A virtual queue app is software that replaces physical waiting lines with a digital queue. Customers join remotely — usually by scanning a QR code — and wait wherever they want while tracking their position on their phone. They receive an SMS when their turn arrives.
What Is a Virtual Queue?
A virtual queue replaces physical waiting lines with a digital system. Instead of standing in a lobby or writing their name on a clipboard, customers join your queue remotely — typically by scanning a QR code with their phone. A virtual queue app manages the entire process: joining, position tracking, and notifications.
Once in the virtual queue, customers can wait wherever they choose — in their car, at a nearby shop, or even at home if they joined before arriving. They see their live position and estimated wait time on their phone, and receive an SMS when their turn is approaching. This means no crowded lobbies and no frustrated customers watching the clock.
For staff, a virtual queue app reduces interruptions, eliminates manual tracking, and provides clear visibility into demand. For a deep dive into virtual queue use cases, see our virtual queue guide.
See It in Action
5-Minute Setup
Sign up, name your business, print your QR code. You're live in under 5 minutes — no hardware, no IT team.
No App Download
Customers scan your QR code with their phone camera. No app download, no account needed — works in any browser.
Instant SMS Alerts
Staff tap Notify. Customer gets an SMS within seconds with their queue status. No shouting names across the room.
How Virtual Queuing Works
1
Display Your QR Code
Sign up for ScanQueue and generate your unique queue QR code from the dashboard. Print it on a poster, table tent, or sticker and place it at your entrance, counter, or anywhere customers can see it. You can also share the link online.
2
Customers Join Remotely
Customers scan the QR code with their phone camera. A mobile-friendly page opens where they enter their name, select a service if applicable, and tap to join the virtual queue. No app download, no account creation — it takes seconds.
3
Notify When Ready
Customers track their live queue position on their phone. When their turn is approaching, they receive an SMS notification. Staff manage the queue from a real-time dashboard — calling, skipping, or reordering entries as needed.
Why Businesses Switch to Virtual Queues
Zero Physical Lines
Customers wait in their car, at a nearby cafe, or wherever they choose.
3x Capacity
Serve more people per hour when the lobby isn't the bottleneck.
70% Join Remotely
Most customers scan before arriving, spreading arrivals across the day.
Everything You Need for Virtual Queuing
QR Code Join
Customers scan a QR code at your location and join the virtual queue instantly — no app download needed.
SMS Notifications
Automatic text messages alert customers when their turn is approaching or when they are next in line.
Service Selection
Offer multiple services and let customers pick what they need. Each service runs its own virtual queue.
Staff Dashboard
Call the next customer, skip, remove, or reorder entries from a clean, real-time dashboard.
Analytics
Track average wait times, peak hours, and customer volume to make data-driven staffing decisions.
Multi-Language Support
Serve an international customer base. The join page adapts to the customer's browser language.
Frequently Asked Questions
In a physical line, customers must stand in place and wait. A virtual queue lets them join digitally and wait anywhere — in their car, at a nearby cafe, or at home. They track their position on their phone and get notified when it is their turn.
No. ScanQueue works entirely in the browser. Customers scan a QR code with their phone camera and interact with a mobile web page. No app store visit or account creation is required.
Yes. If you share your queue link online, customers can join from anywhere before they physically arrive. This spreads out arrivals and reduces lobby crowding.
Yes. ScanQueue offers a free plan that includes one queue with real-time position tracking and a shareable QR code. No credit card is required. Paid plans add SMS notifications, multiple queues, analytics, and more.
Virtual queues are used by restaurants, barbershops, clinics, retail stores, government offices, events, and any business that serves walk-in customers. Any location where people wait in line can benefit from virtual queuing.
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