What is QR Code Payment? All You Need to Know about QR Code Payment for Restaurants
Want to streamline transactions, modernize your dining experience, and boost customer satisfaction? Discover how to set up QR code for your business! From bustling cafes to fine dining, QR code payments offer an efficient way to manage transactions.
21 Apr 2025
Zeyno
Contents
- What is QR Code Payment
- How to Choose a QR Code Payment Provider
- Popular QR Code Payment Providers
- Setting Up QR Code Payments: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Benefits of Implementing QR Code Payment in Restaurants
- 1. Optimizing the Customer Experience
- 2. Ensuring Effective Placement & Security
- 3. Enhance Your Restaurant's Efficiency
What is QR Code Payment?
QR code payments allow customers to complete transactions simply by scanning a code with their smartphone camera. In a restaurant context, this typically involves scanning a code presented at the table, on a counter display, or even on a digital screen. Once scanned, the code directs the customer to a payment portal or a digital menu where they can view their bill, select a payment method (like a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet such as Apple Pay or Google Pay), and authorize the payment securely. This eliminates the need for physical card handling or traditional payment terminals passed between staff and customers, enhancing hygiene and minimizing contact.
Restaurants stand to gain a range of benefits from adopting this technology. Beyond faster checkouts and reduced cash handling, a projected growth rate of 18.8% from 2023 to 2030 – exploring QR code payments helps restaurants align with evolving customer preferences and stay competitive. This technology also finds applicability in retail, healthcare (for co-pay collection), and even event ticketing.
How to Choose a QR Code Payment Provider?
Selecting the right provider is a crucial first step, as it ensures a smoother setup and minimizes integration headaches. The best solution will depend on your technical resources and existing Point of Sale (POS) ecosystem. Key factors to consider include the features offered – such as integration with digital menus, order-ahead capabilities, loyalty programs, and detailed reporting – as well as transaction fees (which can include percentage fees per transaction, fixed fees, or monthly subscription costs). Don't underestimate the importance of compatibility with your existing POS system and other restaurant management software. Finally, prioritize robust customer support, especially when troubleshooting potential issues.
Popular QR Code Payment Providers
Several providers offer robust QR code payment solutions tailored for a variety of business types. Here's a look at some popular choices, each with its strengths:
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Square: Known for its straightforward fee structure and comprehensive ecosystem of tools including POS, online ordering, and marketing. Square QR codes can link directly to payment pages or Square Online sites for menu viewing and ordering.
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Toast: A restaurant-specific platform offering deeply integrated POS, online ordering, and QR code payment features (Scan to Pay). Designed to manage complex restaurant operations, Toast provides a streamlined experience for both staff and customers.
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PayPal: Widely recognized and trusted, PayPal offers QR code payments suitable for various business types. It’s easy to set up, particularly if you already have a PayPal Business account, and leverages customers' existing PayPal wallets.
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Stripe: A developer-friendly platform known for its customization and integration capabilities. Stripe allows businesses to create versatile payment workflows, including QR code payments, often integrated via third-party apps or custom development.
Here’s a simplified comparison table to help you navigate your options (Note: Fees and exact features can change; always check the provider's current offerings):
| Feature | Square | Toast | PayPal | Stripe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POS Integration | Native Square POS, some third‑party | Native Toast POS (required) | Integrates with many POS via partners | Extensive API for custom POS/App integration |
| Primary Focus | Small to Medium Businesses, Retail, F&B | Restaurants (All sizes) | Broad (Online, In‑person, P2P) | Online Businesses, Customizable Platforms |
| QR Code Use | Pay links, Online store/menu checkout | Integrated Scan‑to‑Pay at table | Direct peer‑to-peer & business payments | Via API/Partners for various payment flows |
| Menu Integration | Via Square Online | Deeply integrated with Toast POS/Ordering | Less direct, often links to payment only | Via custom development or partners |
| Typical Fees | % + fixed fee per transaction (in‑person rate) | Custom quote (often includes hardware/SaaS) | % per QR transaction (specific rates) | % + fixed fee per transaction |
| Ease of Setup | Generally easy | More involved (integrated system) | Very easy, especially for existing users | Can be complex depending on implementation |
Setting Up QR Code Payments: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Access Your Provider Account: Log in to your chosen payment provider's dashboard (e.g., Square Dashboard, Toast Web, PayPal Business account, Stripe Dashboard).
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Locate QR Code Generation: Find the section dedicated to QR codes. This might be under headings like “Payments,” “Online Ordering,” “Locations,” “Checkout,” “Payment Links,” or a specific “QR Code” menu item. Some POS systems like Toast might have this integrated into their table management or order screens.
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Configure the QR Code’s Action: Decide what happens when a customer scans the code. Common options include linking to a payment page, a digital menu, a specific order/table, or a general donation/payment option.
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Customize (Optional): Many providers allow you to add your restaurant’s logo, change colors, or add a brief description to the payment page linked by the QR code.
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Generate and Download: Click the button to generate the QR code. You’ll usually be offered download options like PNG or SVG. Save the file(s) securely.
Benefits of Implementing QR Code Payment in Restaurants
1. Optimizing the Customer Experience
The way you link your QR code to your menu significantly impacts the customer experience. You could opt for a static QR code leading to an online menu, or select a seamless integrated order & pay system allowing customers to browse, order and pay directly from their phones. POS-generated bill QR codes printed on each check also provide a convenient solution.
Ensure your bank account is correctly linked within your payment provider’s settings to receive the funds. Thoroughly test the entire process before widespread deployment.
2. Ensuring Effective Placement & Security
Proper placement and clear presentation are vital for maximizing QR code payment adoption. Place codes on table tents, stickers, printed menus, counter displays, or receipts. Ensure they're large, clear, and paired with a clear call-to-action like "Scan to Pay." Prioritize security by using reputable providers adhering to PCI DSS standards.
3. Enhance Your Restaurant's Efficiency
Choosing the right QR code provider, setting them up effectively, and ensuring secure transactions are key steps toward a more streamlined and profitable business. Ready to upgrade? Learn how Eats365's cloud-based POS integrates QR code ordering and simplifies payment aggregation.
Contact us to explore solutions.
