As the government lifts several restrictions for outdoor and social activities, it is seen that on average, twenty-four percent of the adult diners in the UK are excited to visit their favorite restaurant and pubs.
Nineteen percent of this comes from Midlands Wales, and eighteen percent from Scotland. This kind of response from the consumers justifies the birth of different restaurant software such as table ordering restaurant apps.
Ensuring that your current operational procedures can handle the new demands and concerns of modern diners is one of your main responsibilities as a restaurant owner.
Taking how technology has revolutionized the entire Restaurant Industry, there’s no need to be afraid and skeptical about the different solutions presented to you as these are all developed to help you produce a better restaurant management system for your business.
Incorporating table ordering apps on your restaurant operations helps you address the customer’s desire for a simpler, easier, faster, and safer restaurant service.
It avoids unnecessary contact with your staff which can cause an increase in safety concerns. It shows that your restaurant is prepared to take on the battle against the effect of the pandemic.
Read along to know more about how table ordering apps for restaurants can put your business into an advantage, and how you can integrate this type of app into your current management system.
What Is A Table Ordering App For Restaurants
To support the progressive fight against the corona virus outbreak, restaurant technology providers developed a system where physical and face-to-face contact will be reduced.
Table ordering apps are a type of digital menu where customers can browse the updated menu of your restaurant, and they can also place their order through the same app.
There are two main types of table ordering apps that you can deploy, first is a regular app that should be downloaded by your customers directly, the other one is a browser-based app that they can access via QR code or WiFi login that you’ll provide.
It is ideal to start with a browser-based app, and once you get a hang of it, you may switch and start working with your app. Whatever works best with your customer should be your priority.
Table ordering apps are now seen as a necessity as it helps you with your compliance towards a safer dining experience. It has proven its worth and effectiveness to the point that the government preferred that restaurants and pubs should use this app for safe opening and operations.
It is mentioned on the second step of the roadmap out of lockdown that as the restrictions for outdoor and social activities are lifted, establishments should be more mindful about the health and safety of the consumers.
How To Develop A Table Ordering App For Your Restaurant
Just like every app, you’ll try to incorporate in your operations, you have to talk with your tech provider first about how you envision your app will work. A functional table ordering app is composed of four basic components.
- Mobile App Interface – This is where your customers can check your menu through your app or a QR code. Placing an order and finalizing payments (tip included) will also be done on this interface.
- Backend – Your app backend is where you will update your menu and confirm orders. Payment and tip requests will also appear in this phase.
- POS Cloud – Integrating your table ordering app with your POS system allows you to create a real-time check as soon as your customers use your app. It also sends the orders directly to your kitchen display system to keep your back-of-the-house staff updated.
- Payment Gateway – This is where the payment is authorized and finalized.
Once you discussed with your tech provider how you want your app to function and what are features you want to see in it, it is now time to do the work on your end. You have to provide them every element that they need to complete their product development.
Main Elements of A Table Ordering Apps
Table ordering apps and online takeaway apps almost function the same, the only difference is that table ordering apps is more developed to support dine-in services, while on the other hand, takeaway apps are made for takeaway services. Learn more what are the elements you should work on for your table ordering app.
Menu
Provide ease on your ordering process by providing an updated and interactive digital menu on your app. It should include the name, description, price, photos, tax inclusion, and food type of every menu item. You may also opt to organize it according to its type and food category.
Ensure that your modifiers are also suited for your food type, for instance, if it’s for a drink item it is best to provide S, M, L, and XL as its modifiers.
Add-ons should be indicated on your menu as well, it’s a great chance to upsell. Studies showed that forty-nine percent of customers tend to create an impulsive buy if they’re given a smooth customer experience.
Order Management
Through your app, all additional orders from the same customer will be automatically added to their check. There will be no need for your staff to manually input all requests and add-ons, this also enhances accuracy for your order-taking process as there’s a less to zero chance of orders being overlooked.
Your kitchen operations will also be streamlined because all orders from the app will be sent and displayed directly to your kitchen display system, allowing your kitchen staff to prepare ingredients on time.
If you have running promotions, your customers can also apply them through your app. This is to minimize manual labor on your end and increase productivity for your staff. Tips, taxes, and service charges will also be applied to their check so no need to worry about underpaid checks.
Payment Options
Check what are the most popular, secured, and reliable payment options on your target audience, and try to incorporate every option on your app. Customers will be more delighted if they can complete a transaction on a single platform, and if they can do it with their preferred payment service.
Transparency is important to establish trust between your restaurant brand and your customers. Make sure that your customers can access their transaction and payment history for them to review every transaction and procedures they made under your app. It is also best to give them an option for a refund request should they need to process one.
Giving your customers enough authority over their purchases can help increase their engagement with your brand.
Admin Services
Be clear with your tech provider and tell them what information and data you want to see on your app. As the restaurant owner, you must be provided a business health overview of your restaurant through your app.
Aside from the overview, specific functions such as menu management, promotion management, and sales management should be available for your perusal.
Develop an app that is open for every type of integration, especially with your POS system, to ensure that it can help you optimize your entire restaurant management.
How Much Will It Cost To Develop A Table Ordering App
Your tech provider will give you options and different types of monthly plans. Keep in mind that the cost will also vary according to the features you want to include on your app. Here are the most common types of payment options for developing this kind of app.
- Upfront proprietary payment.
- Commission-based payment.
- Payment processing charges.
- Recurring monthly fees.
Make sure to discuss your budget with your tech provider and work to stick to it as possible.
