QR code ordering and payments are quickly becoming a popular solution for restaurants looking to improve customer efficiency and convenience. Likewise, the restaurant industry is quickly adapting to digital transformation, and tech-savvier patrons welcome this change.
The adoption of QR codes is particularly appealing to Generation Z and Millennial customers, with 56% viewing it as a positive development in the industry.
With the added benefits of contactless ordering, QR code ordering is becoming an increasingly popular solution for restaurants as they navigate an industry-wide labor shortage. This article will explore what QR code ordering and payments are, the benefits, and how they can help improve the customer experience.
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- What is QR code ordering?
- Benefits of restaurant QR code ordering and payments
- Benefits of online menus using QR codes
- How to create restaurant QR codes
What is QR code ordering?
QR code ordering is a type of digital ordering that allows customers to view your menu, order, and pay on their own devices. Equally important, this contactless solution is helping restaurants improve their efficiency and convenience during an industry-wide labor shortage.
Restaurants place QR codes on tables, in line at the counter, or even outside their restaurant for curbside and drive-thru orders. QR code ordering and payments help to save time and resources for both customers and restaurateurs alike.
The customer journey: How does it work?
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- Customer scans QR code at the table, in-line, drive-thru, or stall for curbside.
- QR code opens your online ordering page on the customer’s phone.
- Guest selects items, places the order, and pays on their own device.
- The order will appear on your POS, server iPads, and be sent directly to the kitchen.
- Automatically notifies server and closes the check, so no need to go back to the POS.
4 Benefits of restaurant QR code ordering and payments
QR codes have made a huge mark on the restaurant industry in recent years, providing a convenient and cutting-edge experience. Customers are captivated by this convenient ordering method — with nearly 75% of U.S. consumers saying they plan on using QR codes.
QR codes benefit restaurants and improve overall operations in 4 key ways.
1. Faster table turn times
Restaurant wait times can be one of the biggest pain points for customers, especially in today’s on-demand world. QR code ordering creates a more efficient process that helps reduce restaurant wait times.
In addition, QR code ordering provides customers with an up-to-date menu in their hands. This eliminates potential errors from hosts dropping off incorrect menus and allows for speedy table turns – no last-minute lunch orders necessary! With real-time menu updates, customers can explore options without worrying about items that may be out of stock or causing a backup in the kitchen.
The simplified process of QR code ordering means there’s no need for servers or paper menus – eliminating the common mistakes of taking incorrect orders or forgetting to input items. This results in faster table turns for businesses and satisfied customers.
2. Higher average ticket sizes
The use of QR codes is boosting average ticket sizes in the restaurant industry. Customers can easily choose items and directly add them to their tab without having to wait for a server.
In addition, upselling is less obvious and intimidating. Once a customer clicks on a certain item, there are suggested items like adding a fountain drink, a side, or dessert.
Customers who order from a digital menu don’t feel rushed to make a decision and are more at ease adding extra menu items, often resulting in up to 30% higher average order values.
3. Lower FOH labor costs
With customers in control of the ordering process and not having to look at physical menus to relay their orders to a server, servers can now cover more tables.
Picture this scenario: one server can cover an average of 10 tables now, compared to four before. This same server can go from table to table without losing momentum while other staff members drop off food or drink items as soon as they’re up.
This technology eliminates the need for the front of house staff to take orders, process payments, and deliver food, freeing up more staff resources that can be used toward other tasks like stocking shelves or providing additional customer service.
As many as 37% of customers use QR codes to access menus and order from the table, which means restaurants that face labor issues can continue to work smoothly with fewer employees.
By cutting down on overhead costs, restaurants can increase their operational efficiency while providing better customer service, all with minimal cost increases associated with implementing these systems.
4. Improved guest experience
This tableside technology shortens wait times and allows for easy customization when ordering.
Not only does QR code ordering provide streamlined access to menus and remove any potential inconveniences during the ordering process, but it also creates a much smoother checkout experience. No waiting on the server to bring the bill, take it to the register, and so forth.
According to a PYMNTS’ Digital Divide study, more than half (51%) of grab-and-go customers stated that viewing a menu with a QR code had a positive impact on their satisfaction.
Ultimately, QR codes have enabled businesses to provide customers with an enhanced ordering and payment experience that saves time and effort while also boosting revenue.
Benefits of online menus using QR codes
Online menus using QR codes have many benefits for businesses, customers, and staff. Here are five of the key advantages:
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- Increased convenience: Customers can quickly access detailed menu information by simply scanning a QR code, eliminating the need to search manually through several pages of printed material.
- Enhanced customer experience: By offering an easy way to view more detailed menu information with just the scan of a code, businesses can provide a more efficient and effective customer experience.
- Improved sales performance: Customers are more likely to make purchases when they can access detailed product descriptions quickly and easily.
- Reduced wastage: Printed materials are often expensive and require frequent updates. Using QR codes enables businesses to switch from traditional paper menus to digital menus which require no physical updating or replacement.
- Hygiene standards: Paper menus can be difficult to clean and disinfect. With online menus using QR codes, it’s easier to maintain proper hygiene standards in restaurant settings.
How to create restaurant QR codes
Any restaurateur can generate a QR code. Some sites like QR Code Generator and QR Tiger provide stable features that allow designs and some nice graphics to add.
Both offer dynamic QR codes, which will enable restaurants to change their destination address to another by updating the data of the generated QR code. Dynamic QR codes give you the ability to make quick changes to destination addresses, menus or other data without needing to generate a new code.
Conclusion
Installing a QR code payment system can be highly beneficial. It can help increase your restaurant’s revenue by allowing customers to pay for food quickly and with ease. Additionally, it provides a contact-free solution that helps to promote safety for both customers and restaurant staff.
