The Ease Of QR Payments in the Restaurant Industry
The numbers don’t lie. A couple years into the pandemic and people are up in arms over having to use their phone to pull up a QR-based restaurant menu just to figure out what tickles their fancy. Once seen as a quick fix putting virus-wary restaurant-goers at ease, QR code menus are now a much-maligned downside to dining out, according to 88% of Technomic’s recent 1,000 consumer survey.
People might have moved on from this pandemic moment but that doesn’t mean QR codes are a lost cause for eateries investing in next-gen tech. That’s because this little bit of software might make the biggest impact elsewhere in the eating-out experience, namely when it’s time to settle the check. In fact, nearly 43% of consumers feel completely safe scanning these codes at restaurants. That’s good news for the future of QR code payments across the industry, from Tex-Mex chains to ramen shops and everything in between.
Seamless Experience
A lot goes into the process of picking where to eat. Tempting appetizers and mouth-watering mains aside, you might be surprised to learn that 55% of diners say being able to pay with contactless options actually sways which place they choose to patronize. It’s no longer enough to create a compelling menu and attractive ambience. Meeting consumers on their high-tech terms is paramount for success.
Asking customers to use QR payment systems won’t be too much of a hard sell if the numbers check out. The majority of global consumers, or nearly eight in ten, were already using contactless payments in the earliest days of the pandemic. Many people were squeamish about what creepy crawlies they might pick up when punching their passcode into payment pin pads. Not to mention how cash and coins suddenly got a whole lot of side-eye. With QR payments, diners not only can dodge getting their digits dirty, but they also avoid handing over their card to a perfect stranger. Contactless offers a win-win too compelling to ignore.
Give patrons a convenient way to pay when they’re ready instead of feeling hurried out the door. Don’t put a sour taste in their mouth by treating them like just another paycheck you can’t wait to collect.
How Does it Work?
For anyone used to using a smartphone, there’s virtually no learning curve when it comes to checking out with QR code payment systems. Restaurants simply print the QR code right on the bill, which customers scan with their phone to pull up a page showing the amount they need to pay. There’s no special app to download, it all happens right on the device that your diners already own. Digital-obsessed young consumers in particular practically expect to interact with these kinds of systems wherever they go in the world. Incorporating QR payments can make your restaurant brand more appealing in the eyes of the next generation.
Data also suggests that QR payments encourage healthier tipping, a huge plus for your talented team. Most people don’t like doing math (especially after a great meal!) so spelling out what 20% amounts to often nudges customers to go with that default gratuity when they’re tallying up the total. Something as simple as printing the percentage in black and white can drive meaningful results for your business and hardworking help.
QR payments offer flexibility as well. Diners check out by filling in their credit or debit card details. If they prefer, they have the option to use Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Wallet or other popular digital wallet options. Empower customers to pay on their time and their terms.
Customer Loyalty
One of the best parts of using QR code payments is you can enhance your loyalty platform without much extra effort on your part. It doesn’t take much work to add an email signup to the QR checkout process. Many customers don’t mind punching in their digital address when they already have a smartphone in hand. Once you have their info, you can start pushing out messages that encourage repeat business. Maybe they’ll respond to a coupon or two-for-one happy hour special. Whatever the case may be, marketing helps keep the relationship alive after the customer walks out the door.
Future-Proof Your Business
There’s no telling when the next massive disruption will strike. No one could have predicted that 2020 would be the year everything changed for virtually everyone across the globe. That’s why smart restaurateurs like you know how critical it is to invest now in the solutions that set you up for success tomorrow. QR code payments offer one way to ensure you’re ready to meet the next pandemic-style event head on. The world is going contactless. Are you part of the digital revolution?
