Order & Pay-at-Table Options Benefit Everyone. Here’s Why.

At Total Touch, we’re all about helping restaurants like yours offer the best dining experience possible.

What is Order & Pay-at-Table?

This technology offers exactly what its name suggests. When you choose a point of sale solution equipped with Order & Pay-at-Table technology, you put your customers in control of their dining experience. As the name suggests, this technology will allow customers to place their orders and pay their tabs on their time, from the comfort of their table.

This seemingly small change can make a big difference for your restaurant, especially as we continue to navigate pandemic challenges. Let’s take a look at the benefits this technology poses for your restaurant and customers.

Benefits for Restaurants

One of the biggest issues facing restaurants right now is staffing shortages. In fact, a recent study found that “51% of restaurateurs say hiring, training, and retaining staff is the biggest challenge they face.”

Friday night teams that used to operate with multiple cooks and a full group of servers are now down to one cook and only a few servers. Add in the supply shortages many restaurants are experiencing and dinner service can quickly become incredibly stressful.

Order & Pay-at-Table technology can help alleviate some of this low-staff dinner rush stress. According to the same study mentioned above, “95% of restaurant owners say using technology [such as Order & Pay-at-Table] improves the overall efficiency of their eateries.”

Let’s take a look at some of the specific ways this technology can serve your restaurant:

1. Reduce order entry errors.

When you put customers in charge of their own orders, you decrease the risk of a side being missed or substitution being forgotten. This puts less pressure on your staff and gives the customer peace of mind that their craving will be satisfied. Perhaps that’s part of the reason why 46% of restaurant professionals said handheld devices are essential to their business strategy.

2. Turn more tables.

In today’s world, turning tables quickly could quite literally help you keep the lights on. This is part of the reason why, in 2020, “40% of all restaurants added contactless or mobile payment or payment through a custom app.” If your customer doesn’t have to wait to pay their check, it’s likely they will leave shortly after finishing their meal. This allows your staff to clear and clean tables faster for the next guest.

3. Boost employee tips & revenue.

Satisfied customers tend to tip their server generously and return often. Now, that’s a recipe for success!

4. Give staff more time to focus on customers.

It may sound backwards, but Order & Pay-at-Table technology gives your servers more time to truly focus on customer needs. Because they’re not running back and forth to enter orders and process checks, your team will be able to make sure each customer is enjoying a pleasant dining experience. They may even have time to get to know the customers a bit more, which brings us to benefit number five…

5. Grow customer loyalty.

All these benefits trickle down the funnel into this crucial point – building customer loyalty. A loyal customer base is the backbone of any successful restaurant business, and satisfied customers quickly become loyal ones!  

Benefits for Customers

Next, we’ll take a look at some of the specific benefits your customers can experience with Pay & Order-at-Table options. The benefits listed above also indirectly apply to your customers, but these next five dig a little deeper.

1. Increased payment security.

A major benefit for customers paying their check at the table is that they don’t have to hand their credit card details over to anyone else. This eliminates the risk of a disgruntled employee stealing those card numbers, which keeps customers and your restaurant safe.

2. Enhanced customer service and a better overall dining experience.

As we explored in the previous section, Order & Pay-at-Table options allow servers to spend more time focused on customer needs and less time running orders. This technology encourages customer engagement and (depending on your provider) may be able to facilitate things like loyalty program sign ups and feedback forms.

3. Split checks easily.

A pay-at-the-table solution puts your customer in charge of splitting the check. This way, no plates get lost in translation and their group can complete the dining experience on a positive note.

4. Service on the customer’s time.

Every customer has a different timeframe in mind when they arrive at a restaurant. Some are hoping to get in and out, while others wish to take their time. An at-the-table ordering solution allows customers to order and pay on their time.

5. Easy ordering for customers with specific dietary needs.

Customers with dietary restrictions may prefer ordering at the table, instead of explaining their needs to a server. This technology allows them to order easily and even leave a note with their order that warns kitchen staff of an allergy or intolerance.

The best customers are happy customers, because happy customers dine again and often recommend the restaurant to others. In fact, 43% of customers are likely to leave a review after a positive restaurant experience. This is why it is crucial to do everything in your power to create a welcoming, delicious dining experience.

Source: Small Biz Genius

Get Started with Total Touch®

Would you like to take advantage of these benefits in your restaurant? Total Touch can help! Contact us today to learn about our Order & Pay-at-Table technology and how we can help you offer the best dining experience possible.