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Mobile payment: 6 benefits of SoftPOS for your restaurant

Chloé Thévenet
June 5, 2025
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As digitalization continues to redefine the way we consume, it's time for you, the restaurateur, to step up a gear. Tired of cumbersome cash registers and long queues? SoftPOS, or mobile payment, is your new best ally! This solution transforms your smartphone or tablet into a genuine payment terminal, combining innovation, economy and simplicity. Find out now how SoftPOS can revolutionize your restaurant with 6 essential benefits.

Understanding SoftPOS and mobile payment

Definition and operation of SoftPOS

SoftPOS (Software Point Of Sale) is an application that transforms your smartphone or tablet into a secure payment terminal. What does this mean in practice? SoftPOS can accept contactless payments using technologies such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or QR code. Unlike conventional electronic payment terminals, SoftPOS requires no additional dedicated equipment: simply install the application on a compatible device connected to the Internet to start processing transactions.

SoftPOS is sometimes referred to as "Tap to Pay". Want to find out what's behind the term? We've devoted an article to it: Tap to Pay: the payment revolution ?

SoftPOS vs. traditional VSEs

Let's take a moment to compare traditional electronic payment terminals (EPTs) and SoftPOS. Traditional Eftpos are specific hardware devices, often expensive and limited in terms of functionality. SoftPOS, on the other hand, integrates perfectly into a digital ecosystem. Not only does it offer simple transaction processing, it also enables seamless connection with other digital tools (order management, loyalty programs, etc.).

Conventional MSEs can be limited in terms of flexibility and technology updates, whereas SoftPOS is regularly updated to meet market and consumer requirements.

The use of mobile payment

With the rise of digital technology and contactless payments, consumers are looking for speed and simplicity. In this sense, SoftPOS is particularly well suited to today's consumer habits. 

This technology also lends itself well to situations where mobility is an asset: room service, table orders or even in outdoor catering areas and pop-up establishments. It enables your staff to quickly finalize an order directly from the table, without having to move to a fixed cash register, thus optimizing waiting time and boosting customer satisfaction.

👉 F urther information : Contactless payment in restaurants: definition, benefits and risks

Restaurant mobile payment

The 6 benefits of mobile payment for your restaurant

1. Easy installation and configuration

SoftPOS installs in just a few clicks on a smartphone or tablet. No need to invest in expensive or cumbersome hardware. This simplicity of installation means you can considerably reduce deployment and training times for your teams. So you can adopt this solution quickly and without disrupting your day-to-day business.

2. Lower equipment costs

Investing in traditional POS terminals can represent a significant cost, especially for establishments wishing to modernize their payment tools. SoftPOS, on the other hand, uses the equipment you already own. This means fewer capital outlays and a better allocation of your budget, while benefiting from a high-performance, up-to-date solution.

3. Fast transactions and smooth payments

Another major advantage of mobile payment is the speed of transactions. With SoftPOS, the payment process is simplified, reducing queues and improving table turnover . table turnover. In busy periods, this fluidity is essential to maintaining quality service and satisfying demanding customers.

4. Flexibility for restaurateurs

Whether you work for a small bistro or a large restaurant chain, SoftPOS offers unrivalled flexibility. Its mobile nature means it can be used in a variety of contexts: in the dining room, on the terrace, at events or in temporary spaces. This means you can adapt your payment system to the configuration of your establishment and the specific needs of your clientele.

5. Enhanced transaction security

Security remains a major concern when it comes to payments, and SoftPOS applications have plenty to reassure you. They incorporate advanced encryption protocols and comply with international security standards to protect your transactions. By adopting this solution, you offer your customers the guarantee that their financial information is handled securely and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

6. Digitization of payment methods

Digitalization is not limited to traditional transactions. Thanks to SoftPOS, it is now possible to integrate dematerialized means of payment such as digital luncheon vouchers or online shopping vouchers. Just the thing for today's increasingly connected consumers, looking for practical solutions to pay for their purchases.

👉 To find out more: Surpass your competitors in 2025: digitalization as your secret weapon

Setting up SoftPOS

Choosing the right equipment 

Before installing your SoftPOS solution, make sure you have a stable Internet connection and a compatible kiosk or cash register, equipped with NFC technology and sufficient resources to support the application. The Move cash register and Innovorder kiosk meet these criteria perfectly. Both equipped with the IO Pay payment solution, these digital solutions, which have become payment terminals, can accept Tap to Pay payments. A recent and secure device will guarantee the smooth running of the tool and the security of your transactions.

Cost of a contactless payment terminal

The cost of SoftPOS is generally much lower than that of traditional terminals. While the initial investment for a very small business can be substantial, the SoftPOS solution is based on equipment you already own. The result? An immediate reduction in purchase, maintenance and updating costs , freeing up resources to focus on improving the customer experience

Installation, configuration and training

Once the hardware is in hand, the next step is to install the SoftPOS application. Initial configuration is intuitive : simply download the application, create your account and connect your existing management tools. For optimum integration, we recommend that you customize the interface according to your establishment's identity, and synchronize your management, reservation or loyalty systems. 

To ease your transition to mobile payment, don't neglect training your team. Whether it's an online tutorial or on-site support, this will enable any employee to quickly master all the functionalities. 

👉 To find out more : How much does a VSE cost, and how can you reduce the costs associated with its use?

There's no denying that adopting SoftPOS in your restaurant means choosing modernity, efficiency and security. By simplifying payments, you'll optimize the management of your establishment and improve the customer experience. So, are you ready to take the mobile payment plunge?

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Need help choosing the best payment solution for your business? The Innovorder experts are available to guide you, with tools perfectly adapted to your needs.

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Christophe Peinoche
Christophe Peinoche
Catering expert
"With 20 years' experience working for some of the world's largest foodservice groups, I'm helping the sector with its digital transformation through innovative digital solutions."
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Romain Vardon
Romain Vardon
Catering expert
"With solid experience in developing key accounts, I'm supporting the digital transformation of the foodservice sector by proposing innovative digital solutions to optimize operations."
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Caroline Motamedi
Caroline Motamedi
Catering expert
"After several years' experience in a major foodservice group, I support key accounts in optimizing their operations and digital transformation."
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