What this is
When a customer checks out as a guest or signs in by phone, Spatula sends a one-time code by SMS to confirm the number is real and belongs to them. This protects you from prank orders and helps make sure delivery and pickup messages reach the right person.
How it works for the customer
The customer enters their mobile number at checkout.
An SMS arrives with a 6-digit code.
They enter the code into the checkout screen.
Once verified, they continue to payment.
A 60-second countdown lets them request a new code if the first one doesn't arrive. Once a number is verified, the customer doesn't need to verify again on the same device.
Why it's worth keeping on
Fewer fake orders — prank or mistyped numbers are caught before the order reaches the kitchen.
Reliable contact — you can reach the customer by SMS or phone if there's an issue.
Better tracking — order status updates land in the right inbox the first time.
If a customer doesn't receive the code
Confirm the country code and mobile number are correct.
Wait the full 60 seconds before requesting a new code — sometimes SMS is briefly delayed.
If the network is poor, ask the customer to step outside or switch to Wi-Fi.
Some prepaid mobile plans block short-code SMS — in that case, the customer may need to use a different number.