QR code ordering is set to revolutionize the dining experience and bring in a new era of cashless payments for restaurants, kiosks and other small businesses.

Exhausted by wiping greasy menus, handling endless "excuse me”s, and chasing down forgotten orders? QR code ordering is here to save your sanity (and your servers' legs). 

Restaurant owners, kiosk businesses and their staff get more hassle than necessary from printed menus, dealing with issues including:

• Frequent reprints, caused by menu changes and price adjustments, adding up in cost and waste
• Regular cleaning or replacement of printed menus, which get dirty quickly
• Static menus can be visually unappealing and fail to capture the imagination of customers, hindering upselling and engagement.

If you’re one of them, you’re probably familiar with all these problems. But times are changing. Imagine a dining room where:

• Orders fly in digitally from customer to kitchen, with no chance of waiter errors along the way
• Staff focus on hospitality rather than playing around with menus
• Customers personalize dishes smoothly using their smartphones
• Payment is seamless, freeing up tables faster and reducing cash-handling headaches.

Convenient, personalized, and contactless, QR code ordering is set to transform the way customers interact with restaurants and kiosks, allowing entrepreneurs to meet customer demands in the post-pandemic world while future-proofing business models. 

If you’re not familiar with the concept of QR code ordering, then read on to find out:

1. What is QR code ordering?
2. QR code ordering benefits
3. QR menu major features
4. Tips for implementing QR code ordering
5. How do you implement QR code ordering in Kuwait?

[Looking to manage a small business in Kuwait and want to receive and send payments instantly? Kem’s QR code-based payments system makes digital transactions a breeze for you and your customers— download the Kem app for free on Google Play and Apple today.] 

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1. What is QR code ordering?

QR code ordering refers to using quick response (QR) barcodes that customers can scan with their smartphone cameras to access menus, place orders, and make payments at restaurants or kiosks. Cafes and fine dining restaurants are the top businesses using a QR code menu in the United States, according to a study by Menu Tiger, a QR code solutions provider, and this is likely to become a trend across the Middle East as well. 

Source: Menu Tiger

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In restaurants, QR codes appear on each table for customers to scan and access the menu—the code links to an online portal that displays the restaurant’s digital menu. 

Customers simply open their camera app, hover over the QR code, and click the prompt to visit the linked website. This delivers the menu directly to their device screen, where they can browse items, customize orders, and check out.

Once customers place the order, it is sent straight to the restaurant's system, reaching the kitchen without staff intervention. 

Later, integrated payment gateways allow customers to securely pay by debit, credit card, or digital wallet on their phone, also known as online ordering. This creates an efficient, contactless ordering experience from end to end.

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2. The benefits of QR code ordering 

Over 51% of 2500 surveyed customers in the US stated that viewing a menu with a QR code positively impacted their satisfaction, according to a study by PYMNTS, a global leader in payments data. 

The same could also be said for Kuwait’s vibrant community of entrepreneurs and small business owners. QR code ordering also offers them a chance to improve dine-in experiences. 

Let’s take a look at some important reasons why.

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Streamlining the ordering process

QR codes dramatically cut waiting times by allowing dine-in customers to browse menus, customize orders, and pay for their meals straight from their tables through online ordering. 

June Dai, a seasoned professional in the industry from the Netherlands, says, “If you're struggling to hire enough staff, QR code ordering could be a potential solution to help reduce the workload on your team. By allowing guests to order and pay directly from their phones, your staff can focus on other critical tasks, such as food preparation and cleaning.”

“QR code ordering could be a potential solution to help reduce the workload on your team.” -- June Dai, Creative Director

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With QR codes powering the entire ordering process, customers no longer have to wait in line. At the same time, accuracy improves as customers submit orders directly into the point of sale (POS) system, eliminating the chances of waiter errors. 

For bustling establishments, this means faster turnover, increased sales, and improved customer satisfaction. 

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Enhancing contactless transactions

The adoption of contactless payments has witnessed a significant surge in the UK, with 83% of people embracing this trend, according to UK Finance. 

This shift is not unique to the UK, as globally and in Kuwait, there is a growing preference for minimizing physical touchpoints during shopping and dining experiences. 

QR code ordering means customers don’t need to interact directly with staff or touch payment terminals, which quickens table turnaround times. This can give restaurants an edge in a competitive industry.

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Collecting valuable guest data

QR ordering generates incredibly rich data sets, recording every menu item viewed, order placed, and payment processed, then using them to create unique digital customer profiles. 

Restaurants gain insights into best-selling dishes, peak dining hours, average check sizes and pricing, and repeat visitor rates along demographic lines. 

Vishnu Bajpai, head of a software company and expert in this technology, says, “By collecting this information, businesses can tailor their menus to each individual. For example, hiding products containing dairy and gluten.”

“By collecting this information, businesses can tailor their menus to each individual.” -- Vishnu Bajpai, Head of a Software Company

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Entrepreneurs can use real-time insights to customize menus, promotions, staffing, and restaurant layouts based on customer preferences.

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Promoting loyalty programs

Alongside collecting customer data, QR codes offer a low-cost method for entrepreneurs to promote loyalty programs, where the customer’s details can be logged into the restaurant’s ordering system and attached to a unique loyalty account. 

Restaurant owners can then push special offers and discounts directly to their devices to maintain engagement. This drives retention and provides valuable customer data and insight.

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Optimizing table turnover

Orders go straight to the kitchen so food reaches the table promptly after customers order. Meanwhile, integrated payments via QR codes allow patrons to pay and leave when ready without waiting for checks. Restaurants can achieve more daily covers and faster flip times by streamlining ordering and checkout.

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Going beyond printed menus

Unlike static printed menus, which quickly become outdated, digital QR code menus can evolve in real-time. 

Restaurants can instantly add specials, remove sold-out items, and edit options without delays, waste, or reprinting costs. Digital menus also promote related products or services, such as prompting customers to order a side item or dessert with their meal to upsell orders. 

This way, customers can access the latest offerings without the hassle of paper menus.

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3. QR menu major features

QR code menus can enhance customer dining experiences and empower hospitality brands to increase engagement. These allow QR-code menus to become memorable brand experiences that excite and engage patrons.

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Interactivity

Static PDF menus are fading in favor of interactive digital menu experiences. 

Modern QR code menus incorporate vivid food images, ingredient information, preparation tutorial videos, and even augmented reality elements. 

With visuals proven to boost order rates by up to 30%, this interactivity allows customers to better visualize and understand menu items before ordering.

In Modena, Italy, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Osteria Francescana, by Massimo Bottura, uses QR codes to offer diners a "culinary journey" experience. By scanning the code next to each dish, customers can access high-definition videos showcasing the dish's preparation.

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Gamification

Gamification applies game-design principles to engage customers in non-game contexts. QR codes can activate fun, interactive games on tables to occupy patrons during waits. These may involve puzzles, trivia, and digital coloring pages for kids.

Gamification boosts overall customer satisfaction by up to 10%, which is especially valuable for family/child-centric eateries.

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Personalization

Personalized experiences are increasing in demand, with 51% of customers feeling let down by impersonal interactions. 

QR menus can capture individual preferences like food allergies, dietary needs, portion sizes, and ingredients.

Integrated algorithms then provide customized menu recommendations to match each diner's needs. For example, the global chain of renowned sushi restaurants, Nobu, uses QR codes for multilingual menus, catering to its diverse clientele.

Beyond delighting customers, this reduces modification errors and food waste – a pivotal benefit for restaurants seeking sustainability.

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Integrated payments

For ultimate convenience, contactless payment integration allows customers to pay directly within the QR code portal on their smartphone using Google Pay, Apple Pay, or any other mobile payment service. 

As Steve Turk, an expert in the hospitability industry from the US, puts it, "Think of all the times you’ve tried to flag down your server to pick up your credit card at a restaurant – and then wondered where they ran off to after disappearing with it for another 20 minutes.”

“Think of all the times you’ve tried to flag down your server to pick up your credit card at a restaurant.” -- Steve Turk, Managing Director

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Integrating payments removes friction from the ordering and payment process, slashing queue waiting times. 

For this reason, it’s part of a mass consumer shift toward cashless transactions. 

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4. Tips for installing QR code ordering 

When looking to introduce QR code ordering in your restaurant, you might consider the following:

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Choosing the right QR code system

With customers scanning from varying distances and angles, high-quality QR codes are a must for reliable reading and scanning. 

There are numerous QR code solutions for creating restaurant menus. For instance, UPayments allows entrepreneurs to create contactless dining menus and readily display them at restaurants.   

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Educating staff and customers

Get staff up to speed with any new technology before launch by providing training on generating codes, new ordering procedures, and troubleshooting. 

Restaurant owners will also need to guide customers – to do this, make sure codes are visible, provide instructions within the scan page, and have staff on hand to help the first few times. Short 1-minute tutorial videos work well to get the message across.

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Integrating digital payment services

As cashless and contactless payments gain momentum globally, integrating digital financial services is becoming more and more important.

Kem is one payment solution that excels at this. Fast, convenient, and secure, it’s an innovative digital wallet app that allows Kuwait users to send, receive, and request payments instantly from their mobile devices.

With easy QR code scans or account transfers, Kem facilitates peer-to-peer transactions, bill splitting, online purchases, and business payments. Customers can conveniently pay restaurant bills directly from their phones without cash or cards. Meanwhile, businesses receive fast and secure digital payments in just a few taps of a smartphone.

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5. How do you implement QR code ordering in Kuwait?

Here are the steps to implement QR code ordering in Kuwait

1. Research and select a QR code ordering platform that aligns with your business needs and budget. Some popular service providers in Kuwait are Quick Menu and Ortez Infotech.
2. Create a visually appealing and user-friendly digital menu and consider offering multiple languages since Kuwait has a diverse population worldwide. 
3. Use the chosen QR code ordering platform's tools to generate unique QR codes for each table.
4. Find a creative way to place QR codes on each table or counter in your restaurant. You can use stickers or posters. Remember to provide free and easily accessible internet in the dining area.
5. Offer discounts for customers who order using QR codes to promote the new service.
6. Integrate the QR code ordering platform with a dedicated payment system to increase customer satisfaction. As mentioned above, Kem is a QR-code payment app built to do this in just seconds.

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How to install Kem QR payments in Kuwait

Kem is a fast-growing mobile app for peer-to-peer payments in Kuwait and the wider GCC region.

It allows users to send and receive money instantly using QR codes without the need for traditional bank accounts or payment links.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Download the Kem app and enter your name, phone number, and username. 
2. Find your QR-code service provider and sync with them in seconds
3. Your QR-code ordering system is set up and ready to use.

Kem’s QR code ordering presents a timely opportunity for hospitality entrepreneurs to meet emerging demands for contactless transactions. 

Simple and convenient, it ticks all the boxes for customer experience by reducing wait times and saving money – making it a must-have for all forward-thinking restaurants in Kuwait.

[Kem is a flexible QR-code based payment platform that doesn't restrict users to one payment method; instead, it accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, and KNET. It only takes less than a minute to sign up; download the Kem app for free on Google Play and Apple today!]

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Takeaways

• QR code ordering revolutionizes customer experiences by streamlining the dining process through convenient, contactless options.
• Data-driven decision-making allows businesses to tailor menus, promotions, and operations based on real-time customer preferences.
• QR code menus offer interactive features, gamification, and personalization, enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction.
• Integrated payment gateways that allow customers to securely pay by credit card, digital wallet, or other methods directly on their phones.
• The Kem app enables scanning, sending, and receiving money with a QR code smoothly and quickly.