With autumn approaching in the Gulf regions, outdoor café owners are gearing up for an influx of customers eager to enjoy the good weather and a friendly atmosphere. However, managing table orders and payments can quickly become challenging without digital solutions.
Embracing technology can provide effective tools to optimize the customer experience and ease the workload for your team. Notably, 75% of people are comfortable with new technologies.
Here are five digital tips to help outdoor café managers overcome daily challenges and welcome the spring season with ease.
1. Implement an Online Ordering System: Investing in an online ordering system allows customers to place orders from their own mobile devices. This reduces queue times and makes customer flow management easier. Integrating this system into your website or a dedicated app offers a seamless and convenient experience for customers while reducing the pressure on your staff.Bonus: A pre-order feature allows you to receive orders from customers or groups days in advance, giving you valuable time to manage your team and production. This also provides visibility into your cash flow and is a great way to negotiate purchases with suppliers ahead of time. For customers, it ensures they can enjoy their favorite dishes when they visit.
2. Use a Table Order Management System: Several solutions can streamline order taking and reduce customer wait times:
Tablet menus
QR Code ordering
Server pads
These tools enable quick order processing, sending orders directly to the kitchen or bar. They can also include features like bill splitting and order modification management, reducing errors and improving service efficiency.
3. Adopt a Contactless Payment System: Contactless payments are becoming increasingly popular due to their speed and convenience. By adopting a contactless payment terminal, outdoor cafés can speed up the checkout process, reducing lines at the register.Bonus: Contactless payments offer a secure option for customers, enhancing their satisfaction and trust. Your staff spends less time on this task, which can sometimes be a source of friction.
4. Implement an Automated Inventory Management System: Managing inventory can be a headache, especially during busy periods. Automated inventory management systems track product levels in real-time and send alerts when restocking is needed. This ensures that your café always has the necessary ingredients to meet customer demand, avoiding stockouts and service delays.Tip: Choosing the right point-of-sale system can be crucial in providing these insights and maintaining historical data.
5. Integrate a Customer Feedback/Review Collection System:To continuously improve the customer experience, it’s essential to gather feedback and comments from your patrons. By integrating a customer feedback system, you maintain an up-to-date customer database that provides valuable insights into service quality, customer satisfaction, and areas for improvement.Bonus: This allows you to make quick adjustments and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction. You can then share your customer satisfaction ratings on your website and social media channels.
With these strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to offer an optimal experience at your outdoor café this season while reducing stress for both permanent and seasonal staff.
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