Unprecedented adversities hitting the town and not knowing how long it can persist directed Paytm to launch a unique QR code-based menu and ordering system at restaurants. This measure is taken in adherence to the new norms of social distancing and to promote contactless services.
The QR based system helps customers to check menus, place orders, and also make payments ensuring minimal interaction with the waiters. The customers at eateries can scan the code using the Paytm app to access the menu, place orders directly from their phones, and also make payments through e-wallet, UPI, or card payments. Dinners can use this code as a white label product by using their logo, and brand color on the QR card and can also merge it into their pamphlets, hoardings, and signboards. However, there will some implied charges for this white-label product.
Paytm is said to have approached over 10 state governments to promote ‘Scan to Order’, and introduce zero-contact food ordering and payment system as the standard operating procedure for food joints. Nikhil Saigal, Vice President of Paytm says, “We strongly believe that our contactless food ordering system would not just help establishments get back to their businesses, but also save lives as the core thought of this innovative product is based on maintaining social distancing.”
Paytm’s vision – Scan to Order
Paytm has stated that it will commence this QR code menu and food ordering system with over 100,000 restaurants in the initial phase. Gradually, they will expand and extend the same for other eateries as well. With the government giving a green signal to most establishments and eateries to be opened from June 8th across non-containment zones in the country, Paytm wants their QR code-based menus to grow accessible across most eateries.
Rising to challenges
Paytm, a digital payment major has enhanced the extent of its consumer lending product ‘Paytm Postpaid’ to offline retail and Kirana stores as well. This service is intended to help users eliminate the need to withdraw cash to meet monthly household expenses. Kiranas and neighborhood stores had remained operative during the most rigid phase of the COVID-19 lockdowns, prompting many firms to look for innovative products to retain their customer base and create sales. Digital wallets and online payment systems such as PhonePe and Google Pay let users check for operational stores on their platforms during the lockdown. Lately, Mastercard partnered with Axis Bank to initiate a ‘SoftPOS’ solution that enables offline merchants to use their smartphones as a point of sale device.
The ‘Postpaid’ service offered by Paytm can be used to buy groceries, milk, and other essentials from neighborhood Kirana stores. And also, from retail outlets including Reliance Fresh, Haldiram, Apollo Pharmacy, Croma, Shoppers Stop. Paytm Postpaid service is only available to limited customers for now but they are hoping to expand and are planning to add 4 million customers to this operational system.
