In today’s fast-paced hospitality industry, speed, efficiency, and guest satisfaction are more crucial than ever. To explore how technology can meet these demands, we spoke with Pierre Lion, Global Director of Enterprise Sales at SumUp. In this interview, Pierre shares how the all-in-one SumUp Terminal is transforming hospitality operations – from streamlining order-taking and payment processing to enhancing customer experience and cutting costs.
How does using a SumUp handheld device improve the speed and efficiency of taking orders and processing payments in a hospitality setting?
The SumUp Terminal combines payment, ordering, and receipt printing in a single device, eliminating the need to switch between multiple tools or walk back to a central POS. Staff can take orders and process payments directly at the table or on the floor, significantly speeding up service. The intuitive touchscreen interface, fast checkout options, and always-connected dual connectivity (WiFi + 4G) ensure transactions are processed quickly and reliably, even in busy hotel environments.
How does the SumUp handheld system enhance customer satisfaction and the overall guest experience?
Guests benefit from faster service, shorter wait times, and more personalised interactions. With everything staff need in the palm of their hands, there’s no need to jot down orders on paper or walk back and forth to a central POS, reducing errors and keeping service seamless. Staff can stay attentive and responsive throughout the guest journey, from taking room service orders to settling the bill tableside. The sleek, professional design and instant receipt printing also elevate the overall experience. What’s more, any team member can pick up and process an order, even if they didn’t originally serve the table, ensuring flexibility, continuity, and a guest-first approach.
What are the cost-saving advantages of using a SumUp device compared to traditional POS systems in a hospitality environment?
Unlike many traditional POS systems that require multiple hardware components and charge monthly fees, the SumUp Terminal is available for a one-time, upfront purchase of £169 with no ongoing rental costs. It combines several devices into one (POS, receipt printer, card reader), reducing hardware investment and saving on subscription fees. Setup is also dramatically faster, thanks to the AI-powered menu digitisation feature, cutting down on onboarding and training time.
How easy is it for a venue to integrate and use a handheld payment service for transactions?
The Terminal is ready to use out of the box with no complex installation. Merchants can scan a menu or product list using the built-in camera and AI, which automatically digitises it, making setup intuitive, even for non-technical users. Staff can be trained quickly thanks to the simple interface, and the system integrates seamlessly with popular accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks for backend operations.