Restaurant Tableside Payment Workflow

Purpose: Document the people, systems, data, controls and exceptions in a real merchant workflow.

Written and reviewed by Raied Muheisen · Last reviewed June 21, 2026

Trigger

A server presents or settles a guest check at the table.

Actors

  • Guest
  • Server
  • Manager
  • Kitchen/bar
  • Payment provider

Normal workflow

  1. Server confirms the correct open check.
  2. Guest reviews items and total.
  3. Tender and tip are entered on the approved device.
  4. Authorization result is returned.
  5. Receipt preference is completed.
  6. Check status updates and server confirms closure.
  7. Batch and tip totals are reviewed.

Exceptions

  • Wrong table or check
  • Split payment
  • Decline
  • Tip correction
  • Device battery or connectivity issue
  • Refund after closeout

Required data

  • Table/check owner
  • Items and adjustments
  • Tender and authorization
  • Tip and server attribution
  • Receipt
  • Batch and settlement

Controls and ownership

  • Device assignment and charging
  • Wi-Fi coverage validation
  • Manager permission for exceptions
  • Tip and closeout review
  • Support escalation

Acceptance tests

  • ☐ Single and split payment
  • ☐ Decline and retry
  • ☐ Tip and receipt
  • ☐ Connectivity problem
  • ☐ Closeout and settlement

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