Table-side payment involves bringing the terminal to the customer rather than taking their card or sending it to the register. In a restaurant with table service, this has become the norm: the customer keeps their card in hand, the bill is paid in a minute, and the table is cleared more quickly. This guide explains how to implement it in Quebec, what equipment is needed, and what to check before committing.
What is table-side payment?
The server comes to the table with a handheld terminal. The bill total is displayed on the terminal; the customer selects a tip amount and then pays by card, phone, or watch. The receipt is printed on the spot or sent by email.
There are two configurations:
- The standalone terminal. The server enters the amount manually. It’s simple, but every entry is an opportunity for error.
- The terminal connected to the POS system. The table’s bill is sent directly to the terminal, and payment closes the table in the POS. This is the setup to aim for as soon as the restaurant has more than a few tables.
Why Are Restaurants in Quebec Going Through This?
Tables turn over faster. The server no longer has to make trips back and forth between the table and the register. Over the course of a full service, the minutes saved at each table ultimately translate into additional coverings.
Better tip suggestions. The terminal displays tip suggestions at the time of payment. Among our restaurant clients, we’ve observed higher tips than with manual entry.
A card that stays with the customer. The customer never loses sight of their card. This is reassuring for them and reduces the risk of fraud and disputes for you.
Fewer cash register errors. When the terminal is connected to the POS, the amount doesn’t have to be re-entered. End-of-day discrepancies are reduced, and the reconciliation happens automatically.
How does payment at the table work?
- The server opens the table on the terminal or sends the bill from the POS.
- If the guests request it, the server splits the bill: either equally or per person.
- The customer chooses a tip from the suggested amounts or enters a custom amount.
- They pay with their card, phone, or watch. Contactless payment covers most bills; for amounts above the limit, the customer inserts their card and enters their PIN.
- The receipt is printed or emailed, and the table is closed out in the POS system.
What equipment should you choose?
You’ll need a portable device that can operate away from the register for an entire shift.
| Criterion | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Connection | Wi-Fi and cellular network, so you can keep taking payments even if the Wi-Fi goes down—especially on the patio |
| Battery Life | A battery that lasts a full shift, and a convenient charging station |
| Printer | Built into the terminal, so you can print the receipt without having to go back to the register |
| Link to the POS | The bill appears on the terminal without needing to re-enter anything, and payment clears the table |
At Geasy Pay, two portable terminals are well-suited for table service:the Ingenico Move 5000, which combines Wi-Fi and 4G, and the PAX A920. For a restaurant that wants to bring everything together (orders, seating chart, payment), Global Payments’ Genius platform connects the terminal to the restaurant’s POS system.
What to Check Before Buying Equipment
- Network coverage. Test the Wi-Fi throughout the dining room and on the patio. A dead zone at the back of the restaurant is enough to block a payment.
- Number of terminals. Make sure you have enough so that servers don’t have to wait their turn during peak hours.
- MEV-Web compliance. In Quebec, the receipt given to the customer must be generated by a compliant point-of-sale system. Verify that your system is properly connected to MEV-Web.
- Calculating tips. The tip amounts displayed on the terminal must be calculated based on the pre-tax total. We detail the rules for tips in a separate article.
- Splitting the bill. Ask for a demonstration with a table of six: that’s when you can really see if the system runs smoothly.
What kind of restaurant is this for?
Paying at the table makes the most sense in a restaurant with table service: a full-service restaurant, bistro, brasserie, or bar with table service. The higher the number of seats, the more noticeable the time savings.
For a counter, a café, or a food truck—where customers pay when they order—a fixed terminal or an order kiosk is a better fit.
How much does it cost?
The cost depends on the number of terminals, the plan (rental or purchase), and your transaction fees. A portable terminal generally costs more to rent than a fixed terminal, and transaction fees account for a much larger portion of the annual cost than the device itself. Our guide to the true cost of a terminal breaks down each item.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does table-side payment work without Wi-Fi?
Yes, if the device has a cellular connection. That’s why we recommend a model that combines Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity.
Can we split the bill on the terminal?
Yes. With a terminal connected to the POS, the server divides the bill into equal shares or by guest, and everyone pays their share in turn.
Should we switch to a new point-of-sale system?
Not necessarily. It all depends on whether your current system is compatible with the terminal. We’ll check this with you before making any recommendations.
How long does the installation take?
The installation and staff training take just a few days, without having to close the restaurant.
Switch to table-side payment with Geasy Pay
Geasy Pay, an official Global Payments reseller, equips restaurants in Quebec with portable terminals and POS systems. Tell us how many tables and servers you have—we’ll recommend the right setup for you. Request your free quote or call us at 438-806-0450.
