The different uses of e-wallet in foodservice

Find out how the use of e-wallet in foodservice has become a real innovation and even a revolution, for both guests and establishments!

In this article, we explore the many uses of e-wallet in the foodservice sector.

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Definition: what is an e-wallet? 

An e-wallet is an electronic payment system used to carry out financial transactions in collective catering services. It is a digital solution that allows diners to top up an electronic account with funds, and then use this account to pay for their meals and other products within the collective restaurant.

In the context of foodservice, an e-wallet can be integrated with a restaurant-specific payment management system, or with a broader electronic transaction management platform. Diners can add funds to their e-wallet using payment methods such as credit cards, prepaid cards or bank transfers.

Once the e-wallet account is funded, guests can make payments using their cell phone, contactless payment card or other e-payment-compatible devices. They can simply bring their means of payment close to the payment terminal, which deducts the amount of the meal or purchase from the available balance in the e-wallet account.

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Why use e-wallet in foodservice?

An e-wallet, also known as an electronic wallet, is an electronic payment system widely used in the catering industry. It enables customers to pay for their purchases conveniently and securely, without having to use cash or a physical bank card.

Restaurant e-wallets offer a number of advantages for both diners and restaurants. For customers, they simplify the payment process, reduce the need to handle cash and offer a secure payment option. 

Restaurants, for their part, benefit from more efficient payment management, reduced risk of theft and access to valuable data on customer consumption habits.

Centralized management of guest and user data

The use of e-wallet in catering goes far beyond simple financial management. In fact, this modern solution offers the possibility of centralizing and efficiently managing guest and user data, including time and attendance, registration, outpatient management and much more:

• First of all, the e-wallet enables precise guest check-in. Thanks to this technology, it becomes easier to keep track of guests' presence at mealtimes.

• The e-wallet also facilitates reservations and registrations. Guests can reserve their place in advance, enabling them to anticipate food and organizational requirements. What's more, information on food allergies or special diets can be entered into the system, ensuring better guest care and greater satisfaction.

• Using this system also simplifies the management of external parties. Whether it's external contributors, service providers or visitors, their data can be recorded in the e-wallet system. This facilitates their identification and integration within the catering context, offering a smoother, more secure experience for all involved.

Better budget control

The e-wallet system facilitates the payment and top-up process for catering cards and accounts, offering greater transparency and control over spending.

The e-wallet enables detailed tracking of expenses. Through a mobile application or online platform, users can directly consult their balance and check their transaction history. This greater visibility gives them a better understanding of their spending and encourages them to behave more responsibly.

On the restaurant side, the e-wallet also facilitates budget management for catering managers. They can set spending limits per person or per group, and receive notifications if these limits are exceeded. This allows them to better control costs and adjust budget allocations according to actual needs.

Fast payment

First and foremost, the e-wallet enables fast payments. Guests can top up their account securely online, and benefit from immediate availability of funds. This eliminates the potential hassle of handling cash or check transactions, providing an efficient, no-wait payment experience.

The e-wallet in foodservice facilitates rapid payment by simplifying the process:

• eliminates the need to give change,
• reduces queues,
• allows payments in a single gesture,
• offers contactless transactions.

These features contribute to a smoother, more efficient payment experience for foodservice users.

Anticipating and understanding guests' needs

The ingenious use of the e-wallet in the catering sector opens up a wide range of opportunities, and greatly simplifies the management of special user requirements. Thanks to this innovative technology, catering professionals can now accurately anticipate and cater for individual culinary preferences, allergies and nutritional requirements. In fact, e-wallets make it possible to collect data on diners' eating habits. Transactions carried out via the e-wallet provide information on food choices, preferences, specific diets and food allergies or intolerances. This data can be used to analyze dietary trends, adapt menus and anticipate guests' needs.

Imagine a system where meals are tailored to each guest, where dietary constraints are precisely taken into account. Thanks to the e-wallet, information such as allergies, intolerances and culinary preferences are securely stored, enabling establishments to offer customized menus that meet the particular expectations of each guest.

Application examples

Find out how the e-wallet is helping to improve service in the catering industry, from school canteens to hospitals and businesses!

School catering

Thanks to the e-wallet, students can say goodbye to the hassle of crumpled coins and bills. They can now pay for their meals with ease using their smartphone or a special prepaid card linked to their account. It's like having a personal assistant who takes care of everything!

The e-wallet not only makes life easier for students, it also offers greater transparency for them and their parents. They can consult their detailed payment history, enabling them to better manage their school catering budget. No more surprise expenses! 

School catering e-wallets also simplify administrative management for schools. Electronic transactions are easier to track and record, reducing the workload associated with collecting, counting and managing cash. What's more, e-wallet systems can offer additional functionalities such as report generation, menu management, and management of allergies or special diets.

Corporate catering

The e-wallet application is also a real revolution in the world of company catering!

The advantages are just as great here: 

• The e-wallet is easy to use
• Reduces waiting times
• It lets you know what's on the menu in advance
• And view your remaining balance and payment history

👉 Going further: 9 tips for better management of your company restaurant

Hospital and administrative catering

Finally, the e-wallet also makes life easier for diners in the hospital and administrative catering sector. It enhances the user experience, making it smoother, more pleasant and more convenient.

👉 To find out more: Digital catering in hospitals

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The Innovorder e-wallet

TheInnovorder e-wallet is an electronic wallet designed to facilitate financial transactions in catering establishments.

The Innovorder e-wallet allows guests to load their e-account with funds directly at the top-up portal, cash desk or top-up kiosk. On their account, guests can view: transactions per order or per day, order channel, order date and time, order number and refunds.

It's a win-win situation for your guests: easier payments and shorter queues.

For you, the manager, the e-wallet simplifies payment management, reduces queues and waiting times, and enables more efficient collection of transaction data and customer consumption habits. It can also be integrated with other restaurant management solutions offered by Innovorder, such as online ordering systems, order kiosks and back-office solutions.

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Would you like to digitalize your establishment with an e-wallet for your guests? Contact an Innovorder consultant to benefit from their expertise.