QR Code Ordering + Open Tabs

[RookRoomAnnelis]

Hi, all. We have been a square customer for 5+ years. We finally opened the restaurant side of our business and we use QR code ordering. The problem is, they no longer support open tabs for QR code ordering (which means each time someone wants to order something, it sends the full order through, payment + tip and everything, and then if they want something else later they have to do the full transaction again). The Square support page states that some legacy accounts still have this feature active. 

Would someone who has this feature be able to show me a screenshot of their back-end for QR code ordering/running tabs? I am hoping that we can gain access to this feature since we've been customers for a while (we just didn't think we would have to opt in to something like this or that it would go away!).

Our current business model is dependent on QR ordering, and the customer experience is keeping people from ordering more food + drink. It's also skewing our reports for number of customers + average ticket spend, since each transaction is counting individually instead of by the customer. 

OK, big ol' post. Thanks to anyone with any insight!

[Summer2024]

Hi, @RookRoomAnnelis ! First, thank you for being with Square for over 5 years! We are so glad to hear you have stuck with us. 

I know it can be frustrating when certain features go away that your business heavily relied on.  

Reasons for the Change to QR code ordering

• Payment Security: Closing transactions immediately reduces payment risks
• System Simplification: Fewer open orders to manage
• Integration with Square's newer restaurant features

We do have the table management options with the Restaurants software. 

Here's a comprehensive breakdown of Square's open tab options:

1. Traditional POS Open Tabs

   • Available on Square Point of Sale and Square for Restaurants
   • Features:
     • Card pre-authorization
     • Multiple items can be added over time
     • Tab naming/customer identification
     • Ability to transfer tabs between servers
     • Merge or split tabs as needed

2. Bar Tab Management

   • Specifically designed for bars and pubs
   • Features:
     • Hold customer card information
     • Quick tab access
     • Add items throughout service
     • Multiple tabs per bartender
     • Tab search functionality

3. Table Management Tabs

   • Part of Square for Restaurants
   • Features:
     • Table-linked tabs
     • Course management
     • Seat numbers
     • Server section management
     • Kitchen ticket routing

I hope this helps. 

[LeonL]

Same here. Our business model operates with QR menu and ordering. It is fustrating see the open tabs feature get removed. I'm planning to migrate out of Square when my contract ends. It is a deal breaker feature and our business model can not operate without it.

[market298]

We are facing the same challenge of not being able to run Open Tabs with Self Ordering...  I really hope that they are working on a solution and that it will be available to us here in Japan.

We are currently having to make the decision of leaving Square for a solution in Japan, but being originally from Canada, I would much prefer to stay with Square, this is definitely a huge factor in my final decision.

Square, please make Open Tabs with Self Ordering available in Japan!!!  All of the Self Ordering POS providers allow this function, especially in Japan as paying for your bill when leaving at the entrance/exit of the restaurant is normal practice.  But as we have invested heavily in Square Hardware, which consists of 2 terminals, 3 registers, 4 KDS displays, we really do not want to have to walk away from the investment.