Find out how the Magic Max pool bar in Wetzikon has increased its efficiency and customer satisfaction with the innovative Paymash self-service function.
The restaurant industry is undergoing change. Digitalization, a shortage of skilled workers, and changing customer expectations are driving innovation. An outstanding example of future-oriented solutions is Magic Max in Wetzikon – a three-story billiard bar that is mastering its operational challenges with the help of the Paymash self-service function. We spoke to Giuseppe, the technical manager at Magic Max, about his experiences with this innovative feature.
Creative solutions to architectural challenges
Magic Max is not only known for its wide range of leisure activities, but also for its unique three-story concept. “We have three floors. We have billiards on the top floor, a billiards bar and restaurant on the middle floor, including the old sales room of this venue, which used to be a billiards and darts room. Downstairs, where the bakery used to be, we tore out the entire bakery, i.e. the oven, etc., and created a separate room in the basement, a large room with a pool table, which can also be rented for events and birthdays,” says Giuseppe, describing the layout.
However, this unique architecture presents operational challenges, especially when serving guests on different levels. Giuseppe explains: “We now offer a self-service option because we have three floors and there are three flights of stairs between the lower and upper floors, which you have to climb every time you need to ask guests if they need anything.”
How the self-service option optimizes operations
The Magic Max team found the solution to this challenge in Paymash's self-service function. Giuseppe describes how it works in practice: “Now people can order using the self-service function on the lower floor and pay right away. We then receive a receipt showing what someone has ordered, so we can quickly prepare drinks, etc., and bring them to the guest.”
This innovative solution offers several key advantages:
- Increased efficiency: Staff save time and effort as they no longer have to constantly move between floors to take orders.
- Staff optimization: More guests can be served with the same number of employees, which is particularly valuable in times of labor shortages.
- Faster service: Guests don't have to wait for a staff member to come to them, but can order immediately when they want something.
- Reduction of sources of error: Since orders are entered directly by the customer, the risk of misunderstandings or transmission errors is reduced.
- Increased sales: The easier ordering process often leads to additional orders that might not otherwise have been placed.
From theory to practice: Implementation at Magic Max
The integration of the self-service function into the Magic Max's operations went seamlessly. As a bar with billiards, darts, table soccer, and other entertainment options, Magic Max is particularly attractive to a tech-savvy clientele that is open to digital solutions.
Giuseppe, who is responsible for technical matters “in the technical department in the background and does everything related to computers, cash register systems, etc.,” was ideally positioned to implement this innovation. His experience with Paymash as the main cash register system made it much easier to introduce the additional self-service function.
The vision: a seamless customer experience
The implementation of the self-service function is in line with Magic Max's overarching vision: “The vision is actually quite simple. We want to give people the opportunity to spend cool evenings with us in the future, playing pool, darts, and attending events,” explains Giuseppe. “That's what we want to offer people, so they can spend cool evenings here in Wetzikon.”
The self-service feature plays a key role in ensuring this smooth experience. Instead of being interrupted by waiting times or complicated ordering processes, guests can focus entirely on their game and the convivial atmosphere – an important factor for customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Payment methods: diversity is the key to success
Giuseppe paid particular attention to the question of supported payment methods. “We would like to expand the self-service function a little further, but we would be happy if the self-service function offered the option of paying not only by credit card, but also using Twint, for example.”
The good news is that this feature is already available! “For card payments, there is an option for entering your card details at the top and a tab at the bottom where you can select Twint. And then, of course, you can also pay with Twint,” we informed Giuseppe.
This variety of payment methods is particularly important as customers' payment habits are becoming increasingly diverse. “Card payments are certainly a big part of it at the moment because a lot of people pay with cards, a lot of people pay with their cell phones, a lot of people already use Twint and even pay with their watches,” says Giuseppe, confirming this trend.
Synergies with other Paymash functions
The self-service function does not stand alone, but complements the overall package of Paymash solutions in Magic Max. Giuseppe particularly appreciates the user-friendliness of the system: “I really appreciate that it's actually very easy to use once everything is set up properly, that you always have someone to help you, and that you can explain the most important functions very quickly.”
The digital receipts, another innovative feature of Paymash, also fit perfectly with the self-service concept. By generating a QR code, customers can receive their receipts digitally without using paper – another step toward a fully digitalized customer experience.
The future of self-service at Magic Max
Giuseppe is optimistic about the future: “We would like to expand the self-service function a little further.” With the information that various payment methods are already supported, important prerequisites for this expansion have already been created.
Possible future enhancements could include:
- Expansion to other areas: Implementation of self-service in other areas of the three-story restaurant.
- Integration with reservation systems: Linking the self-service function with the option of reserving pool tables or the event room.
- Personalized offers: Development of individualized recommendations based on previous orders.
- Gamification elements: Integration of playful elements such as loyalty points or special offers for regular guests.
The Paymash ecosystem at Magic Max
The successful implementation of the self-service function is part of a broader digitalization strategy at Magic Max. The Paymash POS system forms the backbone of the business: “The POS system plays a major role because it covers everything related to customer orders. Collecting payments for billiards, darts, and food.”
Giuseppe particularly appreciates the flexibility: “And the fact that it's actually very flexible, especially that it runs on the iPad, that it runs on a phone with the app, that you can take the phone with you to look at the customer or take the iPad and collect payments there and have a quick chat with the customer.
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