The hospitality industry is nowhere near what it was once before. Gone are the traditional dining and purchasing experiences where staff members are simply there to process an order. Now, customers are looking for an entirely different experience.
Here are some current 2024 trends and statistics to help you tailor your POS system choice for your business success.
Contactless Ordering and Payment
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, contactless technologies have gained immense importance in the restaurant industry. In 2024, we can expect to see a continued surge in the adoption of contactless ordering and payment systems for restaurants.
This trend allows customers to browse menus, place orders, and make payments directly from their smartphones, reducing physical contact and promoting a safer dining experience. By implementing contactless solutions, restaurants can streamline their operations, enhance customer convenience, and prioritize hygiene standards.
Integrated Online Ordering and Delivery
Online ordering and food delivery have experienced unprecedented growth in recent years. In 2024, the integration of POS systems with online ordering platforms and delivery services will be a crucial trend for restaurants.
This integration allows restaurants to receive and manage online orders seamlessly, ensuring accurate tracking of inventory, efficient order fulfillment, and streamlined communication with delivery partners. By optimizing the online ordering and delivery process through POS integration, restaurants can expand their reach, increase revenue, and meet the growing demands of today's digitally savvy consumers.
Data Analytics for Enhanced Customer Insights
In the era of data-driven decision-making, leveraging analytics for customer insights can give restaurants a competitive edge. In 2024, POS systems equipped with advanced data analytics capabilities will become increasingly prevalent in restaurants.
By analyzing customer data, such as order history, preferences, and dining habits, restaurants can personalize their offerings, tailor marketing campaigns, and provide targeted promotions. With data-driven insights, restaurants can better understand their customers, make informed business decisions, and enhance the overall dining experience.
Creating authentic customer experiences
These days, in the eyes of consumers, the customer experience has the priority over making actual purchases. 91% of consumers stated in a survey that they favour brands that tailor their experiences to them, with suitable offers. Which are based on habits and personalised touches.
To really maximise customer engagement, get a POS system that enables you to create customer loyalty schemes and promotions customisable to your target audiences.
Mobile payments leading the way
Cash is no longer the favourite way to pay. At the point of sale, customers are preferring to pay with cards and contactless methods instead. Indeed, a recent survey states that 8 out of 10 customers use some sort of mobile phone or tablet while in-store, and 73% of customers use significantly less cash in the past. Despite this, 23% of POS users still don’t accept all of these methods as payment. Get ahead of the curve by purchasing a POS system that enables fast and secure mobile and chip & pin payments.
Biometric systems on the rise
More and more businesses every day are opting to use biometric systems to monitor their staff’s attendance. It’s quick to set up and even faster to utilise, and is a fool-proof way to monitor when employees can clock in and out. As it’s a fast method to use, staff productivity may be increased as they can quickly get onto the shop floor from clocking in. Interestingly, 68% of customers say that they would like to use biometric confirmations of payment as opposed to cards or cash, as the information is unique to them and thus far less likely to be hacked.
Whilst it’s only just being introduced into certain sectors such as banking, keep a close eye on biometrics entering the hospitality industry in the not too distant future if you want to be at the forefront of providing the optimum customer experience.
At 3S POS, we offer EPOS systems with all of the above features! If you’re looking for the point of sale technology that’s cutting edge and reliable, get in contact with us today.
Check out the latest trends to influence your POS system choice now.