Using QR Ordering In "Pay First Dine Later" Restaurants & Cafes

Does your cafe or restaurant offer the option to dine-in and operate on a “pay first dine later” operation model? If so, this article may help you improve your restaurant or cafe’s ordering & operation efficiency, to reduce costs and even generate more revenue.


How does a QR ordering flow work in your restaurant or cafe?

  1. Customers get seated at any available tables.
  2. Customers scan a QR code on their tables with their smartphones to browse your digital menu & place an order.
  3. Customers are presented with 2 options of payment:
  4. Pay at the counter.
  5. Online payment through their phones.
  6. If the customer chooses to pay at the counter, you have 2 options for payment collection:
  7. Customers join a queue at your cashier to make payment before food is served or collected.
  8. Your service staff that serves food to customers' tables collects payment from them. Either through cash payment, or through a wireless contactless payment terminal.

What are the benefits of using this ordering process at your cafe or restaurant?

Less contact (staff to customers, customers to customers).

As Covid19 is still a highly contagious virus, using QR ordering allows your customers to order from their tables and prevents overcrowding at your ordering counters. Thus, Safe Management Measures can be properly observed to reduce chances of infection.

 

On top of that, your staff will not have to take orders from customers, further reducing staff to customer contact, keeping both customers and staff safe.


Less reliance and spending on order taking manpower.

QR ordering systems encourages your customers to self-order as it offers them a convenient way to order without having to head over to the cashier. This helps your restaurant or cafe reduce dependence on order taking staff to drive down labour costs.


Accept more orders during peak hours than before.

Self-ordering solutions like QR ordering systems help you to break the ordering bottleneck that causes long queues at your cashier terminals. They so do by turning your customer’s smartphones into ordering devices, enabling them to send in orders once they are ready instead of having to wait in line.

 

This allows your restaurant or cafe to accept high volumes of orders from your customers simultaneously, which every F&B owner will know is crucial for capitalizing on daily peak hours to boost your revenue.

 

Many restaurant owners and operation managers often worry about confusion in back of the house operations which slows down service times during peak hours. Good QR ordering systems come with an easy to manage kitchen management system.

 

The kitchen management system provides you with a systematic and “at-a-glance” solution allowing your kitchen staff to easily cope with the high order volumes without confusion.

 

Another recommended alternative would be to integrate your QR ordering system with your POS system, allowing you to use your Kitchen Display Solution or kitchen printers to manage your orders.

 

Increase average bill sizes.

How does QR ordering help to increase your average bill sizes? Here is how.

  1. Through appetizing pictures and descriptions of your dishes, your customers are able to visualize your menu, which encourages them to order more or try something extra.
  2. QR ordering systems allows you to preset add on suggestions to upsell to your customers as they are placing their orders. For example asking your customers if they would like to make it a meal for better value, or suggesting some popular add on dishes, encourages your customers to spend more, thus increasing your bill size.
  3. You may also include a promotional banner that pops up when your cafe or restaurant customers scan the ordering QR code. It could include your latest promotions, newest dishes that might interest your customers.

 

A seamless experience for your customers.

QR ordering not only benefits your restaurant or cafe operations but also your customers.

 

Through QR ordering systems, your customers can enjoy a seamless experience at your cafe or restaurant once they grabbed a table. Your customers no longer have to wait for their orders to be taken by a service staff or join the queue at the cashier to take orders.

 

This means that they are able to place orders once they are ready, and order add ons while having their meals by simply scanning an ordering QR code with their smartphones.

 

The order handling accuracy of QR ordering systems also ensures that miscommunication during order taking never occurs, ensuring that your customers are treated to good food and a pleasant time at your cafe or restaurant. This makes them more likely to return and recommend your cafe or restaurant.


Interested in knowing more about a QR ordering system for your restaurant or cafe?

Simply drop your contact details below and iMakan will be happy to arrange a free demo with you.

By Liang+Wei Liaw September 8, 2025
Imagine a loyal customer leaving your cafe after a delicious meal. They tell a friend about your signature dish, and the friend comes in the next day—eventually becoming a regular too. This chain of referrals is more powerful than any ad campaign. The Power of Customer Referrals Referrals work because they are based on trust . People are far more likely to try a new restaurant when it’s recommended by someone they know personally. This leads to higher customer satisfaction, repeat visits, and larger average orders , all of which increase profits. Key Benefits: Lower Marketing Costs Instead of spending thousands on ads, you can leverage your existing satisfied customers. Every positive referral acts as free marketing , delivering new customers at minimal cost. Boosted Loyalty and Engagement Referred customers are inherently more loyal—they start with a positive perception of your brand. They’re also more likely to engage with loyalty programs, leave positive reviews, and participate in promotions . Stronger Brand Image Word-of-mouth builds credibility. When multiple customers recommend your cafe or restaurant, it reinforces the perception of quality and reliability. Compounding Growth Each referred customer can become an advocate themselves, creating a virtuous cycle of growth . Over time, referrals can generate a network effect that scales your business organically. Making Referrals Happen Offer Attractive Rewards Incentivize referrals with meaningful rewards like: Discounts on next visits Free drinks or desserts Bonus loyalty points Make sure the rewards appeal to your target customers and are easy to redeem. Simplify the Process Make sharing effortless with QR codes, mobile links, or app-based referral systems. The easier it is for customers to refer friends, the more they will participate. Personalize the Invitation Personalized messages increase engagement: “Bring a friend and you’ll both enjoy 15% off your next meal.” Personalized communications show customers that you value their participation. Deliver Shareable Experiences Customers are more likely to refer when their experience is memorable. Focus on: Instagram-worthy dishes Unique beverages or seasonal specials Warm and attentive customer service Encourage sharing with table displays, social media handles, or branded hashtags. Leverage Feedback Loops Ask new referred customers how they heard about you. Use this data to optimize referral campaigns and reward top advocates. Measure Your Success Track your program with metrics such as: Number of new customers from referrals Repeat purchase rates of referred customers Engagement rates with referral tools (QR codes, apps, social shares) Conversion rate of referred leads into loyal customers  Referrals are not just a marketing tactic—they’re a strategic growth lever . By encouraging customers to advocate for your brand, providing rewards, and creating memorable experiences, your F&B business can enjoy higher profits, loyal patrons, and sustainable growth . If you are looking for F&B solutions such as a POS system, QR ordering, self ordering kiosks and CRM that helps you manage your referral programmes, click here to find out more
By Liang+Wei Liaw August 22, 2025
Running a restaurant, café, or takeaway in Singapore has never been more challenging. Rental costs are rising, manpower shortages are the norm, and competition is fierce with new eateries popping up every month. In such a climate, F&B owners are searching for smart, low-cost ways to attract and retain customers. One underused yet highly effective tool is the promo code . Flexible, trackable, and easy to implement, promo codes can do far more than just cut prices — they can transform your marketing, boost customer loyalty, and provide valuable insights. Here’s why promo codes are a powerful lifeline for F&B businesses today. 1. Win Over First-Time Diners Many customers hesitate to try new places because they’re unsure if the food is worth the price. A simple promo code lowers that barrier and encourages trial. Example: “WELCOME10 – Enjoy 10% Off Your First Meal” Effect: This reduces risk for the customer while giving your business a chance to impress and convert them into repeat visitors. Think of promo codes as your digital sampling tool . Instead of giving away free food, you’re offering a discount that motivates trial but still drives revenue. 2. Keep Customers Coming Back Acquiring customers is tough — but keeping them is even harder. Promo codes linked to loyalty programs can nudge one-time visitors into becoming regulars. Example: “Get $5 Off Your Next Meal – Code: LOYALTY5” Effect: Customers feel rewarded and are more likely to return to claim their perks. Pair promo codes with your POS-integrated CRM system . Every time a customer redeems, it’s recorded, giving you insights into who your loyal diners are. With this data, you can run even more targeted campaigns. 3. Fill Empty Seats During Off-Peak Hours For most outlets, sales spike during lunch and dinner — but there’s a big slump between 2–5 pm and after 9 pm. Empty seats mean wasted rent and manpower. Promo codes are a great way to incentivize visits during these dead zones. Example: “TEATIME20 – Get 20% Off Desserts from 3–5 PM” Effect: Even a small boost in footfall during off-peak hours adds incremental revenue. This is similar to yield management in airlines and hotels — you maximize utilization during quiet times to improve overall profitability. 4. Grow Online Orders & Delivery Sales Food delivery is booming, but third-party platforms charge hefty commissions. Promo codes can redirect some of that demand to your own ordering channels. Example: “DIRECT4 – $4 Off When You Order From Our Website” Effect: Encourages customers to order directly, helping you save on platform fees. When integrated with your F&B POS system , these direct orders flow seamlessly into your kitchen operations, giving customers a smoother experience while you retain more margin. 5. Measure Marketing ROI with Precision Unlike generic promotions, promo codes are trackable. Each code redeemed gives you clear data on what’s working. Which campaign brought in the most new customers? Which influencer partnership drove actual sales? Which time-based offer increased footfall? By linking promo codes with your POS, you get real-time insights that let you adjust promotions, cut what doesn’t work, and double down on what does. This eliminates wasted marketing spend and ensures every dollar counts. 6. Leverage Influencer Marketing with Trackable Codes Influencer marketing is huge in Singapore’s F&B scene — from micro food bloggers to TikTok creators showcasing hidden gems. Promo codes make these campaigns measurable. Example: Partner an influencer with a unique code like “FOODIE10 – 10% Off Your First Visit”. Effect: You track how many sales that influencer drove, instead of guessing based on likes and views. This turns influencer collaborations into ROI-driven campaigns , helping you decide which partnerships are worth repeating. Conclusion: Promo Codes as a Smart F&B Strategy In tough times, every customer and every dollar matters. Promo codes give F&B businesses a flexible, cost-effective way to win new customers, reward loyal ones, fill empty seats, and track ROI. With the right POS system and CRM integration , promo codes become more than discounts — they become a growth engine that keeps your business competitive in Singapore’s fast-moving market.  If you are looking for POS systems, CRM, QR Ordering, Online Ordering, click here to contact us to find out more!
By Liang+Wei Liaw August 15, 2025
Ask any café owner or restaurant operator in Singapore, and you’ll hear the same challenge—rental prices are sky-high. For small F&B startups, this can make profitability feel like a distant dream. The good news? You can fight back using the right mix of technology and smart operations. Here’s how to keep your costs low, efficiency high, and customers happy—even with expensive rent. 1. Rethink Location and Shift Budget to Marketing A prime location isn’t always the best decision for a new F&B brand. Not just due to the high rentals, but when operating in prime locations you are likely to be competing directly with well established F&B brands. Pick a slightly less central area to save on rent Invest those savings in branding and promotions Use delivery apps as customer acquisition tools—promote aggressively so people discover your food first online, then offline 2. Cut Manpower Dependency with Automation Labour costs are climbing. Self-ordering kiosks and QR code menus help you: Operate with fewer service staff Speed up order processing Improve order accuracy Create a seamless customer experience 3. Control Inventory Like a Pro Throwing away expired food is like throwing away cash. POS-linked inventory systems let you: Track stock in real time Predict demand accurately Avoid over-purchasing and wastage 4. Fill Empty Seats During Off-Peak Hours With yield management strategies, you can keep the business flowing throughout the day. Flash deals via Instagram or TikTok Loyalty perks for off-peak diners Special menus available only between 3–5pm 5. Make Your POS the Heart of Your Operations A fully integrated POS can help you: Manage dine-in, takeaway, and delivery orders in one place Monitor sales trends Sync loyalty programs automatically Make faster business decisions based on live data While rental prices in Singapore won’t drop overnight, the right tech approach lets F&B startups run more efficiently, keep costs under control, and compete with bigger players. If you are looking for F&B solutions such as F&B POS systems, Self ordering kiosks, QR ordering, online ordering and CRM solutions, click here to enquire!
By Liang+Wei Liaw August 6, 2025
Launching a new café or restaurant in Singapore? One of your first major investments will be a Point-of-Sale (POS) system. While it's tempting to go for the cheapest POS package, smart F&B owners know better: not all POS systems are built the same. Why Cheaper Isn’t Always Better Budget POS solutions often cut corners on hardware quality, software flexibility, and customer support. You might get a basic tablet with limited features and little support when things go wrong. These systems may be fine for weekend hobbyists, but if you're planning to scale and operate seriously, you need something more durable and reliable. What to Look For in a Reliable POS Rugged hardware that withstands busy kitchens & long operating hours Responsive local support for peace of mind Features that matter: table management, self-ordering, CRM, inventory Easy integrations with accounting, delivery, and payment platforms The Long-Term Advantage Investing in a reputable POS vendor ensures you won’t need to replace or switch systems as you grow. You also benefit from software updates, technical support, and scalability from day one. Your POS system is the heartbeat of your F&B business. Choose wisely, and it’ll help you run smoother, serve better, and scale faster.  Looking for F&B solutions? Click here to contact us!
By Liang Wei Liaw July 21, 2025
In Singapore’s fast-paced F&B industry, reaching your customers with the right message at the right time can be the difference between a packed house and a slow day. For years, email marketing has been the go-to method for loyalty engagement—but today, WhatsApp is emerging as a powerful contender. So which channel delivers better results for F&B businesses? Let’s break it down. Why More F&B Brands Are Choosing WhatsApp 1. Significantly Higher Open Rates WhatsApp messages boast open rates of over 90%, while email struggles to break 25–30%. This means more eyes on your promotions, event invites, or new product launches. 2. Real-Time Engagement Whether you’re pushing a lunch promo or a last-minute reservation slot, WhatsApp delivers instant visibility. Customers receive and act on messages within minutes, making it perfect for time-sensitive offers. 3. Mobile-First and Personal Almost every Singaporean checks WhatsApp multiple times a day. Messages arrive directly on the home screen—no inbox clutter or spam folders to worry about. The format also feels more personal, increasing engagement. 4. Great for Vouchers & Loyalty Promotions Sending eVouchers, birthday rewards, or exclusive member discounts via WhatsApp makes redemption easy. Customers just click and go—no need to dig through emails or apps. When Email Still Shines 1. Long-Form Content & Storytelling Emails are perfect for more detailed updates like a new seasonal menu, chef’s notes, or an outlet anniversary event. You have more space to build a narrative and showcase visuals. 2. Automation and Segmentation Email tools allow automated drip campaigns, customer lifecycle journeys, and membership renewals—ideal for maintaining long-term engagement. 3. Official Communications Invoices, reservation confirmations, newsletters, and account updates are still best suited for email, where they feel more formal and can be archived. Best Practice: Use Both, Together Forward-thinking F&B brands in Singapore don’t choose one over the other—they use both channels strategically. Use WhatsApp to push flash deals, eVouchers, and member reminders. Use Email to tell your brand story, build loyalty, and deliver richer content. Connect both through a unified CRM-POS platform like MEGAPOS to sync data, automate engagement, and track performance. Final Thoughts If you're only using email to engage your customers, you're leaving money on the table. WhatsApp provides the speed and reach modern diners expect, while email helps nurture deeper, longer-term relationships. The smartest F&B operators are combining both—powered by integrated POS and CRM tools that make outreach effortless and effective.  Interested in trying to engage with your members through WhatsApp messaging campaigns, click here !
By Liang Wei Liaw July 3, 2025
With all the hype about QR ordering, food delivery apps, and self-ordering kiosks, you might wonder— “Do I even still need a POS system for my café or restaurant?” Short answer? Yes. Absolutely. Even with all the fancy tech popping up, your POS system is still the beating heart of your F&B operations in Singapore. Here’s why. POS Systems Have Grown Up Gone are the days when POS just meant a cash register that printed receipts. Today’s POS is: Touchscreen, sleek, and fast Cloud-based (yes, you can check sales from your phone) Integrated with QR ordering and food delivery platforms Capable of syncing loyalty programmes, CRM, and even kitchen printers  But What About QR Ordering and Delivery Apps? Great question. And yes, those tools are super useful, especially post-COVID. But they work better when they’re connected to your POS system. Think of it like this: Your POS is the central brain QR orders? Sent through the POS Grab or Foodpanda orders? Tracked and tallied in POS Payment? Handled by POS—cash, PayNow, NETS, e-wallet, you name it Why Singapore F&B Owners Still Choose POS in 2025 ✅ Everything in one place – orders, payments, and reports ✅ Live dashboards – check your shop’s sales from your phone ✅ Cut down on mistakes – no more handwritten orders or missed items ✅ Easy for staff to learn – training new hires is faster ✅ Membership and CRM – turn first-time customers into loyal regulars ✅ Inventory tracking – say goodbye to “Oops, we ran out of chicken wings again…” From Hawker Stalls to High-End Restaurants Whether you’re selling bubble tea at a kiosk or running an omakase spot in the CBD, a good POS system scales with you. Many brands in Singapore use cloud-based POS with self-ordering kiosks and QR so they can operate smoother and faster—especially during peak hours. Final Thoughts If you're planning to reduce manpower , increase efficiency , or grow your F&B brand , your POS should be doing more than just taking orders. It should support your entire ecosystem—from sales and staff to customers and kitchen operations. Need help choosing the right POS system for your F&B business? We’ve helped hawkers, bakeries, cafes, and restaurants across Singapore modernise with hybrid POS + QR solutions. Click here to contact us and find out more.
By Liang Wei Liaw June 23, 2025
In Singapore's food and beverage industry, running an outlet efficiently means staying ahead with the right tools. A modern F&B POS system offers much more than just payment processing—it helps managers make smart decisions, improve daily operations, and increase customer satisfaction. Here are seven essential POS features every F&B outlet manager should be using: 1. Real-Time Sales Analytics Understanding what's happening in your business at any moment is powerful. Real-time reporting gives outlet managers instant visibility into sales trends, top-performing menu items, and hourly revenue. This lets you quickly adjust staffing, pricing, or promotions—especially during peak hours or slow periods. 2. Stock & Inventory Tracking Manual stocktaking is time-consuming and error-prone. A good restaurant POS automatically updates inventory levels with each order, alerts managers when stock is low, and helps prevent wastage. It ensures the kitchen runs smoothly while improving your food cost control. 3. QR & Digital Ordering With manpower challenges in Singapore, QR ordering reduces the need for floor staff while enhancing order accuracy. A cafe POS system that supports self-ordering and mobile payments also increases table turnover and improves customer experience. 4. Staff Productivity Metrics Tracking staff performance within your POS system allows you to see who's upselling successfully, managing tables efficiently, or lagging behind. Managers can use this data to reward top staff, improve team training, and maintain consistent service standards. 5. CRM & Loyalty Programmes POS-integrated CRM tools make it easy to run customer loyalty programs. Offer points, cashback, or birthday vouchers to build long-term customer relationships. This feature is especially valuable in Singapore's competitive cafe and casual dining scene. 6. Multi-Outlet Control Managing more than one outlet? A centralised POS system for F&B chains lets you monitor each branch’s performance, stock, and staff in real-time from a single dashboard—perfect for owners and regional managers who want visibility without micromanaging. 7. Delivery Platform Sync A great F&B POS system should integrate directly with platforms like GrabFood, Deliveroo, or Foodpanda. Orders flow straight to the kitchen or kitchen display system (KDS), minimising human error and speeding up prep during busy delivery hours. Conclusion A feature-rich POS system empowers outlet managers to run their operations more effectively. If you want to reduce costs, boost efficiency, and keep your staff and customers happy—start with the right POS technology. Need help upgrading your POS or training your team to use it better? Contact us by clicking here today.
By Liang Wei Liaw June 20, 2025
In today’s F&B market, efficiency is everything. Without a smart F&B POS system , you may be missing critical opportunities to improve operations and sales. One feature that leading restaurants and chains rely on is real-time sales reporting. 1. Real-Time Sales = Real-Time Control Know what’s selling best, what needs restocking, and when your busiest hours are—all instantly from your POS system dashboard . No more guesswork, just data-driven control. 2. Manage Chains Easily from One System For multi-outlet operators, real-time sales reporting allows instant tracking across every branch. You can compare outlet performance, adjust stock levels, and deploy manpower where needed—all from a single platform. 3. Improve Operational Speed When you know your top-selling items and peak periods, you can prepare your kitchen, front-of-house, and staff shifts ahead of time—improving service speed and reducing order mistakes. 4. Boost Profit Margins Effortlessly A smart restaurant POS helps you cut unnecessary expenses, reduce over-ordering, and prevent dead stock—all based on real-time sales performance. Why This Matters for Singapore’s F&B Sector In a competitive market like Singapore’s, small improvements in operational efficiency can make a big difference. A well-equipped F&B POS system with live data gives you that edge. Ready to Upgrade? Contact us by clicking here to learn how our all-in-one POS solutions can deliver real-time sales insights for your cafe, kiosk, or restaurant chain.
By Liang Wei Liaw June 17, 2025
Mastering Difficult Customer Situations in Singapore’s F&B Industry No matter how good the food or service, F&B outlets in Singapore will inevitably encounter difficult customers. The key is turning conflict into customer satisfaction through skilled, polite service. Here’s a quick guide to train your outlet staff on handling challenging situations : 1. Listen Without Interrupting Let the customer fully explain their concern. Active listening makes them feel valued and reduces anger. 2. Stay Polite and Apologetic Even if the customer is wrong, respond with kindness: “We’re sorry for the inconvenience, let us fix this.” 3. Offer Fair Compensation Train staff to offer simple compensations—like a free drink or quick dish replacement—without needing manager approval. This keeps service efficient and customers satisfied. 4. Recognize When to Escalate Some cases require supervisor handling. Make sure staff know when to escalate politely. 5. Follow Up After Incident Use customer feedback logs and review responses to close the loop, ensuring issues don’t repeat. Why This Matters for F&B businesses ✔ Reduces bad reviews on Google and online platforms ✔ Improves team confidence ✔ Keeps customer loyalty high even after mistakes If you are interested in self ordering solutions for your F&B businesses such as self ordering kiosks , and QR ordering , click here to contact us and find out more!
By Liang Wei Liaw May 20, 2025
In Singapore's bustling F&B scene, quick-service beverage outlets like bubble tea shops, coconut drink stalls, and fruit juice bars face the challenge of serving a high volume of customers efficiently while maintaining personalized service. Integrating self-ordering kiosks, QR ordering, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems can revolutionize operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive revenue growth. 1. Flexible Order Customization Beverage kiosks often offer a variety of customization options—sugar levels, ice preferences, toppings, and more. Self-ordering kiosks and QR ordering systems allow customers to easily select their preferences through intuitive interfaces, reducing errors and ensuring orders are prepared to exact specifications. This precision enhances customer satisfaction and streamlines the ordering process. 2. Reduced Manpower Requirements By enabling customers to place orders directly through kiosks or their smartphones, staff can focus on preparing beverages rather than taking orders. This shift not only reduces the need for additional manpower but also accelerates service during peak hours, improving overall efficiency. 3. Increased Average Bill Size Self-ordering systems can be programmed to suggest add-ons or upgrades, encouraging customers to explore additional options. This automated upselling strategy has been shown to increase average order values, with some establishments reporting a 15–30% boost in sales. 4. Enhanced Customer Loyalty through CRM Implementing a CRM system allows beverage kiosks to track customer preferences and purchase history, enabling personalized marketing and loyalty programs. Offering rewards, cashback, or point-based incentives encourages repeat visits and fosters a loyal customer base. 5. Real-Time Menu Management With integrated systems, menu updates and item availability can be managed in real-time across all outlets. This centralized control ensures consistency, reduces the risk of selling unavailable items, and allows for quick adjustments based on inventory or promotions. 6. Data-Driven Insights Collecting data through QR ordering and CRM systems provides valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. Analyzing this data helps in tailoring offerings, optimizing inventory, and designing targeted marketing campaigns, ultimately enhancing the customer experience and boosting sales. 7. Improved Order Accuracy Allowing customers to input their orders directly minimizes miscommunication and errors. Accurate orders lead to higher customer satisfaction and reduce waste from incorrect preparations. 8. Streamlined Operations Integrating self-ordering kiosks, QR ordering, and CRM systems creates a cohesive operational flow. Orders are processed efficiently, customer data is centralized, and staff can focus on delivering quality products, resulting in a more streamlined and effective business model. By embracing these technologies, quick-service beverage outlets in Singapore can enhance operational efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and drive revenue growth. Implementing self-ordering kiosks, QR ordering, and CRM systems positions businesses to meet modern consumer expectations and thrive in a competitive market.

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