Leading payment provider, takepayments, has launched an online takeaway ordering solution exclusively for pubs and bars after it revealed the industry saw a 75.4%* decline in card transactions during the first UK lockdown.
The launch from the Stockport-headquartered company follows the Government’s easing of its lockdown legislation on takeaway alcohol which is now allowed if it is pre-ordered. The change in ruling at the eleventh hour gave a glimmer of hope to the struggling sector and was expected to save up to 7.5 million pints from being poured down the drain.
Despite the opportunity for pubs to diversify and operate as a takeaway to maintain some income, figures from takepayments – formerly Payzone UK – show that only a quarter (22%) of small businesses have moved their business online in response to the pandemic.
The takeaway service solution comes via new and enhanced functionality of its popular ‘Order and beepaid’ web app. It will enable pubs and bars to quickly turn on both a ‘click and collect’ or takeaway delivery service.
The app now also comes with a complete marketing package at no extra cost, designed to help pubs and bars overcome the impact of lockdown by communicating the availability of its takeaway service to its customers.
Takepayments also include a full support package for the app at no extra cost. The support package includes help with set-up and uploading of menus.
The ‘Order and beepaid’ app was initially developed to allow customers to order and pay for products or services at table whilst socially distanced from staff.
Takepayments, which is headed up by former Travelex CEO, Clive Kahn, will provide each business with a QR code and a unique URL.
The pub or bar can then direct customers to its online page for click and collect orders or delivery via the link or the QR code. Visitors to the site can view and order from menus, on their phone, tablet or PC, and pay online via the secure payment app.
To help outlets to launch their new service to customers, the business will be given:
- A PDF leaflet to download and print with their unique QR code and logo on
- A suite of fully designed, personalised social media assets
- A poster design with their unique QR code and URL
- Email image assets
- A guide on how to promote their new service
Sandra Rowley from takepayments said: “During the first lockdown the number of our pubs actually transacting dropped by 67% at one point in April, when comparing transactions to February. We don’t want to see that happening again and it shows just how badly the hospitality sector has been impacted by Coronavirus.
“This time businesses can be more equipped, learning from those that generated income from takeaway services first time around.
“Setting up Order and beepaid requires little to no input from the business owner. takepayments make set up as hassle free as possible and now even supply all the marketing materials.
“The app is also post lockdown ready as you can immediately return to using it for order and pay at table upon reopening.”
