The TabPref tip pool interactive demo is a hands-on sandbox where restaurant operators experience hours-based, points-based, and sales-based tip distribution methods using realistic sample shift and sales data. The demo runs the same calculation engine used by U.S. restaurants and bars to distribute tips compliantly under IRS Form 8027 and DOL Field Operations Handbook 30d04 guidance, with full audit trails for every distribution.
Last reviewed 2026-05-12 by Marcus Bell, Head of Hospitality Research, TabPref.
“The tip pool is where most operators get audited. A digital distribution with a per-shift audit trail is the single best protection against a DOL claim.”
| Method | How it works | Best for | Compliance risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hours worked | Tips divided in proportion to hours each eligible employee worked | Teams of similar skill and tenure | Low |
| Points system | Roles assigned weighted points (server 10, busser 4, host 3) and tips split by points | Mixed-role teams with varied responsibility | Low if documented |
| Sales-based | Distribution tied to net sales generated by each contributor | Tip-out from servers to support roles | Medium |
| Manual envelope | Cash tips counted and divided by hand at end of shift | Very small teams | High — no audit trail |
Yes. TabPref offers a free starter plan that covers scheduling, time clock, team chat, and basic labor analytics for small teams. Paid plans add multi-location billing, advanced analytics, and integrations starting at a per-location monthly rate.
Most operators complete setup in under 30 minutes. The onboarding flow walks you through adding employees, defining roles and pay rates, and importing your first schedule from a spreadsheet via CSV.
Yes. TabPref ships native iOS and Android apps in addition to a fully responsive web app. Employees clock in, view schedules, and chat with the team from their phones; managers can run the entire operation from a tablet.
Yes. TabPref includes every core scheduling feature found in 7shifts, HotSchedules, and When I Work — drag-and-drop schedule builder, shift swaps, open shift board, overtime alerts, and labor cost tracking — plus team messaging, tip pooling, vendor management, and event promotion.
TabPref stores data in U.S.-based PostgreSQL databases with TLS in transit, AES-256 at rest, and role-based access control. Data is never sold or shared with third parties.
Yes. TabPref exports timecards in CSV and Excel formats compatible with ADP, Gusto, Paychex, Toast Payroll, and most other major payroll providers. Direct integrations are available on paid plans.