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Everything you need to know about paying at the table in your restaurant

Chloé Thévenet
December 20, 2023
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Today's restaurateurs face a twofold challenge: satisfying an increasingly demanding clientele while optimizing the management of their establishment.

One such solution is the adoption of pay-at-table systems. This modern technology is not just a passing trend, but a revolution in restaurant service. By enabling customers to pay directly at their table, these systems offer an enhanced user experience while optimizing the restaurant's internal operations.

In this article, we'll explore in detail why and how pay-at-table can transform your restaurant. We'll look at the concrete benefits for your business, from improving the customer experience to increasing your sales. 

Ready to take the step towards more efficient, modern restaurant management? Follow the guide!

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What is pay-at-table?

Payment at the table, as the name suggests, allows customers to pay their bill directly at their table, without having to wait for a waiter. This method is based on QR codes, integrated into the restaurant's point-of-sale (POS) system. 

The process is simple: after consuming, customers access the payment platform via their smartphone by scanning a QR code, and pay for their order in just a few clicks.

👉 To find out more: The different means of payment in fast-food restaurants

Differences from traditional payments

Here are the main differences between payment at the table and traditional payment methods:

  • Unlike traditional methods where the waiter brings the bill and collects payment, payment at the table offers complete autonomy to the customer.
  • For you, the restaurateur, this means optimized table management, improved transaction tracking and reduced payment errors. 
  • It also frees your staff from certain tasks, allowing them to concentrate on service quality.

👉 To go further: Digitalising your restaurant, our 5-step guide

Payment at table via QR code

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The benefits of pay-at-table

Pay-at-table is not just a technological innovation, it's a growth driver for you, the restaurateur. By adopting this method, you offer your customers an enriched experience while optimizing your internal management. Let's take a closer look at the key benefits.

Improving the customer experience

Speed and convenience are at the heart of today's consumer expectations. Payment at the table is the perfect answer. Diners appreciate the ability to pay immediately after finishing their meal, without waiting for the waiter. 

👉 Find out how to improve the customer experience in your restaurant

Reduced waiting times

This method considerably reduces waiting time, contributing to a more pleasant customer experience.

Increased customer satisfaction

Better payment management means faster table turnover, which is essential during peak hours. Less waiting means more customers served and greater satisfaction. This satisfaction is reflected not only in customer returns, but also in customer loyalty. A satisfied customer is a customer who returns and recommends your establishment.

Positive impact on sales and table management

Implementing payment at table has a direct effect on sales. By streamlining the payment process, you increase operational efficiency, which translates into the ability to accommodate more guests. 

Better table management also helps optimize space and service time, key factors in maximizing revenues.

👉 To find out more: Discover the 7 advantages of ordering at the table

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How does pay-at-table transform restaurant management?

The adoption of pay-at-table is fundamentally changing the way restaurateurs manage their establishments. This technology not only enhances the customer experience, it also transforms the entire restaurant operation.

Simplified operations

The first notable transformation concerns order management. With tabletop payment, orders are recorded and processed digitally, reducing the errors associated with manual order-taking. This automation translates into more accurate sales tracking, which facilitates inventory management.

You can track transactions in real time, which greatly simplifies accounting and financial management. 

Customer data analysis

One of the major advantages of pay-at-table is the collection of customer data. This data provides an overview of customer preferences and behaviors, enabling you to further personalize your offers. You can use this information to create targeted promotions, customized menus, or even improve the overall customer experience.

👉 Further information: Restaurant management, 5 essential software programs

Improved workforce management

Finally, pay-at-table has a positive impact on labor management. Your staff can concentrate on value-added tasks such as customer service and customer interaction, rather than managing payments. 

This reorganization of work leads to greater responsiveness to customer requests and, ultimately, to a more fulfilled and efficient team!

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Innovorder Click & Serve

The Click & Serve solution is the fastest way to order and pay at the table using your smartphone via a QR code.

Increase your sales

Click & Serve's modern interface cleverly showcases your menu with enticing photos of your dishes that your customers won't be able to resist. Among our customers, we've seen an average basket increase of around 19% thanks to the photos and automatic suggestions for extras.

In addition to increasing your average basket, this innovation also increases your number of orders by 11%. In fact, Click & Serve makes it easy to place orders during the meal and at the end, so you don't miss a single order. 

Boost your productivity

In the dining room, your customers can manage the entire ordering process: consult the menu, order and pay.

In the kitchen, orders arrive directly on your production screens or printers. No more back and forth!

Improve the customer experience

The benefits for your customers are manifold:

  • immediate access to the menu,
  • order taking in just a few clicks,
  • payment in seconds,
  • easy and immediate recommendation.

You drastically reduce waiting times, which improves the customer experience in your restaurant.

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Would you like to find out more about our Click & Serve solution for ordering and paying at the table? Contact one of our advisors today!

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