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Table Service and QR Ordering

Table service lets dine-in customers scan a QR code at their table and order directly from their phone. No apps, no downloads — just scan and order. This guide shows you how to set up tables, generate QR codes, and manage dine-in orders.

What is Table Service?

Table service is a contactless ordering system for restaurants, pubs, and cafés.

How it works:

  1. You create a table (e.g., "Table 1", "Table A", "Window Booth")
  2. Ordery generates a unique QR code for that table
  3. Print the QR code and place it on the table
  4. Customers scan the code with their phone camera
  5. They browse your menu, add items, and check out
  6. The order appears in your admin panel with the table number
  7. You prepare and deliver the order to their table

Benefits:

  • Faster service during busy periods
  • Reduces staff time taking orders
  • Contactless and hygienic
  • Customers can order at their own pace
  • No app required — works in any phone browser

Accessing Table Service Settings

  1. Go to Settings → Table Service in your admin panel
  2. Create tables and view QR codes
  3. Print or download QR codes for each table

Creating Tables

How to Add a Table

  1. In Settings → Table Service, click Add Table
  2. Enter a table name or number (e.g., "Table 1", "Booth 3", "Patio A")
  3. Click Save
  4. Ordery generates a unique QR code for that table

Table naming tips:

  • Use clear, consistent names that match your physical signage
  • Include location if helpful (e.g., "Bar Table 1", "Garden Table 3")
  • Keep names short so they fit on small labels

💡 Tip: Name tables the same way your staff refers to them. This makes managing orders easier.

How Many Tables Can I Create?

Features.md mentions "enforces table limits" but doesn't specify the exact limit.

The number of tables you can create may vary. Contact support if you need more tables than the system allows.

ℹ️ Note: Most restaurants need 10–50 tables. Contact support if you need more.

Generating QR Codes

Ordery generates a unique QR code for each table.

How to View a QR Code

  1. Go to Settings → Table Service
  2. Find the table you want
  3. Click View QR Code or similar action
  4. The QR code appears on screen

How QR Codes Work

When scanned, customers land directly on your menu with:

  • Table service pre-selected
  • Their table number automatically set

How it affects your storefront: Customers don't need to choose a fulfilment type or enter a table number. Everything is pre-configured via the QR code.

Printing QR Codes

Once generated, you can print QR codes to place on tables.

How to Print QR Codes

  1. View the QR code for a table
  2. Download or print the QR code using the options provided
  3. Print on card stock, laminate, or use acrylic stands
  4. Place on the table where customers can easily see and scan

QR Code Printing Tips

Format:

  • Print at least 2×2 inches (5×5 cm) for easy scanning
  • Use high contrast (black on white works best)
  • Include the table name below the code for staff reference

Materials:

  • Laminate paper QR codes to protect from spills
  • Use acrylic table tents for durability
  • Consider reusable holders if you rearrange tables often

Placement:

  • Centre of the table or against the wall
  • At eye level when seated
  • Not obscured by menus, condiments, or centrepieces

💡 Tip: Add a short instruction: "Scan to order" or "Point your camera here to order."

You can share table ordering links directly without printing QR codes.

Use cases:

  • Send links to customers waiting for a table
  • Share via SMS or email for pre-arrival ordering
  • Post on social media for outdoor seating areas
  1. Go to Settings → Table Service
  2. Find the table
  3. Click Copy Link or view the QR code and copy the URL

How it affects your storefront: Customers can click the link from any device and order for that table.

Managing Table Orders

Table orders appear in your admin panel just like delivery and pickup orders.

How to Identify Table Orders

  1. Go to Orders in your admin panel
  2. Look for the Table field or Fulfilment Type: Table Service
  3. The table name or number is displayed (e.g., "Table 1")

Fulfilling Table Orders

  1. Prepare the order as usual
  2. Deliver to the specified table
  3. Update the order status to "Completed" when delivered

💡 Tip: Use order status updates to track progress. Mark "Preparing" when you start cooking, "Ready" when it's plated, and "Completed" after delivery.

Repeat Orders

Customers can order multiple times without rescanning the QR code.

How it works:

  • Customer scans the QR code and places an order
  • Ordery remembers their table number
  • If they order again during the same visit, the table is pre-filled
  • They don't need to scan the QR code again

How it affects your storefront: Customers can order multiple rounds (e.g., drinks, then mains, then dessert) without rescanning. Improves the experience for long visits.

💡 Tip: Encourage customers to keep the tab open for easy reordering.

Combining Table Service with Other Fulfilment Types

Table service works alongside delivery and pickup.

What this means:

  • Enable all three fulfilment types
  • Dine-in customers use QR codes
  • Takeaway customers choose pickup or delivery
  • All orders flow into the same admin panel

How it affects your storefront: Customers who scan a QR code default to table service. Customers who visit your URL directly can choose delivery or pickup.

Best Practices

Label Tables Clearly

  • Match QR code labels to your internal table names
  • Make them visible to staff and customers
  • Update labels if you rearrange your layout

Protect QR Codes

  • Laminate or use durable materials
  • Replace damaged codes immediately
  • Keep spares on hand

Train Your Staff

  • Explain how table ordering works
  • Show them how to find table orders in the admin panel
  • Ensure they know to deliver to the correct table

Encourage Repeat Orders

  • Remind customers they can order again without rescanning
  • Mention it on table signage: "Scan once, order anytime"
  • Great for pubs and bars where customers stay for multiple rounds

Monitor Orders During Service

  • Keep the admin panel open during busy periods
  • Update statuses so customers know their order is being prepared
  • Prioritise table orders by the time they were placed

Common Questions

Q: Do customers need to download an app? No, QR codes open directly in their phone's browser. No app required.

Q: What if a customer doesn't have a smartphone? They can order at the bar or with a staff member as usual. Table service is optional, not mandatory.

Q: Can multiple customers at the same table place separate orders? Yes, each customer can scan the code and place their own order. All orders will show the same table number.

Q: What if a QR code is damaged or lost? View the table in Settings → Table Service, regenerate or reprint the QR code, and replace it.

Q: Can I reuse table numbers? Yes, once a customer leaves, the next customer can scan the same QR code. Orders are distinguished by time and order number.

Q: Can I track which tables are currently occupied? Not directly. Table service tracks orders, not occupancy. Use your existing table management system for seating.

Q: What if customers accidentally scan the wrong table's QR code? The order will show the wrong table number. Contact the customer or check recent orders to identify the correct table. Consider clearer table labelling.

Q: Can I disable table service temporarily? Yes, go to Settings → Order Fulfilment and turn off the Table Service toggle. Existing QR codes will show an error until you re-enable it.

What's Next?

With table service set up, explore:

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Table Service and QR Ordering - Ordery Help