3 misconceptions about QR ordering in hospitality

Daniel dish
Daniel
27 November 2023
Last edited on 20 February 2026
Reading time 3 min

QR ordering in hospitality is now a well-known phenomenon. You can casually order a snack or drink from the digital menu by scanning the QR code with your smartphone. Although many people are enthusiastic about this modern ordering method, there are still those who are less convinced. Additionally, several misconceptions about QR ordering in hospitality continue to circulate. In this blog, we address the three most common misconceptions and explain why they are not accurate.

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1. QR ordering is impersonal

A common misconception is that using QR codes in hospitality removes the personal interaction between the guest and the service staff. For some people, maintaining the traditional guest experience is important, where they can study a physical menu and have personal contact with the staff.

In reality, QR ordering actually opens the door to a unique guest experience! Guests feel more freedom to browse the menu at their own pace, and with the time saved through the efficient ordering process, staff can focus more on providing personal attention, answering questions, and offering tailored recommendations. It is precisely this combination of efficiency and personal attention that contributes to an improved overall guest experience.

2. QR codes in hospitality reduce employment

Another concern is that implementing a QR ordering system would lead to fewer jobs for hospitality staff. Hospitality venues would completely switch to ordering via QR codes, which would result in cutting back on personnel.

Instead of making staff redundant, QR ordering enables hospitality personnel to use their time more effectively. They actually gain more time to focus on tasks that require a personal touch, such as answering guests’ questions and looking after each table. The result is not less employment, but rather a shift toward higher-quality service. In addition, QR ordering can be used as a supplement to traditional service, giving guests the choice to place their order via the QR code or through a staff member.

3. QR ordering is only for large hospitality venues

There is also the misconception that QR ordering is only profitable for large hospitality venues and chains because they have more financial resources. Additionally, it is believed that the traditional ordering method is sufficient for smaller restaurants, cafés, or lunch spots.

That’s not true either. Smaller hospitality venues can benefit just as much from using QR codes. A QR ordering system is often affordable due to tiered pricing and is extremely easy to implement. For smaller teams, QR ordering can actually help streamline operations. QR codes in hospitality offer flexibility and efficiency, regardless of the size of the establishment.

Daniel dish

Daniel

Adviseur at DISH

Daniel enjoys collaborating with hospitality entrepreneurs. Based on practical discussions, he writes about recognizable challenges and how to tackle them step by step. He is down-to-earth, clear, and always focused on solutions that really work.