Technology has become a core component of high quality customer service in many industries today, and that includes the dining experience. Restaurants of all kinds are quickly discovering that the addition of various technology tools can raise the bar on their service and boost sales at the same time. As technology becomes an expectation for customers, restaurants must find ways to incorporate the conveniences customers want, all with the common purpose of bringing service to the next level.
Instant Ordering
One of the most common ways technology is being introduced to the food industry is through the ability of customers to instantly place their orders from a variety of locations. While pizza joints were the first to capitalize on the ease of mobile ordering, the popularity of the service may lead to more restaurants providing that option in the future.
Another service-oriented approach to the ordering process is allowing customers to access ordering kiosks using iPads for the process. While some complaint that the automated systems de-personalize customer service, customers looking for speed and efficiency are sure to find the new systems to their liking.
Facebook ordering is another trend guaranteed to sweep the restaurant industry in the near future. This cost-effective option for customers has already proven profitable for some restaurant owners. In addition, customers can get the option to pay for their meal on Facebook, reducing the need to hand a credit card over to a member of the restaurant’s staff for processing. Facebook provides for additional customer interaction as well, bringing service to a new dimension in many positive ways.
New Menus Gone Digital
Customers can also enjoy a greater variety on the menus of their favorite establishments, thanks to digital menus that make changes to selections and prices that much easier. Changing menus has always been a cost concern for restaurants, limiting the number of menu changes restaurant owners make in some cases. However, digital menus allow for changes with a simple push of the button. These new tools also allow for entertainment options while customers are waiting for their meals.
Private Payment
One of the biggest beefs customers often have with restaurant service is the need to hand a credit card over to service staff for payment. Many cases of identity theft have occurred when credit cards are out of a customer’s possession during the payment process. Now, technology comes to the rescue, raising service quality by giving customers peace of mind. Tabletop checkout tools are designed to allow customers to run their cards in private, right at the dining table. These tools are now offered through various providers, and some restaurants are already using them successfully at establishments throughout the country.
Do Customers Want It?
While some restaurants are in the process of implementing technology into their service arena, the question still remains – is this really what customers want? According to polls published at the National Restaurant Association’s website, the answer is a resounding yes. Around 25 percent said they’d be willing to use an electronic ordering system and one-half said they would use table payment options. It appears that technology may indeed be the service trend of the future for your favorite eateries.