Has your restaurant taken a “wait and see” approach to digital ordering? If so, you’re not alone. It’s not uncommon for small and midsize restaurant operators to be cautious before investing in trendy new technology. But digital ordering has rapidly become a must-have for restaurants that want a competitive edge and increased profits. Here’s why.
Digital Ordering Leads to Great Order Value
Customers love convenience, and digital ordering is nothing if not convenient. With all of the smartphone apps out there, or even user-friendly desktop sites, customers enjoy being able to place a food order on their time and terms. The great news for you? Digital ordering is linked to higher order values. That’s because when they have time to fully peruse your menu, many customers make impulse purchases that they otherwise would not with your waitstaff hovering over them or a long line of hungry customers queued behind them.
In a digital setting, you can effectively upsell by pairing attractive menu items together. Include items that are often ordered together and offer an incentive for choosing add-on items — and watch your order value grow. Even a lift of just a few extra dollars per order can make a notable impact on your bottom line.
And don’t forget: digital ordering gives you a leg up on competitors without this technology in place. You can reach new customers simply because you have the platform they prefer to use and turn casual browsers into satisfied customers.
Eliminate Errors
To make mistakes is human, but digital ordering takes as much human error out of the process as possible. How many times have phone or in-person orders gone sideways over a miscommunication, a hard-to-understand dialect, or a noisy background that makes it all but impossible to hear accurately? You can eliminate all of these elements with the simplicity of digital ordering. It gives customers the peace of mind of knowing that their selections have been captured and transmitted properly, leading to higher satisfaction, a greater likelihood of repeat business — and motivation to spread the word about your business.
And with a repeat ordering feature, a digital platform can save a customer’s past orders and streamline the process of placing their favorite order, further providing a convenient experience for their busy lives.
Run a More Efficient Business
Implementing digital ordering can streamline operational efficiency in your front and back of house. How much time does your staff spend right now answering the phones and taking orders manually? Which employees handle those tasks? With a digital ordering system in place, your workers are free to focus on profit-driving activities, such as food preparation, and free up your phone lines for questions and concerns that can’t be addressed through a web-based platform.
Digital ordering has been one of the most transformative developments in hospitality technology in recent years. If you’re looking for ways to elevate the customer experience, boost your bottom line and streamline activities in your business, digital ordering is the right solution for you!
