In Japan, where cashless payment is king, one company is taking a bold step to change the way we tip. Dinii, a Tokyo-based fintech firm, has introduced two tipping systems to its service, with the second being added this past May. But what sets Dinii apart from other tipping apps is its unique approach to incentivizing customers to leave a tip.
The first system, Oshi Support, allows users to select an extra payment for their favorite server, inspired by Japanese idol culture where fans support their favorite performer through extra spending. The second system, simply called "tipping," prompts users to choose a percentage-based addition to their bill, which goes directly to the restaurant.
With Dinii's service now usable at over 3,000 restaurants in Japan, around 13% of those establishments are making use of the new tip payment option. Interestingly, Dinii's data shows that both Japanese and non-Japanese users are using the new tipping system, with an even split between the two groups.
However, it's worth noting that while foreigners may be more eager to start tipping, Japanese customers may not be as enthusiastic about leaving a tip. This is because many restaurants in Japan already include a tip substitute in the form of otoshi, a small appetizer served without being ordered. Additionally, some establishments may have a seating/table charge built into the bill.
Dinii's new tipping system also runs counter to a cultural belief in Japan, where good service is considered the norm and not something that requires special appreciation. The text above the tip percentage options reads "Let's show appreciation with a tip. A special thank you for special service." This may erode the cultural expectation of good service being provided as a matter of course.
Overall, Dinii's attempt to introduce tipping in Japan is an interesting experiment in fitness app development, and it will be exciting to see how this new approach affects the way we interact with restaurants and servers in the future.