QR Code, look simple 2D image, but they are capable of storing lots of data, when scanned, the QR code gives instant information – that’s why they are called Quick Response code. A QR code is a special kind of barcode that was made in 1994 by a company called Denso Wave in Japan. Initially it was designed for tracking product in supply chain but now QR codes have been used in various domains for example marketing for driving traffic to websites or enhancing social media engagement and finance for secure and safe payments as QR code can be easily scanned by smart phones using in-built camera.
In hospitality industry QR codes are have created a revolution in dining experience. QR codes offer a unique blend of convenience, hygiene, and functionality for restaurants. However, despite being around for years, there are still many myths surrounding QR code ordering systems in restaurants. Due to a lack of complete knowledge, many restaurants have missed out on harnessing the benefits of QR codes. Let’s debunk these myths and explore the advantages of QR code ordering in the restaurant business.
Myth 1: QR Codes Are Outdated
People who say QR code is just black and white outdated boxes must think again, Thanks to advancements in mobile technology and the Internet of Things (IoT), QR code has become a key component in building smarter world. New features and functionalities are being developed all the time. Startups like Foodship are leveraging this technology to create advanced QR code ordering systems that enhance the dining experience for customers and increase operational efficiency for restaurants. QR codes have been used in parking lots, leading drivers to scan the code to access real-time availability information or even pay for parking directly through their phones. Hence, we can say that QR codes are constantly evolving. New features and functionalities are being added all the time.
Myth 2: QR Codes Are Unsafe
This is true for technologies that have been deployed without testing, in contrast QR code technology has matured over the period of time, QR code were initially used in supply chain, inventory management, and marketing, finance, and hospitality business. Big technology giants for example Amazon, Google, and Apple have shown faith in this technology to transfer funds. Here are reasons to prove QR Code is 100% safe.
- QR codes don’t hold any information they simply act as a link to a website or digital menu in the restaurant, similar to clicking a web address.
- Reputable service providers use secure encryption with QR codes for transactions, just to make sure only required information is passed on to complete the transaction, making it secure.
Myth 3: QR Codes Are Only for Tech-Savvy Users
Restaurateur feel that QR code menu is only for tech savvy person, fact is QR code ordering system is incredibly user-friendly even a layman or person with a low learning curve can use QR code base menu system. QR codes are very much like clicking a photo using a smart phone. Best part is QR code ordering is very simple and can easily be completed in 3 simple steps:
- Scan & Explore: User have to point the Smartphone camera towards QR code, a notification will pop up and after tapping on the notification restaurant digital menu will be launched.
- Browse & Choose: A digital menu will showcase a food menu with high-quality images and detailed descriptions, allowing customers to browse categories, view ingredients, and choose their food.
- Order & Enjoy: User can finalize their order just like shopping cart and pay for the meal
Note: Depending on the restaurant, you might pay online or confirm your order at the point of sale counter to handle the payment.
Myth 4: QR Codes Are Only Used for Marketing
QR codes are more than just a marketing tool. After Corona pandemic, hospitality business have adopted QR code digital menu in such a big way, that even after end of pandemic QR code has become new normal in dining experience. Customers have ditched the paper menu template and use digital menu on their Smartphone without installing any app, promoting hygienic dining experience. Restaurant can integrate secure payments once food is ordered via digital menu, eliminating the need for cash or shared credit card terminals.
Myth 5: QR Code Ordering is Difficult to Set Up
Setting up a QR Code ordering system in a restaurant sounds like a tricky job, but with the right partner like Foodship, it’s a breeze. Foodship handles the technical setup, freeing restaurant owners to focus on running their businesses. Foodship will convert existing paper-based menus into a digital menu along with modifiers within 3 business days after you submit your menu template to them. The best part is, in case the restaurant increases its table count, the Foodship system can scale up for free at no extra cost. Restaurants can download the QR codes, customize them to match the theme of the restaurant, and then paste them on tables. Restaurant operators don’t need any technical knowledge to use QR code ordering or to set it up in their restaurants.
Myth 6:QR code is Expensive Technology
Foodship offers its QR code ordering system free of charge along with its Online Ordering system or Point of Sale system for restaurant industry. This makes it cost-effective compared to traditional paper menus. QR codes eliminate the need for frequent paper menu printing, enable restaurants to operate with fewer staff, and enhance efficiency by reducing wait times. While service providers typically charge a monthly fee for their QR systems, Foodship offers the QR code ordering system for free, making it the best use case for restaurants.
Myth 7: QR Code Require Heavy Infrastructure
There is big myth, that implementing QR Code ordering demand heavy infrastructure or backend hardware. Cloud based service provider like Foodship eliminates need for additional hardware or software installations at the restaurant level. Foodship QR code ordering system has been designed in such a manner, it can handles everything, from QR code generation to system maintenance of its own, allowing restaurant to focus on making delicious food. Best part is Foodship’s QR code can design QR code digital menu template as per theme of the restaurant and integrated with your existing setup.
Myth 8: There is no Significant Difference Between QR Code-based Digital Menus and Traditional Paper Menus.
- Many people think, there is no major difference between QR code-based digital menus and traditional paper menus. Fact is QR code menus has a hidden value that most restaurant owners don’t realize. For example:
- Customers have complete control over what to order and how much to order with the help of modifiers for each menu item.
- Restaurant can take off the out of stock item in real time with a simple tap, making it invisible from the digital menu and eliminating the chance of customer dissatisfaction.
- Visually appealing photos in digital menu, improves the chance of up selling. It has been observed that customer who order using a digital menu tends to spend an average of 25% more.
- price updates.
- QR codes ordering system is a simple and efficient way to make menu updates, including seasonal specials, for restaurants. Restaurants staff can update the menu items just at the click of a button at no extra cost.
Myth 9: QR Ordering System is Only for Large Restaurant
There is a misconception that QR Ordering is more beneficial for large restaurants. However, QR code digital menus offer benefits to restaurants of all sizes and business models. Foodship, one of the best in class QR code ordering system service provider caters to various types of restaurants, for example: fine-dine restaurants, bakeries, takeaways, quick-service restaurants, and cafes. QR code digital menu is easy to implement and cost effective for small restaurants, making it the best idea for all types of restaurant.
Myth 10: QR Code Ordering Takes Away Premium Dining Experience
Many people with old-school thinking claim that modern-day technologies like QR code-based digital menu systems lack personalized and premium dining experiences. They argue that QR code menus don’t allow wait staff to remember customer names and favorite food items. However, research has shown that customers rate the service as premium based on three criteria:
- Short wait times and quick resolutions.
- Functional self-service.
- Personalized experiences.
The good part is QR code-based digital menus excel in meeting these criteria, offering the best solution for restaurants. Almost eliminating the wait times during peak hours, empowering customers to place order on their own. Provide flexibility for customizing orders according to individual preferences for example dietary needs, and taste preferences.
Conclusion:
QR codes have revolutionized the restaurant industry. Many restaurant owners have start considering digital menu to be use in their restaurants or cafes as QR code menu are fast, convenient, and contactless. This eliminate the need for paper based menu, saving on printing costs and eliminate printing cost. Plus, updates to the digital menu are instant, keeping information fresh. Leading Australian restaurants like Garden Thai restaurant and Red Basil Thai restaurant have embraced QR code ordering. They have reported many positive outcomes for example
- More Happier Customers
- Increase in Per Customer Spend
- Increase in Operational Efficiency
QR code menus are win-win for both restaurants and customers. So next time you dine out, scan the code and experience the future of restaurant service!
