Why restaurants should use QR codes

Restaurants big and small are looking for ways to offer their guests a touch-free experience. And a popular contactless technology to use is QR-codes (shorthand for Quick Response codes). QR-codes is not a new thing, but it has gotten a revival due to COVID-19.

Basically, a QR code works in the same way as a barcode at the supermarket but you use your smartphone to scan the code. And when your smartphone scans the code, it translates the information into a link that leads to a website or a PDF. This easy to use technology open many opportunities for restaurants.

Digital menus and QR-codes

Research shows that coronavirus can survive on surfaces for 2-3 days. To avoid the possibility to spread any virus via your physical menus you can use QR-codes and direct your guests to a digital menu. You have probably seen this at restaurants already, printed QR-codes on the tables for example. There are many stylish ways you can do this, so it’s not only for the fast food restaurants but also for the fine dining places.

Another benefit of using digital menus is that you can change your menu anytime you like, and the changes are made instantly. Digital menus will probably be the new normal and a good starting point for restaurants to start their digital journey. If you haven’t investigated this option, you should.

Contactless order and payment using QR-codes

In addition to digital menus you can also offer online ordering and payment via QR-codes. We believe your customers very soon would request the possibility to order and not just see the menu options online. This makes it even easier and safer for your guest to order and pay for their food, by using their smartphone instead of touching a payment terminal or using cash.

Online ordering can be used as a complement in your restaurant or used in the whole restaurant. We have many customers using digital order and payments in their outdoor seating areas or in the bar. Some of the restaurant owners where worried their customers wouldn’t like this new way of ordering, but it has been received very well across generations.

Restaurants also have the option to mix online service with their physical service, to get the best of two worlds. For example, your guest can look at your digital menu and order from a waiter and then pay by scanning a QR-code on the receipt when they are ready. There are many different way you can tailor your service using QR-codes and new technology. Read more how Trivec Buddy can support you. 

Easy to use

A major drive behind the QR-codes popularity is the fact that it’s so easy. Most smartphones have a QR-code reader built into the camera. You only have to open the camera and hold it in front of the QR-code so the code is clearly visible, and you will be linked to your digital destination. Can’t be much easier than that.

Added revenue streams

To create an additional revenue stream, restaurants can promote their related brand merchandise via QR-codes. You use it in the same way as for your online ordering of food but instead you display products you have for sale. To find new revenue streams are crucial for many restaurants since the revenue in general for restaurants has decreased substantially due to social distancing rules and lock downs.

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