Why GoTab’s QR Code Ordering Outperforms Other Modern POS Platforms

For operators who want to offer fast, flexible, guest-friendly ordering, QR codes have become table stakes. But not all QR ordering systems are created equal. In fact, the difference between GoTab’s guest-centric, tab-based QR ordering and payment and other point-of-sale providers’ table-based ordering model is dramatic—and it directly affects throughput, service flow, and guest satisfaction.

Here’s why GoTab’s approach is the modern standard for restaurants, breweries, food halls, entertainment venues, and any business that relies on high-volume, fluid service.

1. Others Tie Tabs to a Table. GoTab Ties Tabs to a Guest.

This is the core difference—everything else flows from it.

Other POS Limitation: Tabs Are Locked to a QR Code

With other systems, when a guest starts ordering from a QR code:

• The tab is tied to that specific QR/spot.
• If the guest moves around (common in breweries, patios, lounges, entertainment venues), scanning a new QR forces them to start a new tab.
• Even if a server starts a tab on their handheld and shares it to a QR, the tab is still locked to that spot, not to the guest.

This model works only when guests stay seated and static. Today’s guests don’t.

GoTab’s Advantage: True Hybrid Service that Enables the Guest Without the Friction

GoTab was built for mobility and modern guest behavior:

• A tab can start at a QR or at any POS and be instantly shared via Easy Tab (text-to-tab).
• Guests can access their server-started tab from a QR - this feature can be customized by zone
• The guest’s tab is tied to them, not the location. They can move across the venue—bar, patio, stage, rooftop, vendor stall—and order from any QR in the building.
• Guests can split their own bill by item, guest, or by % or $ amount.
• Staff can access, add to, or manage the tab from any POS in real-time, regardless of where it originated.

This is the difference between a “QR payment method” and a true unified ordering experience.

2. GoTab Eliminates Ordering Friction. Other POS Platforms Create It.

Modern service thrives when you remove interruptions and unnecessary steps.

Other Systems Make Guests Restart

If a guest scans a different QR after moving:

• They force a new tab and force the guest to sign in every time; GoTab does not do that.
• This adds friction, increases transaction volume, and breaks the experience.

Because GoTab’s tabs are guest-based, the entire ordering flow stays seamless:

• Guests keep ordering effortlessly across QR, POS, handhelds, kiosks, and more.
• Staff stay fully in sync no matter how—or where—orders are placed.
• Ordering volume increases because there’s no friction or interruption in the journey.

And when it's time to pay, guests have all the tools they need to take control of their tab with effortless split-pay options—split by person, item, percentage, or dollar amount—eliminating the need for Venmo or time-consuming server work. It’s the difference between a system that adapts to guests vs. one that forces guests to adapt to it.

3. GoTab’s Easy Tab Unlocks True Hybrid Service

Most venues don’t want “QR-only ordering.” They want the freedom to mix staff-driven and guest-driven ordering however they need.

GoTab Hybrid Ordering Is Seamless

With GoTab, staff can start a tab from the POS or handheld, and guests can instantly take over on their phone using Easy Tab or Discoverable Tabs. Both staff and guests can add to the same tab from anywhere in the venue. You can also assign QRs to staff to track sales and tips, and team members can receive push notifications when guests in their section scan a QR, submit negative feedback, or when food and drinks are ready to be run.

This creates a modern, flexible service model that’s ideal for:

• Breweries & taprooms
• Food halls & multi-vendor concepts
• Pickleball clubs & entertainment venues
• Large patios & open-floor restaurants
• Events & festivals

When the tab belongs to the guest, hybrid service becomes natural—not a workaround.

4. GoTab Includes QR Ordering. Others Charge for It.

Other platforms often charge operators an extra fee for mobile/QR ordering or have volume-based usage after which they add an additional percentage processing to all transactions.

GoTab includes QR ordering at no additional cost, because we believe modern commerce shouldn’t come with surprise add-ons or add-on pricing for features that are foundational to great service.

5. GoTab Protects You With Insufficient Funds Protection 

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One of the primary concerns some operators have about QR ordering is the risk of:

• Walkouts
• Declined cards
• Unpaid orders

Most POS systems allow guests to open a tab, but they don’t take advantage of incremental authorizations—meaning operators can’t continuously secure funds as items are added. This creates risk throughout the service experience. GoTab not only supports incremental authorizations but also gives operators full control at close: all open tabs can be automatically settled at the end of the night, or closed in one click with the “Close All Open Tabs” option.

GoTab’s Insufficient Funds Protection

GoTab's Insufficient Funds Protection is a flat monthly fee SaaS ($35) that preauthorizes the card attached to the tab for the specific amount of the order being placed. The preauthorization is attempted BEFORE the order is sent, and if the preauthorization fails, the order is not sent - so drinks aren't poured and food isn’t plated that ultimately may not be paid for. There is no added charge for these preauthorizations.

Some other POS (SpotOn for example) offer a form of Incremental Preauthorization, where the card attached to the tab will be incrementally preauthorized for a specific amount once the tab goes above the previous preauthorized amount. This additional preauthorization is tied to the amount being added to the tab, but this preauthorization happens after the order is placed and does not stop the order from being sent if the additional preauthorization fails. Future orders will not be able to be added, however, until a new form of payment can be provided. Typically, the operator is being charged for each preauthorization. Toast does not have any form of incremental or continuous preauthorization feature. Learn how this single feature motivated Bear Cave Brewing’s switch to GoTab from Toast.

6. The Result: True Guest Freedom + Operational Control

When you combine all of the above, GoTab’s QR ordering becomes more than just “scan to order.” It becomes an operating model that delivers:

• Higher check averages
• Faster ordering and fulfillment
• Reduced labor strain
• Better flow in non-traditional service layouts
• A better guest experience—anywhere, from any device

Toast (and similar POS systems) weren’t architected for this level of mobility or fluidity. GoTab was.

GoTab QR Ordering - A Foundational Tool for Modern Hospitality

If your venue is one where guests move around, staff need flexibility, or hybrid service is essential, the difference is undeniable. GoTab’s QR ordering is:

• More flexible
• More mobile
• More operator-friendly
• More guest-centric
• More affordable
• More secure

And that’s why today’s most innovative restaurants, breweries, food halls, and entertainment venues choose GoTab to power modern service.

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