Contactless payment in restaurants: definition, benefits and risks

About ten minutes per table is the time it takes to settle a bill. Add to this the back-and-forth between the dining room and the kitchen, the handling of cash, errors in checkout and ordering... It's easy to see that payment is a crucial moment, especially during busy periods. In this context, contactless payment is an opportunity to gain in efficiency and fluidity when collecting orders. Find out more about the benefits of contactless payment and why you won't be able to do without it in your restaurant!

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Contactless payment definition

Contactless payment enables you to settle a transaction without having to insert your bank card or enter a PIN code. Instead, payment is made by approaching or tapping the device near a compatible payment terminal. This technology generally uses Near Field Communication (NFC) to establish a secure wireless connection between the consumer's device and the payment terminal.

Simple, fast and convenient, contactless payment can be used via bankcard, cell phone, connected watch, kiosk and other smart devices.

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What are the advantages of contactless payment?

In recent years, contactless payment methods have become popular due to their ease of use and proven effectiveness. The advantages of contactless payment include speed of transaction, ease of use for consumers and the fact that it reduces cash handling. 

A gesture that has become customary

Contactless payment has become widely democratized since the Covid 19 pandemic. Hygiene concerns and the need to reduce physical contact have pushed consumers towards contactless payment methods, contributing to a faster evolution of this new digital payment habit.

💡 Did you know?

Contactless payment has reached 57% of transactions in 2021, compared with 46% in 2020(Les Echos). It's a means of payment that's going from strength to strength.

Save time at checkout

Contactless transactions are extremely fast. Simply approach the payment card or compatible mobile device, and the transaction is completed in just a few seconds! No PIN entry is required for small amounts, making the payment process smoother and less complicated.

You'll considerably reduce the number of queues at the checkout, cashiering at the table and cash handling. This frees up time for your teams during busy rushes, and saves precious time for your customers! 

Enhanced customer experience

Consumers have become accustomed to paying with a single click, just as they do on e-commerce sites. Thanks to contactless payment in restaurants, customers can pay for their meal at their convenience, in complete autonomy, without having to wait for the waiter's intervention. 

At the same time, restaurant staff can concentrate on high value-added activities such as customer reception and service. In busy periods, contactless payments can help reduce queues and speed up transactions. Digital contactless payment solutions also make it possible to collect data to better understand customer preferences and optimize the customer experience.

Greater fluidity in your business

Contactless payment reduces cashier errors and the stress associated with cashing up. Thanks to the order terminal or Qr code, orders are sent directly to the kitchen, leaving your team free to concentrate on service and preparation.

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Are there any risks associated with contactless payment?

Contactless payment fraud

Like all payment methods, contactless payment is not completely fraud-free. Attackers can, for example, intercept payment data during contactless transactions or hack into electronic devices, although security protocols have been strengthened to minimize this risk.

Good to know: since May 11, 2020, the maximum limit for a contactless transaction has been set at 50 euros per operation for the security of users. Each bank also sets a maximum limit for cumulative contactless payments. Once this amount has been reached, customers must insert their bankcard or change payment method. 

However, contactless payment remains one of the safest payment methods, with minimal risk of fraud. As the secretary of the Observatoire de la sécurité des moyens de paiement explains: "It's also a very secure means of payment, since its fraud rate is close to that of point-of-sale fraud, which is very low, at 0.01%"(Les Echos).

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How can I use contactless payment in my restaurant?

By integrating contactless payment into your point of sale, you offer your customers a convenient, modern payment option, while simplifying your operations and promoting a positive customer experience. Here's how to implement contactless payment in your restaurant: 

The order terminal with integrated payment

A kiosk equipped with an electronic payment terminal is the ideal solution for saving time on a daily basis and enhancing the customer experience. Your customers can place their order on the touch screen and pay without stress.

This user-friendly, intuitive digital tool helps to streamline order-taking andincrease your average shopping basket by 25% to 40%. 

QR code payment at the table

Offer your customers the option of placing their order and paying the bill easily from their smartphone by scanning a QR code. With this solution, customers don't have to wait for waiters to arrive to access the menu or pay the bill. Everything is directly accessible via the code on their table. Your customers are autonomous, and can pay and share the bill with ease!

This option also enables you to make your menu more dynamic: you can offer special offers on the menus/products of your choice and enhance certain products with gourmet visuals, boosting additional sales to increase your average ticket: supplement, coffee, dessert, etc.

👉 To go further: why adopt the QR code in your restaurant?

Online ordering for online payment

Adopted by consumers in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, online ordering (delivery & click and collect) has now become an essential lever for developing your restaurant's business. Your customers can consult the online menu on your personalized space and place their order from anywhere. At the end of the process, collect additional data on your customers to get to know them better, and offer them the option of paying for their order online or at the collection point. 

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Did you like these tips? Don't hesitate to consult our other articles on our blog to help you develop your business!

Innovorder is the leader in digital solutions for commercial and institutional foodservice. Our team supports restaurateurs in their digital transformation with an all-in-one solution (cash register, kiosk, online ordering, KDS).