Customers want to feel special, and nothing beats the personalized cafe experience. Whether it’s recognizing customers by name, providing that extra touch while taking their orders, or rewarding loyalty, it’s all about building an exceptional personal relationship with customers.
Like every industry, cafes have experienced digital transformation and benefitted from new technologies to improve operations and the customer experience. However, part of the uniqueness of cafes and coffee shops is the “personal” experience… the human element, which should never be replaced by technology. It’s like the line in the theme song from Cheers… “where everyone knows your name… and they’re always glad you came”. Cheers was a hit TV show in the 1980’s taking place in a local Boston bar where patrons were treated like family by the employees.
What is powerful for today’s cafes is integrating this human element with the latest in customer ordering and engagement technology. This is where cafes can really sharpen their competitive edge.
What cafe would not want…
- More awareness in their market
- More convenience for customers
- More engagement with their customers
Today’s customers demand convenience, so why not make the ordering process super easy!
While cafes do differentiate with the personal ordering experience, long lines at the counter during your peak business hours will turn some people away.
- 74% of customers will consider switching brands if the ordering process is too difficult.
With onsite self-ordering kiosks, your customers will have the convenience of placing their orders quickly when the counter lines are just too long. With an enhanced visual experience, powerful content, and simple prompts, patrons can order quickly and self-pay. Orders are directly integrated with your onsite POS system. And, if you utilize a kitchen display system (KDS), orders will automatically transfer to the kitchen order queue. Your guests can then go relax on the patio while their order is being prepared.
When you offer online ordering, not only are you reaching new audiences and generating digital awareness across your market – you are giving customers the convenience to order anytime from anywhere. You will never miss another order!
- 80% of coffee customers search online for coffeeshops located near them.
Online ordering is ultraconvenient, and lets customers place food and beverage orders from any internet connection, including Smartphones and other mobile devices. By ordering ahead, the customer’s order is ready upon arrival for takeout or dining in. For those on the go, order ahead and have that coffee or tea ready for you while on your way to the office. If you want extra cinnamon on that latte, no problem… the ordering app can personalize to your desired taste!
- Starbucks (over 35% of all sales are made via the Starbucks online ordering app).
When you offer online and mobile ordering – you WILL reach new audiences. With 40% of dining experiences involving a Smartphone, mobile ordering will absolutely energize your business.
Today’s ordering technology also gives cafes the ability to engage with customers through targeted promotions, incentives, and rewards. Built-in loyalty programs and “digital stamps” incentivize customers to re-order for rewards and gifts. Learn what really matters for your customers, and use that learning to your cafe’s advantage. New features and functionality continually enhance the ordering experience. Repeat customers become loyal. Loyal customers become advocates for your business.
Build that relationship!
With annual sales surpassing $45 billion, the US cafe/coffee shop market is huge with no indications of a slowdown any time soon. While everyone knows the big players (i.e. Starbucks, Seattle’s Best), it’s the locally owned cafes that help create those unique memories and experiences that integrate into our busy lives. Today’s technology will help build your cafe’s market awareness, provide customers with new conveniences, and let you build relationships through strong customer engagement.
Today’s technology should not replace the personalized “human” touch that makes cafes and coffeeshops so unique – rather, technology should enhance and compliment the customer experience.
- Online Ordering
- Mobile Order-Ahead Apps
- Self-Order Kiosk
Sharpen your competitive edge.
Applova, the trusted restaurant technology partner.
To learn more about our powerful customer ordering and engagement solutions, and how Applova can energize your business please visit us at www.applova.io