Mastroberte, Tammy (June 2008). Payment Decadence: pay-at-table tech takes hold. Hospitality Technology Magazine. http://www.htmagazine.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=MultiPublishing&mod=PublishingTitles&mid=3E19674330734FF1BBDA3D67B50C82F1&tier=4&id=A86CC98DCC3742C6B61C66F5C55BCF1C
In today’s restaurant business, the pace is extremely quick and this has led to several new technologies. With customers on the go constantly, the restaurant business has now come up with several new wireless technologies to speed up the check. Several POS systems have been made to assist the both the guests and the restaurant. These systems have not only sped up the process but they have increase the overall turnover rate thus increasing profits. In addition, they have made it extremely easy for restaurants to upsell their products by featuring their specials through advertisements and promotions. Companies such as Epson, Verifone and Softtouch are the leaders of the new POS technologies. Epson has created several printers that are wireless and provide very long battery life. Verifone has created a wireless handheld blue tooth payment system with added protection so that the customer does not have to fear any credit card fraud. In this day and time, several people do have to fear credit card fraud so these wireless technologies are ideal in that the customer is now able to pay right at the table without ever losing sight of their card. SoftTouch and Tabletop media have made it possible for the customer to pay at any time during their meal. In addition, this new type of media has made it possible for restaurants to easily and quickly survey the customers which has lead to higher customer satisfaction.
These new technologies are ideal for both increasing satisfaction for the customer and internally as well. With experience as a server, I have found that when the tip is already calculate, I receive much higher tips. In addition, with these new technologies, my customer will always have the bill and be able to pay immediately. I know that several times when I am really busy it is difficult to take the time and print out 2 checks, have it in the book and deliver in a timely fashion all the while trying to serve my other customers. From a managerial perspective, these will be great because you can find out immediately how your guests were served and if they are unsatisfied you can immediately assess the situation. In addition, these new technologies have provided a new chance for the restaurants to market new products as well as promote different specials. It is definitely true that when something is put into the customer’s view initially they are more apt to purchase the product so this will really increase the restaurant’s profits. I think it is really beneficial that these companies have already taken a step toward preventing credit card theft. This has become an extremely popular crime unfortunately and it is extremely hard to notice immediately, so I really think that customers will feel much more comfortable.
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2 comments:
Why isn't thisnew technologies being brought to the at every restaurant? I see all pros and no cons with the tables. I have to agree with Katy, it can be extremely hard measuring guest satisfaction and with the new technology, not only can one learn from mistakes but also improve the business. I can imagine that its only a matter of time before all restaurants implement this type of technology.
I think this would a great new add on in the restaurant business. I see a lot of people worry about credit card theft and this would not only help lower the chances, but it will increase restaurant business and save a lot of time for all the servers. This new technology will be very popular in all restaurants and I think that it will only get better and more secure with time. I would love to go into a restaurant and be able to pay whenever we are ready because I know servers can get very busy, and often times, it can take 10-15 minutes to settle the bill.
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