With businesses relying heavily on technology to keep operations running and customers safe, contactless transactions are the new norm. One contactless provider quickly gaining notice is Los Angeles-based Kontactless led by Gabriel Weisz. Kontactless is a successful developer of a widely adopted QR-code payment system.
About Kontactless
Established last year by CEO Gabriel Weisz, Kontactless has a growing number of major brand names in the travel/hospitality sector. To get a better idea of how Kontactless works, Mr. Weisz took time away from a very busy schedule to answer some questions.
What is Kontactless?
Kontactless strives to be a leader in contactless technology by developing simple to use, intuitive software for the hospitality industry. As we’ve all seen, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the use of technology in many different facets of our lives. As a result, travel and hospitality are sectors where these effects will be most pronounced for years to come.
Safety and Hygiene
While safety and hygiene have become elevated priorities, customers have long sought more efficiency and convenience in their experience when traveling, dining, or attending events. It is for these reasons that we began work on Kontactless in 2019 and have seen significant adoption since formally launching in 2020. – Gabriel Weisz
How The Software Works
Our software works by providing dynamic QR code technology that enables guests to order food, drinks, and merchandise, which can then be delivered right to their exact location. Furthermore, Kontactless does not require customers to download an app. In addition, once you place an order, you can make a payment, track progress, and leave feedback. Moreover, this is all from the comfort of your mobile device.
Scan A QR Code
To use Kontactless at a restaurant, bar, hotel, or event venue, guests simply scan the unique QR code at their table or seat to fulfill their order. In fact, this makes the entire experience for each guest highly seamless and intuitive.
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Ability To Order From Multiple Locations
Additionally, Kontactless allows customers to order from multiple locations in their immediate vicinity by working with operators to place QR codes outside and in parking spaces. The platform can be seamlessly integrated into many POS systems, and the company provides customized design and printing of QR codes on behalf of operators.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Kontactless?
There are different benefits both for customers and for operators. For customers, it removes the need to wait for a server when placing an order or paying the bill, or deal with the frustration of having orders filled incorrectly. And when at an event venue, it prevents the need for customers to leave their seats for food or drinks. Additionally, given the COVID-19 environment, Kontactless limits needless human interaction when dining out or traveling.
How Difficult Is Kontactless To Use?
Kontactless is extremely easy to use. Guests simply scan the QR code when they sit at a table, and they are brought to a custom responsive webpage where they can view menus (which can be updated automatically for locations that use different menus for different times of day), place their orders, pay the check immediately, and leave feedback.
How Does Kontactless Work?
Kontactless uses dynamic QR codes to facilitate the entire dining out experience. This means that each table at a hotel, restaurant, bar, event venue, etc. who uses Kontactless features a unique QR code that applies to that specific location. When a guest sits at a particular table, they scan the QR code that is available. They are then redirected to a custom responsive webpage where they can view the menu, place orders, pay their bill, leave feedback, and order other merchandise (if applicable).
Why Dynamic QR Codes?
Dynamic QR codes are important because this is what allows customers to place orders and have them delivered to their exact table. Static QR codes will simply redirect to a menu PDF that is the same for every table (and not location specific). From the operator’s perspective, Kontactless integrates directly with their point of sale system. They simply enroll, and Kontactless will send printed QR codes that the operator can place throughout their location.
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What Are The Costs?
The only fee for operators is a one-time activation cost to get Kontactless up and running. On an ongoing basis, each time you use Kontactless, you are charged a small transaction fee of 50 cents. There are no other costs for the operators or subscription payments for you to use Kontactless, according to Gabriel Weisz.
Do Customers Have To Download An App?
No they do not! To use Kontactless, customers use their mobile phones to simply scan the unique QR code at their table. This then brings them to a custom responsive webpage where they can use the platform.
Can You Tell Us What Businesses In The Food And Travel Industry Are Using Kontactless?
We are currently being used by hotels, restaurants, and event venues in 12 states. In additional, it’s available in Canada and the U.S, Virgin Islands. We launched in August of 2020. What’s more, by year’s end, more than 250,000 transactions had already been completed on the platform. Operators who use Kontactless include select Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt locations, among others.
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About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS Local from 2012-2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including CBS New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget and Radio.com.