Digital payment technologies have reshaped the way transactions occur, providing convenience, security, and speed. In the restaurant industry, specifically among small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the UK, there has been a notable shift towards leveraging these new technologies. We will investigate how UK restaurants, particularly SMBs, are embracing digital payment solutions and the benefits they bring to customer and owner.
Hands Free: Meeting the Growing Preference for Contactless Payments
To cater to changing consumer preferences, many UK restaurants, including SMBs, have embraced contactless payment options. NFC-enabled devices, such as card terminals and mobile payment devices, allow customers to make payments by simply tapping their cards or smartphones. In the UK, nearly one in three of all payments were made using contactless methods in 2021, an increase rise of 36% compared with transaction volumes in 20201. In addition to addressing lingering concerns about the potential for spreading germs, contactless payments have significantly reduced wait times at the checkout, eliminating the need for cash handling and reducing touchpoints, which is a win/win for patrons and owners. Beyond enhancing customer satisfaction, contactless payments offer enhanced security features, reducing the risk of data breaches or fraud.
Offering Mobile Payment Apps and Loyalty Programs Keep Them Coming Back
Encouraging repeat business is essential in the restaurant industry. To that end, UK restaurants, particularly SMBs, have adopted mobile payment apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and various digital wallets as part of their payment systems with the objective making the payment experience seamless – thus helping to turn patrons into repeat customers. These apps offer convenient transactions and the ability to integrate loyalty programs and rewards, encouraging customers to choose digital payment methods. State-of-the-art point-of-sale (POS) devices seamlessly accept most major credit and debit cards, including chip and pin cards, and gift cards. Additionally, they are compatible with popular digital wallets, allowing restaurants to confidently cater to a wide range of payment preferences, ensuring they never miss out on potential sales opportunities. These apps enable customers to make payments directly from their smartphones, offering a simple and secure transaction process.
The right POS solution empowers businesses with an extensive selection of fully integrated loyalty apps. These apps can revolutionise the way businesses operate, from streamlining loyalty programs to enhancing customer engagement. With just a few clicks, businesses can customize their POS system to fit their specific needs, ensuring maximum efficiency and a personalised customer experience.
Ordering and paying online continues to grow in popularity ordering and payment:
Take-out has always been popular, but since the pandemic, meal delivery has become a staple of the restaurant industry. The rise of online ordering platforms has transformed the marketplace in the UK. SMBs have embraced these platforms, connecting with third-party delivery services or developing their own online ordering systems. Online ordering allows customers to browse menus, place orders, and make payments from the comfort of their own devices.
Online ordering systems are good for far more than just taking orders. These systems provide valuable data insights, allowing SMBs to analyse customer preferences and trends, optimize their menus, and streamline operations. While COVID is less a concern in general today, contactless and online solutions that improve customer safety remain popular.
As Satisfying as a Sumptuous Meal
Restaurants should never underestimate the importance of the payment experience on their customers’ overall experience. UK restaurants, especially SMBs, are embracing the digital payment revolution to cater to changing consumer preferences and enhance their operations. By integrating contactless payments, mobile payment apps with loyalty programs, and online ordering systems, restaurants are streamlining transactions, providing personalised incentives, and optimising their menus. With Clover's extensive suite of solutions and seamless integration, businesses can confidently navigate the digital payment landscape, meet customer demands, and position themselves for success in the modern era of dining.
