Diners at Prezzo can now leave without waiting for the bill to arrive, as the high-street chain trials a new approach to payment.
Dine & Dash technology from Barclaycard is being tested for the first time on March 13 at the Prezzo restaurant on St Martin’s Lane, London, in a move that is likely to be noted by retailers looking for frictionless payment solutions in stores. The new approach achieves a similar experience to that in the new Amazon Go store in Seattle, where customers automatically pay via an app. This time the technology is being tested in the UK.
When diners arrive, they tap the Dine & Dash totem in order to check in at their table. They then order as usual and eat. When they finish eating and want to go, they just leave. A totem on the table then changes colour to show restaurant staff that payment has been made. Diners can also check out in the app, with options to split the bill, add a tip or apply a discount. However they choose to pay, all diners see their bill total in real time and receive a digital receipt, so they can keep track of spending.
The new technology comes in response to Barclaycard research that found waiting to pay was the most frustrating part of eating out for 36% of restaurant goers, and that 25% would even considering leaving without paying if they had to wait to long for the bill. Meanwhile, 67% of restaurant owners said they were in favour of an ‘invisibill’ approach to payment, in order to improve service and satisfaction.
The research found waiting times of up to 19 minutes to get the bill and pay – while 95% of restauranteurs said they would prefer their staff focused on service rather than payment.
Nick Kerigan, managing director of future payments at Barclaycard, said:
“Eating out is something we all look forward to, yet our research shows that waiting to pay is an increasing frustration. Building on our experience in ‘invisible payments’, we wanted to create an innovative solution that removes any barriers to enjoying the meal, whilst also helping restaurants deliver great service and keep those diners coming back.
“By taking the pain out of payments, Dine & Dash is a ‘win win’ for both consumers and restaurants. We’re excited to see this solution in action as we partner with Prezzo, helping them stay at the forefront of delivering the best customer experience in the industry.”
Dave Broom, IT director at Prezzo, said: “Finding better ways to serve our customers is at the top of the agenda for Prezzo. We believe we have found a unique opportunity with Barclaycard’s Dine & Dash solution as it makes payment simpler and quicker. We’re really looking forward to testing this exciting new technology in our restaurants.”
The trial at the St Martin’s Lane, London, branch of Prezzo is for one day on March 13, and consumers wishing to take part can book here on a first come, first served basis. It will also be tested by Barclaycard staff in a closed pilot in Prezzo restaurants in Northampton and London. If successful, the technology could be rolled out further afield.
