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In simple terms, contactless payments let guests complete a transaction without physically swiping or inserting their card—often by tapping a card or scanning a QR code. Instead of counting bills or waiting for a signature, customers can settle their checks in seconds. And they can do it right at the table with their smartphone, smartwatch, or a tap-enabled card reader. These options go hand in hand with the growing digital trend of making everyday tasks faster, more convenient, and safer.
Over the past few years, contactless transactions have gone from a pleasant alternative to a near necessity. Many diners in the United States expect touch-free transactions. They have grown accustomed to paying with their preferred mobile wallet or tapping their credit card on a payment terminal. Any friction or delay in the payment process can leave them feeling frustrated, prompting them to choose a different restaurant next time. Contactless options, on the other hand, tend to delight guests—leading them to leave better tips and more favorable online reviews.
Restaurants today face the challenge of providing both high-quality service and utmost safety. After all, dining out is as much about the mood and atmosphere as it is about the flavors. When your patrons know you offer a contactless solution, they experience fewer concerns around hygiene and more confidence in the overall service flow.
Here are some key reasons contactless technology has taken center stage:
Another advantage of going contactless? You can integrate tipping prompts seamlessly, increasing the likelihood that customers will leave a gratuity on par with—or better than—traditional tipping.
If you’re a restaurant owner or manager, you’ve probably felt the sting of lower tips in recent years, especially if your payment system is slow or outdated. But here’s the good news: data shows that contactless payment options can reverse that trend. In fact, the National Restaurant Association has reported that restaurants adopting faster, modern payment methods often see an uptick in average ticket sizes and tip amounts.
It makes sense when you think about how streamlined the process becomes. Picture this hypothetical scenario:
The entire process feels elegant and personal. This positive experience can translate to higher tips. Through a supportive, informative interface, your diners aren’t just handing over money but are also actively enjoying the modern system you’ve put in place. And happy customers often translate to happy staff with bigger take-home tips.
We can’t talk about contactless payments without acknowledging the heightened awareness of public health that many people share. According to a 2021 survey by Pew Research, a large segment of the population remains cautious about surfaces and shared devices in public spaces. This has made cleanliness a deciding factor for where people choose to dine. Providing a contactless payment method is one way to show you’re listening to your patrons’ concerns.
In a “tap and go” system, guests feel in control. They know they aren’t passing credit cards back and forth, which reduces the chance of physical contact and potential card skimmers. This heightened sense of security leads to deeper trust, which can bring about repeat visits and strong word-of-mouth recommendations. After all, when your evening ends in just a few easy taps, you’re left with a positive final memory of the meal—and that sets the stage for a great online review or personal recommendation.
Introducing new payment technology can be nerve-racking for your staff. You’ll likely hear questions like: “Will this change my tip income?” or “Does this make my job harder?” In reality, contactless solutions often do the opposite: they can increase tips, reduce stress, and let your team focus on delivering exceptional service instead of struggling with slow or cumbersome systems.
To make this a smooth transition, here are some best practices:
Involving your entire team from the beginning provides a unified experience for customers. Everyone knows how it works. Everyone is excited about it—so your guests will be, too.
Consider a friendly neighborhood bistro that’s been around for a decade, known for its cozy vibe and homemade pasta. Business was steady, but the ownership noticed an uptick in social media complaints about long wait times to pay, especially on weekend nights.
They decided to implement a contactless payment system. Here’s what happened:
The result? The bistro became more profitable and garnered new regulars, all because they revamped one small but crucial piece of the dining puzzle: the payment flow.
If you’re looking for a solution that’s built for restaurants first and foremost, sunday is here to help. sunday makes it possible for guests to pay their tab and tip directly from their phone—no apps to download, no complicated setup. All it takes is a quick QR code scan, a few taps, and they’re done. This simple, guest-friendly approach was designed by people who know what it’s like to run an efficient, people-focused restaurant.
It isn’t just about collecting payments. With sunday, you can also:
There’s tremendous value in a service that provides more than just a digital checkout. With sunday, you’re making sure the last interaction guests have before heading home is fast, smooth, and memorable. That final impression is powerful. It will influence both how much they tip and whether they share their positive experience with friends.
Not all contactless solutions are created equal. Before rolling one out in your establishment, consider:
Seeking answers to these questions will keep you from implementing a system that looks good on paper but frustrates customers and staff in real life.
Once you commit to contactless payments, tell your customers about it! Let people know you’ve got something cutting-edge that improves their dining experience. You could:
You’ll be surprised at how interested people are in new, user-friendly tech. Some longtime patrons might even show up just to see what the fuss is about—and wind up leaving excellent tips in the process.
Technology’s role in dining continues to expand. From online reservation systems to advanced inventory tracking, restaurants are embracing innovations at a rapid pace. Payment processes, once an afterthought, are now front and center in any solid business strategy.
With a system like sunday, you streamline the final stage of a meal—often the stage that guests remember most. That means good vibes, better reviews, and stronger loyalty. Over time, these factors translate into more repeat visits and a thriving bottom line. That’s a future worth imagining: a restaurant environment where staff hustle less over frequent tasks like processing cards and spend more time creating an unforgettable guest experience.
In a landscape where diners crave convenience, safety, and speed, contactless technology isn’t just a fancy add-on. It’s a direct path to boosting customer satisfaction and driving higher tips. It’s the modern, effortless way to say, “We value your time and comfort, and we want to make your next meal with us as enjoyable as possible.”
If there’s one takeaway here, it’s that the days of waiting for checks, pens, and extended back-and-forth exchanges are quickly fading. By implementing a solution that allows guests to pay on their terms, you’re setting the table for happier diners, more efficient service, and bigger tips. And, in a highly competitive industry like dining, that’s a recipe no restaurateur can afford to pass up.
