AirREGI Order Introduces Online Payment Capability Allowing Customers to Self-Pay via QR Code Scan

This document is a translation of a press release issued by Recruit Co., Ltd. on April 20th, 2023 (JST) and is provided as a reference material. If there is any discrepancy between this translated version and the original Japanese version, the original Japanese version prevails.

Recruit Co., Ltd has introduced a new addition to AirREGI Order — the company's innovative system designed to streamline restaurant operations. The latest feature enables customers to make self-payments online on their mobile devices via a QR code, taking this role away from service staff, who are freed up to focus on customer service and other tasks. AirREGI Order has been widely adopted by restaurants seeking to improve their efficiency in order and accounting operations. This latest development is set to enhance operational efficiency further by providing a smart checkout option for customers and restaurants.

An image of the new online payment function

Overview

Previously, online payment was only accessible to stores utilizing the Self-Order function of AirREGI Order, a feature enabling customers to place orders using their own devices. Online payment, which allows customers to use their devices without requiring a cash register, is now available to all stores, regardless of whether they use the Self Order function.
Customers scan the QR code ^*1 provided on their table or the Handy feature staff use to take orders and enter their credit card information to complete the checkout process. This eliminates the need for waiting in line or repeatedly calling staff for payment.

For stores, this means operations can continue smoothly, even during peak hours with many customers. AirREGI Order has been implemented in various types of restaurants, including Japanese-style pubs, restaurants, and cafes, reducing the time and effort required for ordering and allowing staff to prioritize customer service. The system is user-friendly and intuitive, even for new staff. By expanding the online payment function, we aim to enhance the efficiency of ordering and accounting operations even further.

Service Details

No fixed monthly fee (AirREGI Order fees are not included)
Payment processing fee: 3.24%
Credit cards accepted: VISA card/Mastercard/JCB card/American Express
(Prepaid cards, debit cards, and credit cards issued overseas are not accepted)

Background

The declining birthrate and aging population in Japan have led to a severe labor shortage. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue in the food and beverage industry, with the restaurant industry's shift fill rate for July-September 2022 being 48.9% ^*2, lower than other industries, highlighting the difficulty of securing employees and part-timers. To combat this, companies in the industry are turning to digital tools, such as ordering apps and automatic accounting systems, to help staff members focus on other important tasks.

A December 2022 survey on "Actual and Intended Use of Cashless Payments at Restaurants" revealed that 71.5% ^*3 of the respondents were "cashless" consumers. This includes those who "almost always use a payment method other than cash" and "often use a payment method other than cash but sometimes pay with cash," marking a substantial rise from the 52.9% reported in the March 2019 survey. To further aid stores experiencing labor shortages, we aim to meet the growing demand for cashless payments by introducing a new online payment feature.

About AirREGI Order

In February 2019, we introduced AirREGI Handy, an order-entry system that streamlines the ordering, cooking, and serving process. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic came an increase in demand for takeout and delivery services, making restaurant operations more complex than ever. In February 2022, we rebranded our service to AirREGI Order to better reflect its ability to handle these complex ordering tasks, such as eat-in, take-out, pre-meal payments and post-meal payments. AirREGI Order can be used in a variety of establishments, including bars, restaurants, and cafes.

We developed the comprehensive system to simplify accounting operations inside and outside the store, covering pre-checkout, post-checkout, and more complex ordering tasks. The system includes a "handy" feature that allows orders to be taken seamlessly by staff, a "self-ordering" option that empowers customers to order anytime from their own devices, and a "kitchen monitor" that helps to minimize delays in serving orders and supports the first-checkout process. The "kitchen monitor" has been developed to accommodate orders placed ahead of time and prevent service delays. By combining the features, restaurants can find the combination that best suits their needs.

We have received positive feedback from our clients, such as "Even staff with no part-time experience in restaurants can use it from the very first day," “It dramatically reduces order errors” and “It helps us focus more on cooking and hospitality.”

Air BusinessTools, such as AirREGI Order, are designed to streamline tedious business tasks and reduce the time, effort, and costs associated with them. These tasks include accepting and processing reservations, accounting, handling payments, staffing, shift management, funding, and invoice processing. We will continue to support business owners in operating their businesses as they envision them and creating stores that are uniquely their own.

About AirREGI Order
About Handy
About Self Order
About Kitchen Monitor

Click here to read the original press release.