Sponsored by Appetize
As restaurants reopen during Covid-19, they’re seeking safe ways to operate successfully, and touch-free technology has become essential. In fact, contactless transactions saw 40% growth globally, according to a recent report by Mastercard, and CDC guidelines encourage businesses to use touchless payment options.
Touch-free technology prioritizes guest safety and offers a number of other benefits, including faster checkouts and increased customer satisfaction. Operators need to implement these four powerful touch-free solutions to thrive now and into the future.
- On-site contactless payment.
Many restaurants still use traditional cash registers and older Windows-based systems designed for cash transactions. Today, supporting contactless payment has become essential.
Restaurants can enhance the guest experience with modern POS terminals, handheld devices, and kiosks, all equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC) that enable contactless payment options, including tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
With contactless payment, nothing passes between the guest and order taker, and restaurants do not have to worry about cash management. For guests, they can use their preferred payment method, and will experience a quicker checkout process.
- Mobile web.
Mobile web is becoming the digital ordering standard for restaurants across the country. It allows guests to place orders and pay with their own device (without having to install an app), which increases safety and improves customer satisfaction.
Operators can enable instant access to mobile web ordering for their guests in a convenient, touch-free way using QR codes. These codes can be deployed in different “virtual” models.
Virtual Waiter uses QR codes at each table for guests to view menus or to order digitally from their mobile phones.
With Virtual Kiosk, QR codes are placed at entrance doors, on counters, and on walls so guests can use their own phone to order and skip the counter.
Virtual Drive-Thru uses QR codes at each parking space so guests can order without leaving their cars, and operators can turn every parking spot into an ordering location, reducing drive-thru congestion and increasing volume.
- Mobile app.
Mobile apps can be used in the same way as mobile web to enable contactless guest experiences. The advantage of mobile web over mobile apps is that mobile web allows direct access to ordering, while with a mobile app, the guest must download the app first.
On the other hand, mobile apps let restaurants build brand experiences beyond food, beverage, and retail ordering. This can include loyalty programs and gamification (earning and redeeming points), as well as personalized guest experiences. To embed ordering in the mobile app, Mobile APIs are available in Appetize’s platform.
- Third-party delivery service.
Third-party delivery services, including Postmates, DoorDash, and Grubhub, can be enabled through integrations to Appetize’s platform.
With these integrations, orders are submitted directly to the Kitchen Display System, eliminating the need for multiple tablets or re-keying of orders. This allows restaurants to seamlessly take orders through the third-party services of their choice. Also, they can manage all orders, including orders from any other source, through one system without the need for separate tablets or devices.
Don’t forget the back-of-house.
When implementing new touch-free solutions, operators must have a simple way to manage everything in one place. As new ordering methods are introduced while stores reopen, and menus are adjusted and promotions rolled out at various times across different locations, operators need to be able to act quickly while still having control.
This is where Appetize Connect truly helps operators. It provides centralized management and real-time reporting for all of your restaurants. You can adjust menus and pricing, add specials and limited-time offers, and report on your successes across your entire business.
How can operators get started?
While Appetize offers a full-service, in-person installation model, operators can also deploy the touch-free platform with Appetize’s self-install strategy. Fully integrated solutions can significantly improve operations right away, and businesses can scale fast from various operational concepts.
Whether implementing a tap-to-pay or contactless payment-only line, barcoding items for grab-and-go self-checkout, or using QR codes placed in the restaurant for frictionless ordering, Appetize can help you implement the right touch-free solutions for your business.
Appetize has helped enterprises get back on track and resume operations during Covid-19, and the company is proud to enable touch-free solutions for restaurants looking to further improve guest experiences.
In an effort to provide businesses all the tools they need, Appetize offers free webinars, educational product demonstrations, and important resources on its website.
If you’re looking to upgrade to a modern POS, digital ordering, and enterprise management platform, Appetize offers the touch-free technologies you need to successfully reopen during Covid-19. To learn more about Appetize, head to Appetize.com.