In restaurants, We need a new way to signal that we're ready to pay

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Is there really a problem to solve?

  • Many commenters say there’s no real issue: when you ask for the check, just pay immediately or flag the server when ready.
  • Several frame the article’s concern as social anxiety / aversion to talking to staff rather than a UX gap.
  • Some note they’ll simply leave cash on the table and walk out if it takes too long.

Existing low‑tech signals

  • Common practice: leave card/cash or the paper bill sticking out of the check wallet; in some countries the wallet open/closed already acts as a signal.
  • Gestures mentioned: raising a hand, scribbling-in-the-air motion, drawing a rectangle for the bill, or lightly pushing the plate away.
  • Table flags, call-buttons, or lights (like in churrascarias or some Japanese/Korean restaurants) are cited as effective, simple solutions.

Kiosks, QR codes, and phone-based systems

  • Some love paying and even ordering via phone/QR, especially for speed, splitting checks, and “Irish goodbye” exits.
  • Others strongly dislike it due to account creation, app installs, friction, or feeling forced to self‑service while still tipping.
  • Table kiosks and tablets are viewed by some as very convenient and by others as intrusive or screen-pollution.
  • Several point out that a simple QR to a web checkout (no app, no account) works well where implemented.

Cards, phones, and regional habits

  • Huge variance by country: in much of Europe and parts of Asia, tap-to-pay (often via phone/watch) and mobile POS at the table are routine.
  • Many US diners still pay mostly with physical cards or cash and rarely see phones used; others report the opposite.
  • Some are wary of phone payments or see them as unnecessary; others emphasize speed, security, and not handing cards out of sight.

Tipping and service models

  • Multiple comments argue the real “legacy problem” is US tipping culture, not signaling payment.
  • Some say they withhold tips when required to bus their own table or use QR ordering.
  • Fixed-salary, no-tip systems (Japan, parts of Europe/Asia) plus cashier-on-exit or prepay ticket machines are held up as cleaner models.