Not long ago, credit card machines were hand-activated countertop devices with a built-in tray for double-sided carbon paper. Every transaction involved the hands of different people coming into contact with multiple surfaces. Credit cards were always carried with you to buy anything via mail-in form, telephone, or manual impression.
Nowadays, due to COVID-19, diners avoid taking their credit cards out whenever possible. Some people choose to forego carrying a wallet altogether, opting to store any credit card information they need on their smartphones instead. Together, with onboard near-field communications (NFC) technology, smartphone capabilities empower diners to make purchases without ever needing to make contact with a cashier or credit card device.
Contactless dining experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic not only provides a convenient way to pay, but also provides a safeguard for the health of your clientele and staff.
New Uses for QR Codes in Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars
QR codes were developed in Japan and first used in the automotive industry to speed the staging of auto parts on assembly lines. The QR code is a computer-generated symbol that contains commands interpreted by a central processing unit (CPU). And with recent advancements, the applications for the code are becoming seemingly endless.
In the restaurant sector, there are several key areas where QR codes have already been used or could potentially benefit business operations:
- Inventory/Stockroom
- Menus
- Payment processing
- Check-in/Profile identifier
Inventory/Stockroom
Keeping an accurate stocktake of your inventory is essential to ensuring you have all the ingredients you need at any given time. This keeps you from running into a situation where you’re out of a key ingredient and are unable to make certain dishes on your menu, causing you to lose valuable sales.
With a modern cloud-based POS system, you can assign (and unassign) QR codes for inventory tracking. Barcode scanners can read QR codes, which speeds the shipment intake process for your stockroom.
User-Friendly Menus
Accessing menus via QR codes eliminates diners’ contact with shared menus. Updated safety protocols like this can lower everyone’s stress level as you strive for a contactless dining experience.
All you have to do is print out and laminate QR codes for tabletop menu stands. All customers need to do is open their QR code reader on their smartphone, point it at the provided QR code, and it will automatically pull up the associated menu. This method not only protects diners, but also allows your servers to practice safe social distancing.
Contactless Payment Processing
Set your bartenders and servers free from cables and card machines with QR code payment processing. Your cloud-based POS system can generate a QR code that contains the customer tab, allowing customers to pay for their meal in a contactless manner.
Check-In/Profile Identifier
Learning about your customers’ preferences is key to creating an unforgettable experience that will keep them coming back. QR codes can help you collect and store this kind of vital information.
When customers come to dine with you, have them check-in via a QR code, which would allow them to create a customer profile directly on their phone. Once this is created, key information will be collected that you would be able to access via your cloud-based POS system. Important information typically includes order history, contact information, birthdays, anniversaries, and other preferences that you can use to create a personalized experience every time they dine with you.
Enhancing the Contactless Dining Experience With Talech
Now that restaurants are operating under strict guidelines and restrictions due to COVID-19, creating a comfortable, inviting contactless dining experience is essential to attracting and retaining business.
With today’s advancements, foodservice owners have the ability to use innovative technology to conduct business in a way that keeps their staff and customers safe.
Whether you use QR codes, NFC technology, mobile POS systems, or all three, businesses can find ways to easily adapt during trying times and thrive under less-than-ideal conditions. The expertly trained consultants at talech have the know-how to assist food establishments in seamlessly integrating contactless technologies within their operations.
In a period of change, talech has a number of POS solutions that can help your business adjust operations smoothly. From reaching new audiences to engaging with your existing customers more often, we give you the tools to adapt quickly and with confidence.
