The Ultimate Guide to Restaurant Payment Technology
It’s no secret that the pandemic has caused businesses across industries to embrace new technologies. For restaurants, this trend has included implementing alternative payment options using contactless payment technology. By expediting transactions, these payment options are not only safe, but efficient. Restaurateurs looking to introduce new payment options into their workflow can easily become overwhelmed by a variety of different solutions. Luckily, we’ve created the ultimate guide to restaurant payment technology so that restauranteurs can start offering flexible payment options and bring safety and convenience to their operations.
Tableside Payments
Tableside payments allow bills to be paid at the table, eliminating the need for staff to carry cash or credit cards back and forth, which can slow operations and lead to the spread of harmful pathogens. Instead, staff can utilize mobile pin pads that travel with them to conduct payments on the spot.
customers no longer have to wait for the server to drop off the bill, process payments at a stationary POS, and return for signatures. Popular for outdoor seating arrangements and curbside pickup operations, these alternative payment options allow staff to increase their speed of service, increasing table turnover and limiting traffic in and out of the restaurant at the same time.
Mobile Payments
With consumers paying with cash less and spending more time on their phones than ever, the use of mobile wallets has increased in popularity. Mobile device payments allow customers to pay through their phone without the need to exchange cards or cash. If online, customers can simply use an eWallet payment option at checkout. Mobile payments can be used in conjunction with any POS System or self-service kiosk equipped with NFC technology.
Similar to tableside payment options, mobile payments streamline transactions to get customers in and out faster. They’re also a completely contactless option, allowing restaurants to provide a safe dining experience. This will prove especially attractive to customers hesitant to return to indoor dining.
QR Code Payments
Another mobile option for restaurant payment technology is QR code payments. With the right POS software, restaurants can print unique QR codes on every check. All the customer needs to do is point their phone’s camera at the code and tap the notification to enter their payment information. This option is especially cost-effective for restaurants on a budget, as offering a QR code interface is cheaper than purchasing an entire fleet of hardware.
QR code payments are an excellent way to reduce contact between customers and staff during tableside and curbside checkouts. They also work to free up servers’ time. When servers can work without having to process payments, they can be available to serve other customers faster or help elsewhere in the restaurant, streamlining internal operations. Customers will also enjoy the quick and easy form of payment.
Online Payments
Restauranteurs will want to keep operations moving at an efficient pace to avoid congestion and customer frustration. Online payments are essential to streamline any delivery, curbside, or pickup operation. With an online payment platform, customers can enter their payment information after adding their items to their order.
This way, when the customer comes to pick up their order or has it delivered, time doesn’t have to be spent processing payments on the spot. When it’s taken care of beforehand, customers can receive or pick up their order and be on their way in no time. Online payments also work to reduce contact between staff and customers as much as possible, limiting the time staff spend car side or on a customer’s front porch.
Restaurant payment technology has undoubtedly created a technology renaissance in the restaurant and dining industry. With the ability to limit contact between customers and staff, restaurants can ensure the health and safety of their patrons and streamline operations at the same time. To learn more about each solution, how they work, and their applications, download our eBook “Contactless: The Future of Restaurant Payment Technology” and get started on simplifying your payment processing.
