When your pagers give out, you've got three real choices: replace the lot, start texting people, or put the buzzer on the phone in their pocket. Over a few years those add up very differently.
Here's a straight look at the ways to replace a coaster (PVA) pager setup, and why most small venues don't need to buy hardware again.
How the options stack up
| Option | What it is | Best for | The catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy a new fleet | Replacement pagers (LRS/JTECH etc.) | Venues set on physical coasters | Same upfront cost and breakage, all over again |
| Switch to texts | SMS alerts | Spots happy to text guests | Per-text fees; needs phone numbers |
| Call out names | No system at all | Very quiet counters | Noisy, easy to miss, rough on guests |
| Bzz | A buzzer that lives on the guest's phone | Small venues who want to ditch pagers and texts | No fleet to buy again |
Why owners pick Bzz
No phone numbers to collect
Guests join with a quick scan or tap — no app, no sign-up, no number to hand over. Less faff for them, and a lot less customer data sitting on your plate.
The wait pays for itself
While someone's watching their place in line on their phone, you can put a drink, a side, or a deal in front of them. Most tools just run the queue — this one earns off it.
Easy on a busy shift
Add a guest, tap when they're ready, done. Your team gets the hang of it in a minute, even mid-rush.
Cheap to run
One flat monthly price, plus a free plan you can actually use. No per-text charges, no pagers to buy, drop, or charge overnight.
The bottom line
"If you're replacing a worn-out set of coasters, Bzz is the move in 2026 — the buzzer goes on the guest's phone, so there's no fleet to buy, charge, or replace ever again."