The future of dining is a touchscreen kiosk and just you. Confused as to what we are talking about here. How about this scenario? You enter a restaurant famished. Instead of waiting behind a long queue of people waiting to place their orders, you come face-to-face with a self service kiosk for restaurants.
Nobody is hurrying you. All you have to do is browse the menu on the screen, place your order, pay, and get your food from the counter. This is now the reality of restaurants all over the world.
Self service kiosks for restaurants have given customers the freedom to order at their own pace and improve business efficiency. So, today we will learn about the numerous benefits these kiosks offer to every modern restaurant, helping them stay ahead in the competitive industry.
Benefits of Using Self Service Kiosks In Your Restaurant
1: Improving the Customer Experience
Streamlined Ordering Process: Self service kiosks make ordering faster and easier by reducing long wait times. They also have the freedom to browse the menu without feeling rushed, allowing them to take their time to customise their orders exactly how they want, including trying new items they might not have noticed otherwise​.
Order Accuracy: With kiosks, the chances of making mistakes are much lower because customers input their orders directly. This reduces the risk of miscommunication between the customer and staff, leading to more accurate orders and fewer frustrations for both sides.
Comfort and Control: Many people feel more comfortable using kiosks because they give them control over their orders. They don’t have to feel rushed at the counter and can take their time, reducing the stress of making quick decisions while in a line. This extra privacy makes the experience more enjoyable.
2: Boosting Upselling Opportunities
Automated Upselling: Self-service kiosks are designed with smart software that automatically suggests extras like drinks, sides, or desserts during ordering. These suggestions appear naturally while customers place their orders, making it easier for restaurants to offer additional items without extra effort from staff​.
The best part? Kiosks never forget to suggest add-ons, ensuring every customer gets the same upsell opportunities​.
Increased Average Order Value: When people use kiosks, they tend to spend more. Research shows customers are likely to add extra items when ordering through a kiosk.
For example, McDonald’s saw a 6% increase in the average order size just by introducing self-service kiosks.
This boost in spending happens because kiosks can consistently recommend items in a way that feels more personalised to the customer.
Personalised Recommendations: Self service kiosks for restaurants can also collect data on what customers like to order, making it easier to provide personalised suggestions. These tailored recommendations increase the chances of customers adding more to their orders, resulting in bigger purchases and higher sales.
3: Reducing Labor Costs and Increasing Efficiency
Labour Optimisation: Self-service kiosks let customers place their own orders, which means restaurants don’t need as many staff members at the front counter. This helps reduce labour costs significantly.
With fewer employees needed to take orders, restaurant staff can focus on other important jobs, like food preparation or providing better customer service, making the whole operation run more smoothly.
Handling Peak Hours: Kiosks are particularly useful during busy times, such as lunch or dinner rushes. Instead of having a line of customers waiting to place their orders, multiple people can use the kiosks simultaneously, speeding up the process and preventing long bottlenecks​. This efficiency means the restaurant can handle more orders without overwhelming the staff.
4: Streamlining Payment and Data Collection
Fast and Secure Payments: Self-service kiosks are often connected directly to the restaurant’s point-of-sale (POS) system, making the payment process quicker and easier. Once customers finish placing their order, they can pay immediately without needing help from staff. This speeds up the checkout process and reduces the need to handle cash manually.
Data Insights: Kiosks collect valuable customer information, such as their favourite menu items and the busiest times for orders. Restaurants can use this data to improve their menus, adjust staff schedules, and create more effective marketing strategies. These insights help businesses run more efficiently and provide better customer service.
Loyalty Program Integration: Many kiosks can be linked with restaurant loyalty programs, allowing customers to earn points or redeem rewards easily without extra steps. This seamless integration encourages repeat visits and keeps customers engaged with the restaurant’s brand.
Final Words
Installing a self service kiosk for restaurants is a game changer.
If you’re looking to stay competitive and provide a cutting-edge dining experience, now is the time to add self-service kiosks to your restaurant. Your customers—and your bottom line—will thank you!
