QR CODE menus – Yay or Nay?

Cuz i’m like 70% NAY.

WHY do I grumble when I see a CODE stuck on a table? 

“HELLO and welcome to dial-a-dinner. Tonight’s waiter: Oh, it’s ME”

OK that sounds maxtreme. For something that’s just a food & drinks menu right? They’re supposed to be convenient, but are they really?

Yes, the IDEA sounds great. It’s the EXECUTION that’s lousy.

Let’s start with: THE SCANNING

Is the code stuck to the table? It’s gonna be tricky to scan. 

Is the bar dark? It’s gonna be tricky to scan.

(OK I can chuck a phone light on.)

But do i have to lean over someone to scan the code? Does someone have to lean over ME to scan the code? All possible annoyances. And it’s not even scanned yet.

That time waggling my phone around could’ve just been me picking up a menu. Easy.

BARS: Please don’t put tappy in the corner. If you’re gonna have a QR code menu it better be EASY to scan. Best I’ve seen is a moveable sign that can be passed around a table.

THE SCROLLING

Let’s say I scan the code = Amazing! I’ve acquired the menu. Time for scrolling pictures of food and drink (about the only fun part).

But now I’m NOT paying attention to whoever I’m with. All my attention is on my PHONE. Scrolling, scrolling, scrolling, customising a dish, adding it to the CART.

Also, CHECK the fine print here: for venue/payment surcharges. Cuz there’s bound to be one.

FYI That time: could’ve just been me walking to the bar to order. Easy.

THE ORDERING

Ok, I’ve chosen my dishes and drinks – they’re in the virtual CHECKOUT, and ALREADY there is a Payment Processing fee added (thanks for that).

There is also a Privacy Policy for these apps, because they collect, store and share data (in accordance with the policy you agreed to when you scanned in). 

Maybe you don’t care that everyone knows (and third party providers know) all that extra information> but it’s stuff they wouldn’t have known without the app.

THEN cross your fingers that the order went through and FINALLY put the phone away.

THE ABYSS

The sitting and waiting for your order, wondering if you sent all the correct information, or if it went into the digital ABYSS.

When I order with a real person – I KNOW I’ve placed that order. Any future woes – I can’t blame technology.

I GET IT

They’re a convenient tool for a restaurant or bar. Order at your leisure. Staff don’t have to flap around the table waiting for you to decide things.

There’s no waiting in physical queues (Great! more time with friends) >and splitting the bill is easier, when you pay for what you order.

Cons: zero human interaction – the app can’t tell you how delicious the beef is or how hoppy the beer tastes.

Maybe I’m OLD SCHOOL. Gimme a hard copy menu any day, and i’m quite happy ordering at the bar in my own time. Easy.