Run a Restaurant More Efficiently with Text Messaging
As someone who runs a restaurant, did you know that there is an exciting new way to reach your customers? It’s something you’ve probably personally checked a dozen times today, and that’s text messaging! When you are able to text your customers directly, you can bring your marketing to the next level. In addition, customer service becomes easier when you add text messaging to your business. You will be able to take orders through text messaging, share last minute deals to fill your tables on slow nights, and promote your business. Here’s how you can get started:
Share Last Minute Deals with Loyal Customers
When you have customers sign up to receive text messages from your restaurant, it’s time to learn how to use this to your advantage. If your restaurant isn’t busy one night, try sending out a deal to all of your subscribers. Make the deal a good one that is worth going out for, and create a deal that can only be redeemed for the next few hours. When your tables fill up and special deals are being used, you will know that your marketing strategy is working, and you will cut down on food costs by being able to send out coupons for expiring goods while they are still fresh.
Use Text Messaging Within Your Restaurant
You can use text messaging to receive orders and at the same time improve your kitchen communication. Orders can go directly to the kitchen, where they will be received faster than if an individual had to answer the phone and take an order. Orders via texts can also be sent directly to the POS system which will save a lot of time. Having the order going straight to POS will save time since servers do not have to rewrite the order as well as the chefs receiving the order faster. With text messaging, orders are clear. When you take an order over the phone, it is possible to hear an order wrong. With text messaging, what the customer wants is clearly written down for the kitchen to follow. Also, you can use text messaging to coordinate with staff so they know their schedule, or you can send out a blast to your staff if you are shorthanded.
Get Rid of an Old Customer Buzzer System
Buzzer systems are clunky, and they get lost or stolen all the time. And on a busy night, the wait for your restaurant can be long. Make it easy for your guests to shop around the area, knowing that their cell phone isn’t out of range to receive your text that their table is ready. When a customer agrees to receive a text that their table is ready, they will also be entered into your database of subscribers for future messages so you can send them coupons to entice them to come back.
Reward Your Loyal Customers
Loyal customers are the foundation on which every successful restaurant can grow. Let your customers know that you reward loyalty by sending out deals that are only available through your texting campaigns. Be clear in your message that the deal is exclusive and give your customers a reward that is worth cashing in. Pay attention to the number of people that cash in on your deals and always look for ways to make your deals more attractive.
Get Customer Feedback Right Away
Feedback is necessary in order to improve in areas where your restaurant is falling behind, and you can do so before any issues arise on sites like Yelp or FourSquare. You can send out a quick survey to a customer after they leave your restaurant. If you send the survey through a text message, they will receive the survey within minutes. If the service was poor, you will learn about the poor service right away if you ask for feedback.
Text messaging is an exciting new tool that will give you the ability to reach your customer base within minutes. You will be able to send out last minute deals, and reward the customers who are loyal to your business. Once a guest leaves, you can request feedback through a survey. You will also be able to receive orders from customers through mobile devices, speeding up your processes. Consider implementing a texting solution into your day-to-day operations, your bottom line will thank you!
Author Biography:
Ken Rhie is the CEO of Trumpia, which earned a reputation as the most complete SMS solution including user-friendly user interface and API for mobile engagement, Smart Targeting, advanced automation, enterprise, and cross-channel features for both mass texting and landline texting use cases. Mr. Rhie holds an MBA degree from Harvard Business School. He has over 30 years of experience in the software, internet, and mobile communications industries.