It’s a fact that hospitality and leisure customers want their bank cards to be kept securely when they run a tab. Eliminating worry that their credit or debit cards are professionally looked after while they enjoy a meal and drinks should be a top priority at every venue.
Bar tabs offer a convenient way for patrons to enjoy multiple drinks without the hassle of constant payment. However, implementing a bar tab system requires careful consideration and execution. Let’s delve into why keeping bar tabs is a good idea and ways to offer extra security to customers.
Increase Customer Spending
Customers who don’t have to reach for their wallets or cards regularly are more likely to make impulse purchases. Establishments that allow for tabs will increase customer spending. Phil Dixon, a previous advisor to the BII, was adamant that “If you want to increase spend, you must retain cards.” Paul Eagles, previous Head of Risk Policy and Strategy at VISA confirmed this: “When using cards, people spend at least 35% more.”
Improved Customer Service
Customer service is the backbone of the hospitality industry. A single interaction can turn a casual visitor into a loyal advocate or a disgruntled customer into a negative review. In today’s competitive landscape, delivering exceptional customer service is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Offering secure bar tabs can streamline the payment process, leading to a more enjoyable experience and, therefore, repeat business.
Deterring Dine and Dash
Dine and dash is on the up. No matter where your venue is, certain people will always be tempted to walk out without paying their bill. Keeping bar tabs virtually eliminates that temptation, especially if you can run a check on their card before agreeing to keep their tab.
Best Practices for Implementing Bar Tabs
Setting clear guidelines will help venues manage their customers’ bar tabs. Establishing a maximum spending or a time limit for open tabs could be beneficial, but most importantly, venues must communicate their policies with staff and patrons.
One of the most cost-effective bar tab keeping tools for hospitality and leisure venues is with CardsSafe. The system is specifically designed to securely retain bank and ID cards and is utilised by thousands of venues all over the UK. You can read about what CardSafe is and how to use it here.
Not only is CardsSafe easy to use, it requires minimal training. CardsSafe pays for itself time and time again. After an initial delivery and installation fee of £39.95, this unique system works on a rental basis at a cost-effective £9.95 plus VAT per unit per month. Each unit can hold up to 10 cards, and multiple units can be added anytime. CardsSafe can help to cut losses from dine and dash by 50%, virtually eliminate fraudulent card misuse, and venues only pay bank transaction fees once when the customer pays their final bill.
You can implement a bar tab system that benefits your business and customers by carefully considering these factors. Remember, the key to success lies in balance: providing convenience without compromising safety and responsibility.
