Buffet packages handle all-you-can-eat dining in Papaya. A package defines the per-person price, which menus are included, and a dining duration — all managed from the POS.
How buffet works
Staff opens a new order on the POS and selects a buffet package (e.g. Lunch Buffet ฿599)
Staff enters the number of guests
The buffet session starts — customers can now scan the QR code and order from the buffet menu
A countdown timer appears in the customer app showing remaining dining time
When time expires, customers can no longer add items. Payment can still be completed by either staff or customer.
‼️ Customers will not see the buffet menu until a staff member selects the package and enters the headcount. This prevents ordering before the session has started.
Pricing
The total is calculated as:
(Number of guests × Package price) + Any extra item prices
Items within the buffet menu can be priced at ฿0 (included in the package) or have their own price (charged on top). This lets you offer a base buffet with optional premium add-ons.
Setting up buffet package
Buffet packages are configured as menu groups. Each package has:
Field | What it controls | Example |
Name | Package display name | Dinner Premium Buffet |
Price | Per-person flat rate | ฿899 |
Duration | Dining time limit in minutes | 120 (2 hours) |
Menus | Which menus are included | Buffet Mains, Buffet Desserts |
You can bundle multiple menus into a single package — for example, a separate "Mains" and "Desserts" menu both included in one buffet price.
Customer experience
Once the buffet is initiated, customers see the included menus on their ordering app with a countdown timer. When the timer reaches zero, the ordering interface locks and they can no longer add items.
FAQ
Can customers order before staff selects the package? No. The buffet menu only appears after a staff member initiates the session from the POS.
Can I have multiple buffet packages? Yes. Create different packages for different price tiers or times of day (e.g. Lunch ฿499 vs Dinner Premium ฿899).
What happens when time runs out? Customers can no longer add items, but payment can still be completed by either the customer or staff.