Pre-Auth to keep a tab running via QR code ordering
There is interest to create a completely contactless ordering & payment experience by being able to open a running tab with payment pre-authorization via QR Code. The customer seats themself, scans the QR code on the table to view the menu, adds the items they would like for their first round to their order, they insert their payment information to start their tab and send their first round to the bar/kitchen, the tab stays open so the customer can keep ordering without completing the transaction, once they are ready to leave they close their tab/tip from their personal device and leave without needing interaction from a server. The only contact they have with employees during their experience is picking up their order or receiving it from a runner. The pre-authorization protects the merchant from wine & diners while also creating a more pleasant experience for the customer by not requiring them to complete a transaction for every round of drinks/food.
Laura Parks
shared this idea
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Charles Nichols commented
Specifically targeting bars; late-night, a larger proportion of the bar staff-s time is dominated by having to close tabs, and in a crowded bar, a large amount of space at the bar is also dominated by customers waiting to close their tabs.
Idea: QR code link to portal (Bar can post QR codes around establishment, by open-space areas, by exits, even in parking lots), customer can enter in last 4 digits of the CC they opened the tab on, and can then close out their tab via self-service, adding tip and signing, instead of having to interact with bar staff. Frees up bar staff for more serving, customer experience improved because they do not need to wait in line to close out.
Will need interface with POS system, and for the QR code link to take to a webtool that would allow query of open tabs by last 4 digits of CC. Will also need outputs to feed back into the POS system with the signed tab for closing books.