More revenue with creative QR ordering

Lieke
Lieke
23 April 2021
Last edited on 20 February 2026
Reading time 6 min

They were introduced as a welcoming omnichannel solution for staff shortages. A very good way to relieve your staff and allow guests to order on their own at any time. They proved extremely suitable during the COVID period, and by now QR ordering has proven its multi-purpose use. On tables, at a drive-through or boat-through, on beach beds, and more: discover how fellow entrepreneurs have used their QR codes and what it delivered for them.
 

Meer omzet creatief qr bestellen

On your (terrace) tables

Let’s start with QR codes on tables. Not the most original, but definitely efficient! Many entrepreneurs have already widely adopted this form of QR ordering, where a unique QR code linked to the table directs guests to an online ordering environment. It’s commonly used on terraces, but also inside the venue. Often combined with personal table service, and sometimes with a pickup point.

o Higher average spending

Esgo Kuiper of Het Horecakantoor was convinced from the start of the added value of QR ordering for his venues. “QR ordering reduces the workload of our staff during peak times, which increases both guest satisfaction and labor productivity. It is perfect for the hidden seasons: those beautiful days when it is unexpectedly busy and your staffing levels are not prepared for it. The average spending is at a good level, guests order extra items more quickly. You quickly recoup the investment and monthly fees. I am very satisfied.”

o Time savings of 4 minutes per order

Rien Mol of Landgoed Het Rheins is also enthusiastic. Het Rheins used QR codes on their large terrace for the first time this past summer. “QR ordering was extremely well received by both us and our guests. Guests enjoyed using it and were always helped super quickly. Even at the busiest moments, their orders came into our kitchen and bar screens without any staff involvement. We noticed that every order and payment—because that is handled immediately as well—processed via QR instead of through a staff member saves about 4 minutes. This allows us to provide the same speed and service with fewer people. You can imagine the benefits, especially in these times! That’s why we want to make ordering via QR even more attractive and encourage it further by offering a little extra. For example, a discount or a complimentary treat.”

Many customers notice that the average spending when ordering via QR code is significantly higher than when ordering traditionally through a hostess. Koen Witte of Beachclub Texel even states that the combination of DISH QR ordering and the new POS system led to a revenue increase of 70% last July!

Ordering from your beach bed

But tables are definitely not the only place where QR codes work well. At Alexander Beach Club in Noordwijk, they use QR ordering to make service available in places where it was previously impossible: they literally serve guests on the beach! Owner Alexander Balk says, “Our guests scan the QR code at their beach bed, order and pay easily via the linked ordering site, and respond very positively. We can prepare and serve everything super quickly. Ideal!”

Ordering from your car

Lines for good food. It was and still is definitely not uncommon! The fact that hospitality entrepreneurs were not allowed (and still are not always allowed) to receive guests as we all want led to creative initiatives to delight as many guests as possible and still generate revenue. Various entrepreneurs, such as De Twentse Bierbrouwerij, organized drive-throughs where guests did not even have to leave their car. They simply scanned the QR code from their car seat with their smartphone, chose from the digital menu, paid, and then parked in the designated spot where their order was brought to them. Safe, fast, efficient, and fun!

On the facade of the ice cream shop

QR codes are also ideal for busy ice cream shops. If guests scan the QR code on the facade and can calmly scroll through the ordering site with their children—who can be so difficult to choose a flavor from all those delicious options—it saves unnecessary delays at the display case. They choose, order, and pay online, and then pick up their order using their order number at the pickup point. This way, you can scoop many more ice creams during peak hours!

Ordering from your boat

De Eendracht in Abcoude is beautifully located by the water. They therefore placed a large QR sign on the quay so people could easily place their order. Guests can relax on their own boat while their order is brought on board. It hardly gets any better than that!

On a large sign by your counters

And if it’s busy at your take-away? Then something similar works perfectly! A large sign with a QR code attracts attention and helps spread the crowd. Everyone can calmly scroll through the menu, place their order, and pay. With a personal pickup code, they receive their order. This works incredibly fast with a digital pickup screen, where guests can see whether their order is still being prepared or already waiting for them.

Room service on hotel rooms

QR codes are also the way to take your room service to the next level. Pim de Lange of Ter Marsch & Co uses QR ordering on 233 hotel rooms at the nearby Amsterdam FlowerMarket hotel. “It gives a huge boost because it offers guests even more freedom and convenience.”

Order from your cinema seat

What does it mean for your revenue if visitors can order not only during the break but also during the movie? At C-Cinema, it is possible via a QR code on the seats. And because each code is unique, the staff knows exactly where to deliver the already paid orders. No unnecessary talking, just quiet and smooth service.

Picnic points and more

The ways and places where you can use QR ordering are endless, of course. Is your venue located near a busy cycling or walking route? You wouldn’t be the first to place a QR code at a scenic rest point and benefit from the thirst and appetites of active people.

There are so many moments when QR codes can be the perfect extension of your service. How creative are you? Where do the opportunities lie for you?

Lieke

Lieke

Marketeer at DISH

Lieke is curious about everything that drives change in the hospitality industry. She writes about trends, guest experiences, and new ideas that make entrepreneurship more enjoyable and smarter. Always with a fresh perspective and an eye for what is really going on in the workplace.