View all newsletters
Receive our newsletter - data, insights and analysis delivered to you
  1. Technology
May 13, 2014

Square launches pre-order app for cafes as it pulls wallet service

Firm describes failed payment method as " very magical experience".

By Jimmy Nicholls

Mobile payments firm Square launched a pre-order app for cafes yesterday following the demise of its previous payments method ‘Wallet.’

Its new app, branded ‘Order’ allows users to choose and pay for food from their mobile before arriving at a shop or cafe, avoiding the queue and hassle of paying at the counter.

Ajit Varma, director at Square, said: "Square Wallet provided a very magical experience but didn’t have a lot of the utility value."

Wallet enabled customers to login to the shop through the app and pay by giving their name at the till, eliminating the need for cards.

The payment method failed to gain significant traction and was removed from app stores as Order launched. For existing customers the service will continue to be supported by Square.

"We want to make it really clear to people looking for Square in the App Store that Order is where we see the future," Varma added.

So far Order is available in New York City and San Francisco, and the software can be downloaded for both Android and iPhone.

Content from our partners
Unlocking growth through hybrid cloud: 5 key takeaways
How businesses can safeguard themselves on the cyber frontline
How hackers’ tactics are evolving in an increasingly complex landscape

Square has caused quite a stir in the payments industry, despite the failure of Wallet, having been valued at $5bn earlier this year.

The payments firm has been the subject of rumour about a potential IPO for some time, though many believe the plans have been abandoned for the moment.

Founded by Twitter co-creator and chair Jack Dorsey in 2009, Square also offers point-of-sales services for tablets and smartphones.

Websites in our network
Select and enter your corporate email address Tech Monitor's research, insight and analysis examines the frontiers of digital transformation to help tech leaders navigate the future. Our Changelog newsletter delivers our best work to your inbox every week.
  • CIO
  • CTO
  • CISO
  • CSO
  • CFO
  • CDO
  • CEO
  • Architect Founder
  • MD
  • Director
  • Manager
  • Other
Visit our privacy policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
THANK YOU