Does FlipLight need Wi-Fi, an app or staff watches?

No. It's a standalone cordless light. Staff see the red light from the floor, so there's nothing to pair, install or wear. The only routine is putting the lights back on the charging station after service.

What if my staff can't see all the tables?

Then FlipLight alone is the wrong tool for those tables. A button system with staff watches or pagers reaches people who are out of sight. Some venues use FlipLight in the main room and another solution for hidden areas.

Can I combine FlipLight with QR ordering?

Yes. They do different jobs: QR ordering handles the menu and payment, FlipLight handles 'can someone come over?'. Many guests still want to talk to a person about wine, allergies or the bill.

Are the prices in the table exact?

No. They're rough ranges per category as of October 2026, excluding VAT and installation. The FlipLight figure is our own list price. For other systems, ask suppliers for a quote based on your table count.

Will a call system increase my sales?

It can help, but nobody can promise you a number. A peer-reviewed study of tabletop service technology measured about 11% more sales per minute, mostly from faster service. That was a different technology, and results depend on your venue and team.

Waiter Call Systems Compared (2026)

Comparison

There are four common ways for guests to get your team's attention. Each suits a different kind of venue. Here's how they differ, including where FlipLight is not the best fit.

As of October 2026. Categories only, no specific brands. Costs are rough estimates; get quotes for your venue.

The four options at a glance
Criterion	FlipLight	Call buttons + staff watches or pagers	QR code / app calling	Waving / eye contact
Installation / cabling	None. Cordless, just place it on the table.	Usually no cables for the buttons; a base station or repeater may need power and set-up.	Print the codes, set up the software and staff devices.	None.
Needs the guest's phone or an app	No	No	Yes, guests scan with their own phone.	No
Staff wearables or devices	No. Staff look at the room.	Yes: watches, pagers or a display.	Usually a phone, tablet or watch to receive alerts.	No
Doubles as table lighting	Yes, warm light with adjustable colour and brightness.	No	No	No
Outdoors / terrace	Yes, it's cordless. Red is harder to spot in bright midday sun.	Usually yes; check range and weather rating.	Yes, if guests have signal or Wi-Fi.	Yes, if staff are nearby.
How staff notice	Red light visible across the floor; needs line of sight.	Vibration and table number on the wrist, even out of sight.	Notification on a device, sometimes with the request type.	Only if someone happens to look.
Typical cost per table (estimate)*	About €50–65 per light (list price excl. VAT; charging station included from 10 lights).	Roughly €30–80 per button, plus about €80–250 per watch or pager.	Low hardware cost; often a monthly software fee of roughly €20–150 per venue.	No direct cost; the cost is waiting time.
Battery / charging	Rechargeable, 6–8 h per charge; the magnetic station charges up to 25.	Button batteries usually last months; watches need daily charging.	Depends on guests' and staff phones.	Not applicable
Guest learning curve	Very low: flip it over. A table card helps on day one.	Low: press a button.	Medium: scan, open the page, pick a request.	None, but many guests find it awkward.

* Rough market ranges excluding VAT and installation, not quotes. Prices vary by supplier, quantity and features.

FlipLight

Your team can see the tables: a single room, a bar, a terrace. You want warm table lighting anyway, without cables, apps or staff devices. Less suited if tables are out of sight, or if you need to know what the guest wants before walking over.

Call buttons + staff watches

Large or multi-room venues, split levels, gardens round a corner: anywhere staff can't see every table. The alert reaches the wrist wherever they are, and some systems let guests choose 'order' or 'bill'. Expect to charge and manage the staff devices.

QR code / app calling

You want guests to order and pay from the table, not just call someone. Good for casual, high-volume service. It asks guests to use their phone, which some enjoy and others don't.

Waving / eye contact

Very small rooms, counter service, or a team that's always on the floor. It costs nothing, but guests wait until someone looks their way, and many find waving awkward.

Questions, answered

Does FlipLight need Wi-Fi, an app or staff watches?: No. It's a standalone cordless light. Staff see the red light from the floor, so there's nothing to pair, install or wear. The only routine is putting the lights back on the charging station after service.
What if my staff can't see all the tables?: Then FlipLight alone is the wrong tool for those tables. A button system with staff watches or pagers reaches people who are out of sight. Some venues use FlipLight in the main room and another solution for hidden areas.
Can I combine FlipLight with QR ordering?: Yes. They do different jobs: QR ordering handles the menu and payment, FlipLight handles 'can someone come over?'. Many guests still want to talk to a person about wine, allergies or the bill.
Are the prices in the table exact?: No. They're rough ranges per category as of October 2026, excluding VAT and installation. The FlipLight figure is our own list price. For other systems, ask suppliers for a quote based on your table count.
Will a call system increase my sales?: It can help, but nobody can promise you a number. A peer-reviewed study of tabletop service technology measured about 11% more sales per minute, mostly from faster service. That was a different technology, and results depend on your venue and team.