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You’ve probably seen it in other restaurants, or perhaps you’ve heard of it from industry peers: tableside payment is on the rise across the UK. From high-end bistros in London to seaside eateries in Cornwall, more establishments are adopting faster and more convenient ways for their customers to settle the bill. Despite the uptick in popularity, however, a handful of objections continue to pop up. These objections can slow your decision to switch or even deter you altogether.
But are these concerns well-founded? Often, they boil down to understandable worries about cost, technology, customer perception, or staff training. If you’re feeling hesitant, you’re not alone. Many restaurant owners have shared the exact same concerns—only to find that tableside payment actually simplifies operations, increases turnover, and improves guest satisfaction. Let’s explore the most frequent objections you might hear (or harbour yourself) and discuss intelligent ways to address them.
One of the most common concerns is that using devices or QR codes at the table might diminish the personal connection between diners and servers. There’s a fear that customers will find the experience too self-service or impersonal. After all, in hospitality, warmth and personal interaction are everything. Right?
The reality is that a smooth payment experience doesn’t eliminate friendly service. In fact, it can make it easier for your staff to engage with guests. When servers no longer have to run back and forth to a traditional payment terminal at the till, they can spend more time chatting with diners. They can answer questions, recommend dessert, or share a fun anecdote about the special of the day.
Remember: Most diners are already accustomed to making contactless payments. According to UK Finance, contactless accounted for over half of all card payments in 2022—and the figure is set to grow. The technology is no longer a novelty; it’s a new norm.
New tech can be intimidating. If you’ve got a busy establishment and a team already juggling multiple tasks, introducing another system might feel like adding chaos. Will the servers get frustrated? Will they need constant tech support?
The good news is that modern tableside payment solutions, such as scanning a QR code, are designed for simplicity. They’re intuitive for both staff and guests. If your team uses smartphones daily, they can certainly handle scanning or showing guests how to scan a code. Plus, if you opt for handheld payment terminals, they often come with user-friendly interfaces that resemble the smartphone apps most people are already comfortable with.
Example in action: Some restaurants roll out the new system during quieter times or mid-week, letting staff get comfortable without the stress of a fully booked Friday night service. Within a few shifts, everyone’s usually on board—and staff often report enjoying the reduced workload when it comes to end-of-meal logistics.
Any investment in your business should come with the promise of a measurable return. It’s natural to worry about the upfront cost of new devices or software. Particularly if you’re still recovering from the financial strains of recent years, you might question if tableside payment is truly worth it.
However, there are several angles to consider beyond the sticker price. By speeding up table turnover, you can often seat more customers in a single day. That could mean higher revenues even with the same number of covers. Additionally, digital payment solutions may reduce the chance of errors in payment processing or tip distribution, and less paper receipt usage can lower some operating costs.
Remember that a more efficient payment system can also reduce staff stress, potentially lowering turnover and training costs over time.
Data security is a big deal in the digital era. Protecting sensitive customer information and preventing fraud is paramount, especially in hospitality, where the transaction volume can be high and quick. Some owners fear that tableside solutions might open the door to cyber threats or hacking attempts.
Modern payment technologies usually come with robust encryption and follow strict compliance standards such as PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). Whether the solution is a handheld payment terminal or a QR code for instant checkout, the best providers invest heavily in security protocols. If you choose a reputable platform, the risk is minimal—and often lower than handling phone or card details manually.
Bonus tip: Tableside systems that automatically generate digital receipts cut down on paper trails and limit the risk of lost or mishandled customer details. This extra layer of privacy can offer both you and your guests peace of mind.
While it’s true that younger customers tend to be more comfortable with smartphones and apps, it’s a mistake to assume older diners are tech-averse. In the UK, more and more retirees use smartphones every day—83% of adults aged 65 and over now use the internet regularly, according to the Office for National Statistics. Many are adept at online banking and contactless payments, so scanning a QR code or tapping on a handheld device isn’t as daunting as you might think.
Often, older diners end up appreciating the simplicity once they’ve tried it. Less fumbling with bills and less time waiting can be a pleasant surprise, regardless of age.
Many servers rely on tips to supplement their income, and owners want to keep their staff motivated. There’s a worry that if diners aren’t personally handing a card to a server, they might skip the tip.
In practice, tableside payment can have the opposite effect. When the tip prompt is directly on the payment screen or device, it’s right there for diners to see. Some solutions even allow a custom tip percentage. This small but convenient prompt often encourages guests to leave a token of appreciation. After all, it’s simpler to tap “Add Tip” than to rummage for coins.
If anything, a digital prompt can gently nudge people who otherwise might forget to leave a tip. In that sense, you’re potentially growing your staff’s earnings over time.
Your establishment has a certain vibe—maybe it’s elegant, maybe it’s quirky. You might worry that introducing new technology will disrupt the ambiance. QR codes and payment devices could appear at odds with your traditional décor and atmosphere.
Yet technology doesn’t have to be jarring. Modern design can be discreet, and you can brand it to fit your restaurant’s style. For example, you might place a small, tasteful stand-up card on each table with a custom QR code and your logo. Handheld devices can be kept in discreet holsters or at server stations until needed, so they don’t overshadow your carefully curated interior.
The goal is to ensure the payment process blends seamlessly into the overall dining experience, rather than feeling like a foreign element.
If you run a bustling kitchen and a full dining room most nights, you might wonder if adding new tech will tip your stress levels over the edge. However, introducing tableside payment can help alleviate some of that busyness, not add to it. The biggest time-saver is eliminating the wait at the end of the meal. Servers no longer have to juggle multiple bills at once or dash between tables and a separate payment station.
In busy environments, saving even 5–10 minutes per table can be a game-changer. Turnover increases, and you can seat more guests in the same amount of time, driving higher revenue.
When you tackle these objections head-on, you don’t just overcome resistance—you transform it into a competitive advantage. Tableside payment can speed up service, reduce stress for your staff, and modernise your brand image. It also opens up extras like post-payment feedback or Google reviews right there on the spot, as offered by sunday. This direct channel helps you collect invaluable insights and boost your online reputation all at once.
Perhaps the best way to settle these doubts is to experience the benefits firsthand. Many restaurants start on a trial basis, collect feedback, and find that customers actually love the convenience. Staff enjoy faster transactions, and owners see an uptick in both table turnover and guest satisfaction.
Some restaurant owners are pleasantly surprised when they realise how quickly staff and guests adapt. Like trying a new dish for the first time, it’s natural to be cautious—until you taste the benefits.
The hospitality industry is continuously evolving. From ingredient sourcing to creative plating, change is usually a marker of progress and innovation. Payment methods are no different. By addressing common objections upfront and implementing thoughtful solutions, you’ll likely find that tableside payment doesn’t clash with your restaurant’s identity or your diners’ expectations. Instead, it can refine the experience, offering convenience and speed without sacrificing personal interaction or brand appeal.
Today’s diners are used to tech-driven convenience in other parts of their life—online shopping, mobile check-ins, even scanning digital boarding passes at the airport. Seeing a QR code or a small handheld device at their favourite eatery is less of a leap and more of a natural progression. With the right approach, you can offer an updated, efficient payment experience that still leaves room for the personal touches your guests love.
Ultimately, tableside payment is not about cutting corners or making service impersonal. It’s about working smarter, so you and your team can focus on what really matters: delivering a delightful dining experience, from the first sip of wine to the final farewell at the door.
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With our integrated QR codes your customers pay in seconds, straight from their table.
