In today's fast-paced world, customers are looking for quick and convenient ways to get their food. Restaurants and hospitality businesses must change to meet customer demands as more people order food online and get it delivered. One way to do this is by offering click & collect services either through a third party app or your own restaurant website. In this article, we'll explore what click & collect is and how you can set it up as a restaurant owner.
What is Click & Collect?
Click & collect is a service where customers can order and pay for food online, then pick it up at the restaurant. This eliminates the need for customers to wait in line, sit down for a meal or pay delivery fees, making it a convenient option for those on-the-go.
Benefits of Click & Collect for Restaurants
There are several benefits to offering click & collect services for your restaurant:
- Increased revenue: By offering click & collect, you can reach a wider audience and attract customers who prefer to order ahead and pick up their food.
- Improved efficiency: With click & collect, you can streamline your ordering process and reduce wait times for customers, leading to a more efficient operation.
- Contactless pickup: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, contactless pickup has become increasingly important for customers. Click & collect allows for a safe and convenient way for customers to get their food without having to interact with staff.
- Customer satisfaction: By offering a convenient and efficient service, you can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty, leading to repeat business and positive reviews.
How to Set Up Click & Collect for Your Restaurant
Now that you understand the benefits of click & collect, let's explore how you can set it up for your restaurant.
Step 1: Choose a Platform
The first step in setting up click & collect is choosing a platform to host your online ordering system. There are several options available, including third-party delivery apps, online ordering platform, and even your own online ordering website or ordering app.
Third-party apps, such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat can be a convenient option as they already have a large customer base. However, they often charge high commission fees, which can eat into your profits.
With the help of 3S POS, you create also your own branded online ordering system. We offer a while-label solution with ZERO percent monthly fees, Kitchen and EPOS integration, multi-location and much more! We help you have more control over your orders online.
Step 2: Set Up Your Menu
Once you have chosen a platform, the next step is to set up your menu. This involves adding all of your menu items, descriptions, and prices to the online ordering system. Make sure to include any customization options or add-ons that customers can choose from.
It's also important to regularly update your menu to reflect any changes or new items. This will ensure that customers are always seeing the most accurate and up-to-date menu.
Step 3: Configure Your Ordering Process
After setting up your menu, you'll need to configure your ordering process. This includes setting up payment options, pickup times, and any special instructions for customers.
You may also want to consider offering discounts or promotions for click & collect orders to incentivize customers to use this service.
Step 4: Promote Your Click & Collect Service
Now that your click & collect service is set up, it's time to promote it to your customers. This can be done through various channels, such as social media, email marketing, and in-store signage.
Make sure to highlight the benefits of click & collect, such as contactless pickup and convenience, to entice customers to use this service.
Step 5: Train Your Staff
It's important to train your staff on how to handle click & collect orders. This includes how to process payments, prepare orders, and communicate with customers.
You may also want to designate a specific area for click & collect orders to be picked up, such as a designated curbside pickup spot or a separate counter inside the restaurant.
Tips for a Successful Click & Collect Service
To ensure the success of your click & collect service, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure your online ordering system is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
- Offer a variety of payment options, including credit/debit cards, mobile wallets, loyalty programs and gift cards.
- Regularly update your menu and pricing to reflect any changes.
- Train your staff on how to handle click & collect orders and communicate with customers.
- Promote your click & collect service through various channels to reach a wider audience.
- Consider offering discounts or promotions to incentivize customers to use this service.
- Continuously gather feedback from customers and make improvements to your service based on their suggestions.
Conclusion
Click & collect is a convenient and efficient way for restaurants to meet the changing demands of their customers. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully set up click & collect for your restaurant and reap the benefits of increased revenue, improved efficiency, and customer satisfaction. With the rise of online ordering and contactless pickup, click & collect is a must-have for any restaurant looking to stay competitive in today's market.
For almost 20 years, 3S POS has offered one of the most flexible EPOS systems to international brands such as Caffe Concerto, Maroush, Comptoir Libanais, Pepe’s Piri Piri, GDK and thousands more delighted customers.
If you are looking for a POS system that will not just help you accept payments but grow your business and bring repeat business, book a free demo with our sales team.