Rox Men’s Salon in central Manchester.

Renate commented: “When it comes to fair and transparent tipping, no one can choose to sit on the fence. The recent gratuity related riots outside Harrods and the heated discussions about Michel Roux Jr scandalous approach to gratuity management, must force customers to take control.

“Ultimately we stand for fair and transparent tipping, with customers being able to see exactly where their gratuity money is going. Tipping is a common practice that allows us to reward staff when we wish to. If and when we do tip, it is important that tips end up in the right hands.”

She continued: “Gratuu is a compliance solution for businesses and will make leaving a discretionary gratuity a more open and pleasant experience for all.”

Gatuu is currently part of the Entrepreneurial Spark Powered By NatWest programme, which operates out of the bank’s offices on Hardman Boulevard, Manchester.

NatWest entrepreneur development manager Dale Sidebottom said: “Gatuu is a fantastic platform to ensure those who work in hospitality are rewarded fairly.

“Renate has developed a quick and easy to use tool to use that has incredible potential.”

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