No Cash For a Tip? Use Ziptip!
We all have those moments where we want to tip someone, but we don't have any cash. Thanks to Ziptip, we don't need to have these moments any longer. Ziptip, our featured startup today, allows us to give tips through the use of our mobile devices. Ziptip lets us tip people directly and quickly without the hassle of needing cash.
As a newer member of Startup America, Ziptip is learning and growing. Even to countries outside the US. Ziptip can benefit so many people (almost everyone on the planet is a tipper, a tip recipient or both). Ziptip's patent pending solution is available in many countries. Learn more about Ziptip from Founder and CEO, Lois Hamblet.
What inspired you to start your company?
I had an "iphone epiphany" moment where I wished to be able to tip someone using my iphone. Having been familiar with bump technology and PayPal, I knew it was possible to create such an application.
Tell us about your product or service
Ziptip is a mobile payments solution for tips and gratuities. The tipper uses the Ziptip app on their phone (iphone or Android) to scan an image displayed by a tip recipient, most commonly on a business card. Tip recipients customize their image free at ziptip.net. Ziptip innovates the tipping space and opens up tipping opportunities.
Tell us something unique about you as a founder
I have had diverse career experiences resulting in a broad range of competancies. I began in finance/accounting, then launched and ran a manufacturing company for 10 years. I have both finance/accounting (technical) and design (creative) abilities.
What problem does your product or service solve?
There are a number of problems in the tipping space. The decline in cash usage is primary, with 43% of recently polled not carrying cash during a typical week. Cash tipping is limited also by time available and social custom and has security issues. Additionally, tips paid with credit cards are paid to the wrong party (the merchant) and oftentimes never reach their intended recipients. Ziptip's solution described above solves all of these problems. Tips are paid directly and instantly to the tip recipient (to their Ziptip account linked to PayPal); a tip can be paid after point of service or multiple times if business cards are used; a tip can be paid discreetly (unlike with a cash tip where action is required on the part of the tip recipient) and a tipper can pay anyone and not be limited by social custom.
What are your startup's three biggest challenges to growth?
Getting the word out, getting users to our website, getting users to sign up, and getting users to use the service. A new behavior is being asked of users so adoption will be challenging.
How has the Startup America Partnership helped you overcome these challenges to growth?
The Learning Serires webinars are relevant and informational.
What Startup America Member Benefits have you used?
Ziptip is new to the Startup America Partnership. However, I have participated in webinars that added value to my understanding of certain topics. I plan on utilizing the discounts and offers of partners too.
Why should startups join Startup America?
For access to knowledge and resources, of course, and the opportunity to connect with startups and others across the country.
What is the startup culture like in your City/State?
The Boston/Cambridge startup culture is very robust. Consumer web startups are not common, however, and startups in lifesciences and energy seem to be more common. There are some great organizations working to help startups in Boston/Cambridge such as the MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge.
Learn more about Ziptip Here.
www.ziptip.net | www.facebook.com/ziptip.net
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