Small, frequent cash transactions like parking and transit are proving themselves to be good test use cases for mobile payments. Boston-based Ziptip Inc. is adding another use case to that list: tipping. 

Recently named one of Boston's hottest start-ups by Tech Cocktail, Ziptip gives tippers the ability to scan a QR code that connects to a "tipee's" Ziptip account. The tipper then selects the tip amount and send the funds from their account (which links to a PayPal account) directly to the tipee.

No more leaving cash on a table or hotel nightstand with the hope that it gets to the right person, or putting a tip on a credit card receipt so that it goes to the merchant instead of the employee. Ziptip makes sure the tip goes to the person who earned it.

The cost to use the service is 1 percent paid by the tipper. Service providers can order business cards, tags and even shirts from Ziptip that display their unique code for scanning. 

"While all types of service workers benefit from using Ziptip, in particular hotel workers (especially housekeeping staff), café workers, coffee baristas and some restaurant workers stand to benefit dramatically," says Ziptip President Lois Hamblet in an announcement.

The Ziptip app is available on iPhone and Android devices and works in more than 20 countries.

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