What to Look For in a Restaurant Pager System
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Guest pagers let customers wait where they like, at a table, outside or in a queue, and return when their order is ready. They are popular in cafes, food courts, ice cream shops, food trucks and busy takeaway counters. Before you buy, these are the points worth checking.
How a pager system works
- You give the guest a pager when they order.
- When the order is ready, you press the matching number on the base unit or transmitter.
- The pager vibrates and lights up, and some models also beep.
- The guest returns the pager when they collect the order.
Choose by service style
- Counter service and takeaway: a set of 10 to 30 pagers with a single transmitter.
- Food truck or market stall: compact, robust pagers with a simple base.
- Table service with many tables: table buttons and staff receivers may fit better than guest pagers. See our waiter call systems.
Checklist
Range
Check the stated range and consider walls and floors. Ask whether the range is measured indoors or in open air.
Number of pagers
Think about your busiest hour. It is better to have a few more than you need.
Battery or charging
Charging bases are convenient and save on batteries. Replaceable batteries can be easier in small venues.
Cleaning
Smooth, wipeable surfaces are easier to keep hygienic between guests.
Alerts
Vibration plus light works in loud rooms. Some pagers also have sound, which is useful outdoors.
Durability
Pagers are dropped and handled often. Look for solid cases and silicone or rubber edges.
Make it work in practice
- Number the pagers clearly.
- Ask the guest to keep the pager visible and within range.
- Charge or replace batteries at closing time, not during service.
- Keep a spare transmitter or spare batteries.
Frequently asked questions
Do pagers need WiFi?
Most use a radio signal and work without an internet connection.
Can I add more pagers later?
Often yes, but check that the system is expandable before buying.
Browse the range
See our pagers and waiter call systems. Tracked shipping, with cost and timing at checkout. See the shipping page.
