If you run a fast-food or high-volume restaurant, chances are you've already taken the plunge and installed a kiosk. But have you integrated payment directly onto these kiosks? Or do your customers still have to go to an adjacent terminal or counter to complete their purchase?
This small difference can radically transform the customer experience and your in-store organization. So, should you really opt for a kiosk with integrated POS or not? Here's an overview of the advantages, limitations and criteria to consider before making your decision.
Before making a decision, here’s a quick overview of what sets the two setups apart. The difference isn’t limited to the hardware—it affects the customer experience, floor layout, and day-to-day payment processing. By equipping your establishment with an order kiosk featuring integrated payment, you’re choosing an all-in-one solution designed to streamline the entire customer journey.
Comparison:
The advantages of conventional ordering kiosks are well established, but what about kiosks with integrated payment? Let's find out together whether this option is really worthwhile for your establishment.
Contrary to popular belief, a point-of-sale terminal with a built-in card reader isn't more expensive: by eliminating the need to purchase a separate terminal and the associated costs (hardware, installation, maintenance), the overall cost is often lower.
Beyond the purchase price, it’s the total cost of ownership that makes all the difference. An external payment terminal requires a dedicated subscription, its own certification, and separate maintenance. By consolidating everything into a single device, you simplify your contracts, reduce the number of points of contact, and minimize technical support requests. Over two or three years of operation, the difference becomes significant.
Today, your customers expect a simple, fast and frictionless purchasing process. And that's just as well, because ordering, validation and payment can all be carried out in the same place, using an order terminal with an integrated Eftpos terminal.
A terminal equipped with a TPE means :
As a result, the customer experience is more modern, more efficient and more in line with their expectations.
By eliminating the need to pass through the adjacent terminal or counter, you speed up the flow of goods:
A real plus, especially at the height of the rush.
The moment of payment can be a source of stress: card not passing, wrong amount, waiting for a waiter, etc. With a fast-food payment terminal, everything is automated. The risk of error and tension is therefore reduced, which is much appreciated by the customer.
When you delegate payment to an order terminal, you free up your teams to focus on higher-value tasks such as order preparation, room cleaning, service or reception.
When customers order alone, they take their time and are more likely to be tempted by a larger menu or a dessert suggested by the kiosk. And if they can pay immediately, there's no longer any obstacle to impulse buying. Result: the average bill climbs.
From the moment the customer enters your restaurant to payment, everything runs smoothly. An order terminal with integrated POS means less waiting, less interaction, fewer questions and greater satisfaction. This solution is ideally suited to restaurants with high throughput or those focusing on digital.
👉 To find out more: Fast-food ordering station: comparison of the best models
For you, the restaurateur, it's also a time-saver on the management side. Orders and payments are processed in the same tool, with consolidated reports and simplified checkout.
And if you manage several terminals, everything stays synchronized:
With an all-in-one terminal, you reduce the number of cables, connections and technical points of failure. It's also more aesthetically pleasing: a single, compact, designer unit, without a portable terminal.
However practical, the kiosk with integrated POS is not a miracle solution. Before taking the plunge, it's best to be aware of a few constraints that need to be anticipated.
The smooth operation of integrated payment depends on the quality of your Internet network. A kiosk that slows down or crashes during checkout is detrimental to the customer experience and table turnover. So you need a reliable connection, ideally dedicated to your kiosks, with a 4G backup solution in case of failure.
Finally, check that the solution complies with legal requirements: PCI-DSS certification for payment security, compliance with French VAT anti-fraud legislation, traceability of cash receipts, etc. A serious service provider must provide you with all the necessary supporting documents. Don't neglect this point, especially if you have a multi-branch or franchise operation.
👉 To find out more : How much does a VSE cost, and how can you reduce the costs associated with its use?
The kiosk with a built-in payment terminal is not intended to replace the counter; rather, it complements it. A customer in a hurry can check out on their own in thirty seconds. Another customer may prefer to interact with a staff member, especially for a complex order or a first-time visit. Both options coexist, and that is precisely what makes a well-designed system so effective.
An Innovorder partner restaurant owner puts it simply: "It's incredibly important to have both options because, really, there's also an exchange between the customer and the restaurant owner… two different strengths, but they really complement each other very well."
By freeing your staff from repetitive payment processing, the kiosk actually gives them more time to focus on providing excellent customer service.
Fast food and fast-casual restaurants now account for 55% of total restaurant revenue in France. The fast-casual segment has been growing by 8% annually since 2020, with average check sizes ranging from €12 to €18 (compared to €8–€10 at traditional fast-food restaurants). It is precisely in these establishments that self-service kiosks with integrated payment deliver the most value.
The ideal profile combines four characteristics:
- High customer traffic with significant peak times (noon, late afternoon, weekends)
- Standardized menus that are easy to navigate without assistance
- A diverse customer base that is accustomed to digital interfaces
- A team under pressure during peak hours, struggling with repetitive billing tasks
Conversely, fine-dining establishments or those that place a strong emphasis on personalized service work better with a staffed counter as the central hub. While self-service kiosks remain useful for pre-orders or click-and-collect, they are not the core of the system.
Still wondering if this is the right choice for your restaurant? Let us ask you 3 questions:
If the answer is yes to at least two of these questions, then the control terminal with integrated TPE is probably the ideal solution for you.
The kiosk with integrated payment is modern, fast and secure, perfect for restaurants looking to improve efficiency. Why not take the plunge with Innovorder?
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