Noel Moukheiber, general manager at MontyPay, explores innovative strategies and the latest trends in digital payments. He also highlights the specific needs of the F&B sector, offering valuable insights into how businesses can leverage these advancements.

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about a restaurant? Well, food, of course. However, what’s the second thing that comes to mind when you consider dining out? Naturally, it’s the overall customer experience. Moreover, one of the most frustrating parts of the experience is paying the bill. Specifically, this becomes especially bothersome if you’re dining with friends, which can complicate the process. You’ve already paid your part, including a generous tip, yet something always seems to be missing. Suddenly, you realize your friend forgot to include the samosas they ordered, which complicates the situation. From there, it becomes a matter of figuring out who can break a hundred-dollar bill. Consequently, you find yourself wondering how much time you’ll have to wait before you can settle and be on your way.

The struggle is real

The main pain points for restaurants regarding payments include a below-average experience, with issues like distrust and long waits. Additionally, long waits for POS machines and the unavailability of certain payment methods further complicate the situation. These factors significantly contribute to the overall customer experience and should never be overlooked by businesses. Consequently, to stay relevant, the industry must adapt to these evolving challenges, as customer expectations continue to rise. Moreover, customers are now better informed, aware of their preferences, and they demand seamless, efficient payment experiences every time.

Treat it where it hurts

Customers are becoming increasingly digitally oriented, and therefore, a payment experience that fits their needs is crucial today. Specifically, this is especially important for small and medium-sized businesses trying to establish themselves in a highly competitive market. Moreover, providing the right payment solutions can help businesses stand out and meet customer expectations. Here are some of the solutions he discussed to address these challenges and improve the payment experience for customers.

1. Having an online payment gateway: We all love ordering online, as it offers a convenient way to enjoy food without leaving our homes. Essentially, it allows the customer to sit back and wait for their meal, without any hassle. At the same time, it provides the restaurant with a secure and efficient method to manage all transactions. Consequently, customers no longer have to worry about anything, except for the effort it takes to get off the couch. When the bell rings, they can simply enjoy their meal, making the process even more enjoyable.
2. Offering link and QR code payment options:From down payments on table reservations at large parties to quick transactions at kiosks and food trucks, payment methods have improved. Consequently, it’s crazy how much easier it has become to pay and focus on what truly matters: enjoying the food! Additionally, these payment systems are incredibly easy to integrate with any website or app, making the process even more seamless. As a result, both customers and businesses benefit from faster, more efficient transactions, improving the overall experience.
3. Having a self-service check-out solution:Now, this brings us back to what we discussed in the introduction about the evolution of payment methods. Scanning a QR code to pay the bill, split it or even add tips is truly revolutionary in today’s world. As a result, this innovative method saves about 17 minutes per table, leading to increased efficiency. Furthermore, it guarantees higher tips, more positive reviews and smiling customers who appreciate the convenience. Additionally, with the integration of cards and wallets, there will no longer be a problem with payment options, ensuring smooth transactions every time.
4. Incorporating a modern POS system:A smart Android POS is a lifesaver for restaurants, as it significantly streamlines operations and enhances overall efficiency. Specifically, it helps control inventory, track sales and customer trends while offering various payment options to customers. Additionally, it even includes in-house loyalty programs, which encourage repeat business and customer satisfaction. Moreover, advanced encryption and security protocols ensure that transaction data remains safe and protected from unauthorized access. With this technology in place, the bar is undoubtedly raised, providing a more seamless and secure experience for both customers and businesses.
5. Uplifting ecommerce services:These days, your website says a lot about your business, and customers get their first impression from it instantly. Therefore, ensuring it is up to date with the latest e-commerce services is essential for success. In fact, staying current with the latest trends and technologies is a top priority for businesses aiming to stay relevant. Moreover, businesses that want to survive in the competitive concrete jungle must adapt quickly to changing customer expectations. Consequently, maintaining a modern, user-friendly website will help businesses attract and retain customers more effectively than ever before.
6. Using a professional dashboard and merchant mobile app:Managing and keeping track of all operations can be a nightmare for hospitality businesses, often leading to confusion. However, with an omnichannel view of all transactions and analytics, businesses can streamline their operations efficiently. Furthermore, a merchant mobile app enhances accessibility, making it easier to manage tasks on the go. As a result, the stress is significantly reduced, and you can practically hear the sigh of relief from business owners. In addition, this system provides a smoother and more organized workflow, improving overall efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Choosing the right payment solution

Managing and keeping track of all operations can be a nightmare for hospitality businesses, often leading to confusion and inefficiency. However, by implementing an omnichannel view of all transactions and analytics, businesses can streamline their operations and gain better insights. Additionally, a merchant mobile app enhances accessibility, allowing businesses to manage tasks conveniently on the go. This approach significantly reduces stress, offering a much-needed sense of relief for business owners. Ultimately, this system promotes a smoother, more organized workflow, improving both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.