Patchy wifi is one of the first things venues worry about with QR ordering. If the internet drops out mid-service, does the whole ordering system go down with it?
Here is what actually depends on your connection, and what to check before assuming QR ordering is too risky for your venue's wifi.
The guest does not need your venue's wifi at all. A guest scans the QR code and places an order using their own mobile data or their phone's own connection, not your venue's network. This means a slow or overloaded venue wifi network is not the guest-facing bottleneck it might seem.
Your side of the system, meaning the device or POS that receives the order, does need an internet connection to get the order in the first place. If your venue's internet drops out completely, incoming orders can be delayed until the connection is restored, the same way any internet-dependent system would be affected.
This depends on the specific system, so it is worth asking directly. A well-built system queues the order and delivers it as soon as the connection is restored, rather than losing it outright. Ask any provider what happens to an order submitted during a connectivity gap before you assume the worst case.
Because the order-receiving side of the system depends on your venue's connection, a dedicated, reliable connection for your ordering devices and POS is worth the investment, separate from the general guest wifi you might offer. This keeps a busy Saturday night of guests streaming or browsing on your guest wifi from having any effect on your ability to actually receive orders.
No. A guest orders using their own mobile data or phone connection, not your venue's wifi, so your network being busy or slow does not stop guests from ordering.
The device or POS that receives the order needs a connection to get incoming orders. If that connection drops, receiving new orders can be delayed until it is restored.
This depends on the system. Ask your provider directly whether orders are queued and delivered once the connection returns, or whether they can be lost, before assuming the worst case.
It is worth considering. A dedicated connection for your ordering devices and POS means a busy guest wifi network does not affect your ability to receive orders.