Blog 1- Payment Decadence

Article Summary:

In the United States, points of sale systems are being upgraded to become portable. Now, printers and payment systems no longer have wires and are easily transported to table sides. These systems are light weight and easily fit in an apron. For customers, this is a huge benefit because many people are worried about identity theft. By using these table side POS’s the customer never has to give their credit card to someone else and it is always in their sight. When the waiter inputs the customer’s credit card into these mobile POS system, there is extra security so that the customer’s information is immediately deleted so there can be no usable data. Also, using these portable device machines cuts down on wait time for the customer and saves a server the time it would take to go to a POS system.

Another system that is being used for self service paying is a table top media device. One is placed on every table so the customers can pay at any point during their meal. Customers may also split the bill, add a tip, and email their receipt to themselves. Finally, the machine is used for taking surveys and advertising specials. One company advertised guacamole and how it was made and found that their sales on guacamole increased tremendously.

Reflection:

I think that table side or on the table POS systems and payment systems are very reasonable and will become a standard in the near future. I have had multiple experiences where I have been waiting for my check for a lot longer than it should have taken to get. I think that the table top systems will be a great way to cut down on wait time. Also, allowing customers to pay at any point in the meal is a good idea. The added features of advertising, surveys and the ability to split and email checks is very customer friendly. By advertising different specials like dessert, drinks, or meals, sales will increase and customers will be more inclined to by the items. Finally, using these portable or table top system will cut down on time for the servers. They will no longer have to wait for a table to split up the bill and figure out who owes what and the servers also will not have to run back to the POS stations to make payments. I think that these systems are a great idea that are very practical and will be used on a daily basis.

Tammy Mastroberte. Hospitality Technology. Payment Decadence: Pay-at-Table Tech Takes

Hold. Hospitality Technology. June 10, 2008. https://mycourses.udel.edu/SCRIPT/

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