Self-ordering systems are trendy: guests order via smartphone, staff are relieved, waiting times are shortened, costs are reduced and sales are increased. Discover more efficiency!
Demand for self-ordering systems
What is a self-ordering system?
Self-ordering systems are payment systems that allow your guests to order food and drinks directly via smartphone – either on the premises, on the go, or from home. The order is immediately transmitted to the kitchen, where the food is prepared. Payment is then made either online in advance or contactlessly at a payment terminal on your premises.
Apps like Paymash combine and digitize the ordering and payment process, increasing efficiency in the ordering and payment process, reducing operating costs and ultimately increasing sales.
Recognizable trend towards self-ordering systems
Large restaurant chains have already shown how it's done: self-ordering systems can now be found in more and more branches of McDonalds and Burger King. According to a study, the installation of self-ordering kiosks has increased by 43 percent in recent years – and the trend is rising.
With an app-based ordering system like Paymash, self-ordering can be easily implemented in any restaurant without the need for special terminals, which are also very expensive to purchase and operate: guests scan a QR code with their smartphone in the restaurant, which then takes them to the menu. They can then view the menu directly on their smartphone and place their order from there.
You can test Paymash for free for 14 days here.
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Advantages of self-ordering systems
Increased efficiency
With a self-ordering system, you can significantly increase the efficiency of your restaurant. Your staff no longer have to walk to the table to take the order, which reduces stress. Your guests can view your menu online in advance and then place their order more quickly in some cases.
If you offer online ordering, guests can order their meals before they even visit the restaurant, and you can even have the food brought to your guests' tables without waiting. Shorter ordering and waiting times also mean shorter turnaround times when visiting the restaurant: the table is freed up more quickly for the next guests, so you can serve more customers in one day overall.
This can help you attract more customers, especially at peak times when you have a lot of walk-in business or if you run a fast food restaurant. If they see that waiting times are short, they are more willing to wait. The shorter, the better: according to a study, 66 percent of guests at a take-out restaurant do not want to wait longer than five minutes for their order to be taken. A self-ordering system can therefore make the difference between “deal” or “no deal”.
Increase in sales
A self-ordering system reduces your operating costs. You need fewer staff because orders no longer have to be taken. This gives your employees more time for the other important things: delivering orders to guests, cleaning tables and equipment, storing food, etc.
But it's not just lower operating costs and higher turnaround times that contribute to higher sales; the guests themselves also play a role: it has been found that guests order between 20 and 30 percent more when they use a self-ordering system instead of ordering from staff.
The fact that the menu is always accessible on the smartphone, even after the ordering process, also makes it easier to place repeat orders. All of this leads to a noticeable increase in sales – often just a short time after a self-ordering system has been introduced.
Increase in customer satisfaction
A self-ordering system has a positive effect on the customer experience and thus on customer satisfaction. You can add one or more pictures or even a video next to each dish on the digital menu so that guests can get a first impression and whet their appetite even more. Orders are also transmitted to the kitchen immediately and without errors. Special requests can be entered separately in a text field, avoiding misunderstandings and lengthy conversations with staff. This ensures that guests receive exactly the food they want in the shortest possible time.
Self-ordering systems also offer guests convenient contactless payment options. For both on-site and online payments, guests can choose from a variety of payment methods, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay, to select their preferred method. What's more, self-ordering systems also allow you to create vouchers or gift cards that can be redeemed digitally.
By providing a personalized ordering experience and a convenient payment process, you are already doing a great deal to offer your customers a positive experience. If your food tastes good too, you can look forward to more satisfied and returning guests.
Integration of self-ordering systems
Self-ordering systems can be integrated into all types of catering establishments. They are very flexible and can be precisely tailored to the processes in each individual business, as the following examples show.
Food trucks, fast food restaurants and takeaways
In a food truck or fast food restaurant, fast ordering processes are essential – especially at peak times, such as lunchtime or in the evening. A clearly visible QR code allows guests to view the menu while they are standing in line or still at home.
This drastically reduces the time they have to wait for their food, and you can serve more guests in the same time. You have even less work if you let your guests pay online in advance. Then you can fully concentrate on preparing and serving the food.
Café and restaurant
If you run a café, restaurant or bar, a self-ordering system can also be used efficiently. The principle is the same: a QR code guides your guests to the food or drinks menu, where they can place their order.
The table number is also transmitted so that you know which table the order is coming from. You can see at a glance on your smartphone or tablet at any time which dishes have been ordered at which table and whether the dishes have already been prepared. When your guests are ready to pay, they can conveniently do so at a payment terminal using a contactless payment method of their choice.
Conclusion: More efficiency and convenience with self-ordering systems
An app-based catering ordering system with self-ordering functions offers you, the restaurateur, many advantages. You reduce your operating costs because you need fewer staff and increase your turnover through greater efficiency.
Would you like to learn more about self-ordering or even test such an ordering system for free for 14 days? Then Paymash is the right place for you. Here you get a self-ordering system that is easy to use and can be optimally adapted to your requirements. Test Paymash now for free.