App can help diners beat the queue blues

Appy days: the system allows consumers to order food and drinks via their smartphone.

A NEW smartphone app aims to cut queues in catering establishments by allowing customers to order and pay via their phones.

The iDon’tQ app, which was developed by Tom Thornton and Steve Taylor (formerly of Orange and HSBC respectively), uses a secure PIN protected payment system, which allows users to order lunch from their desks or buy a round in their local without leaving the conversation.
Hannah Fitzsimons, head of business development at Elavon Merchant Services, which processes payments made using the app, said it can help operators drive sales by targeting consumers with menus and special offers.
“Customers are looking for on-the-go convenience and iDon’tQ is a clever route to faster and easier service delivery via your smartphone,” she said.
“We believe mobile commerce will account for a significant proportion of all future retail spend and we are delighted to be working with iDon’tQ to provide the secure payment solution for transactions made through the app.”
The app features an ‘order same again’ feature, which allows customers to easily repeat their drinks or food orders, and incorporates special offers and promotions provided at participating venues. So far the company has been targeting pubs, bars and cafes.

Image – Appy days: the system allows consumers to order food and drinks via their smartphone.