QR at the table or checkout: how to speed up validations and prevent fraud

In recent years, the QR code has become one of the most valuable tools in the retail and hospitality industries. But its role goes far beyond displaying menus or linking to a website. The QR can be a powerful way to validate transactions, register redemptions, and guarantee traceability.

At Promotty, the QR acts as the bridge between the digital and physical experience. It’s what connects what a customer purchases in the app (a promotion, coupon, or event ticket) with the moment they enjoy it in store. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned from working with hundreds of businesses, it’s that speed and security in validation are just as important as the product itself.

The QR: more than just a code

A QR is no longer just a simple access tool, it’s a unique identifier, a proof of purchase, and a layer of security. While many systems use static QR codes (which can be reused or shared), Promotty uses dynamic, single-use QR codes generated in real time and linked to a specific operation.

Each QR has its own antifraud logic: it’s activated by the customer only when they’re about to redeem, it’s valid for a limited time (for example, 15 minutes), and it can’t be reused or captured. The merchant simply scans it using the Promotty Scan app, and validation happens instantly. The result: zero fraud, fewer human errors, and complete traceability of every redemption.

Frictionless validation: when UX also yastes good

In restaurants, cafés, or retail stores, every second counts. A slow redemption process can cause frustration and loss of trust. That’s why user experience (UX) is just as important as the technology itself.

With Promotty, the process is fast and intuitive: the customer activates their coupon or promotion on their phone, shows the QR code to the staff, the merchant scans it using Promotty Scan (either at the checkout or directly at the table), and validation is completed in seconds and automatically recorded.

No delays, no confusion, no mistakes. This improves the experience for both the customer and the staff, who gain time, efficiency, and control.

Fraud prevention: the invisible problem that costs money

In hospitality and retail, small fraudulent actions or operational errors can result in major losses. Duplicate redemptions, reused coupons, or incorrectly recorded validations are common issues that many businesses simply accept.

Promotty’s antifraud QR system eliminates that risk. Each coupon has a unique identifier, can only be validated once, and is automatically marked as “redeemed” in the merchant dashboard. This protects both the business and the customer, ensuring that consumption data is always accurate.

Even more importantly, each QR becomes a data point, a record of customer behavior. Knowing when, where, and what your customers redeem helps identify loyalty patterns, improve campaigns, and make data-driven decisions.

QR at the table or checkout: choosing the right flow

Not every business operates the same way. That’s why Promotty’s QR validation system adapts to each workflow.

• QR at the Table: Perfect for casual dining or table-service venues. The staff scans the QR directly at the table, avoiding unnecessary movement for the customer. This reduces waiting time and enhances the feeling of personalized attention.
• QR at the Checkout: Ideal for venues with a fixed point of payment, take-away service, or food trucks. It centralizes control, simplifies management during peak hours, and ensures traceability of every transaction.

Both options offer the same speed, security, and smooth experience, but each adapts to the operational flow of the business.

A scalable solution: from events to everyday operations

This QR validation system isn’t limited to events like Burger Showdown, where customers pre-purchase burgers and redeem them in store. It also powers everyday loyalty and promotional campaigns, such as limited-time discounts, digital stamp cards, automated rewards, or birthday offers.

In all cases, the process is identical: the customer activates the QR code on their phone, the merchant scans and validates it in real time, and all information is automatically recorded in Promotty.

This transforms an event or promotion from a one-off action into a long-term loyalty opportunity. Every validation strengthens the connection between the customer and the brand.

Data and results: speed, trust, and control

At Promotty, we’ve measured how this system improves performance and customer experience:

• Up to 40% faster service times.
• Nearly total elimination of fraud or duplicate coupon attempts.
• Automatic logging of redemptions by customer, product, and time.

These numbers reflect more than efficiency, they represent trust. When a customer sees that the process works instantly and effortlessly, they perceive the brand as professional, modern, and reliable. And when a business knows everything is under control, it can focus on what truly matters: delivering great experiences and driving sales.

Validation as part of the experience

Every interaction between a customer and a business is an opportunity to strengthen their relationship. A slow or confusing process breaks that connection. A fast, secure, well-designed one multiplies it.

At Promotty, we believe that validation is part of the experience. The customer shouldn’t notice the process,only how easy it feels. The QR isn’t just a technical detail; it’s the invisible thread that connects trust, agility, and loyalty.

Want to learn how to integrate a QR validation system into your business or event? Read this related article: Tools for commerce.