The restaurant industry is going digital. After COVID-19, online ordering became an essential part of many restaurants’ businesses. In today’s fast-paced world, customers expect quick, convenient service. Call-in orders, unfortunately, are becoming less and less viable as it becomes harder to hire and retain staff and customer expectations shift.
Because of this, many restaurants are looking for ways to reduce call volume, and one simple way to do this is to make callers aware that you have an online ordering platform and give them an easy way to get there by texting them your link.
What is This Program and How Does it Work?
It’s a quick and easy way for customers to place their orders. Most people hate the hassle of calling in and waiting on hold. Fortunately, there’s solutions out there to reduce the number of orders placed over the phone.
When customers call, prompt them to request a text message with your online ordering link. This helps reduce how much time your staff has to spend manning the phone. It also improves order accuracy, can increase ticket size, and allows more orders without the phone line being a bottleneck. Hungry customers don’t want to wait on hold. Giving them another easy way to order can help make sure they order from you and not your competition!
Why Shift More Call-In Orders Online?
One of the biggest benefits of redirecting call-in customers to an online ordering link is the convenience it offers them. They can place their order from anywhere, at any time, without having to wait on hold or speak to someone. This is especially helpful for increasingly busy customers. And now, most customers won’t wait on hold for long, especially when they’re hungry! According to a study by Arise, nearly two-thirds of respondents said they’re only willing to wait two minutes or less before hanging up! With online ordering, they can quickly place their order and get back to their day.
In addition to convenience, it also offers improved order accuracy. When taking orders over the phone, there is always a chance of miscommunication or misunderstanding. With online ordering, customers can see exactly what they’re ordering and can make changes before placing their order. This removes the risk for mistakes and helps ensure that they get exactly what they want.
Another benefit of online ordering is the potential for increased ticket size. When customers are able to view the entire menu on their phone, they may be more likely to add more to their order. An online menu has the benefit of offering upsells to the customer, too. And, because the order is placed “anonymously,” customers can order what they want without feeling judged. By making it easy for customers to order more, you can increase your overall sales and revenue.
Redirecting callers online also allows for more orders to be placed since the phone line is not acting as a bottleneck. During busy times, phone lines can get overloaded, resulting in longer wait times for customers and missed orders for you. Allowing customers to place their orders via the link they receive through text can reduce the strain on your phone lines. This helps ensure that all orders are received and processed quickly and efficiently.
How to Set Up Call Redirection for Your Restaurant
Setting up call redirection for your restaurant is easy and takes just a few simple steps. First, sign up for HazlVoice: Lite. Then, choose a new phone number. This can be local to your area! Afterwards, input a few more details like your online ordering link and any prompts for your phone tree. Then, update your phone number wherever it appears so callers will reach your new automated responder. And, if someone needs to speak to you, they’ll still be able to reach you by choosing the right option.
Like any new technology, there may be some customers who are unfamiliar with online ordering. However, by promoting the benefits of requesting the text to order online and providing clear instructions on how to do so, you can encourage more customers to give it a try. Over time, as more customers become comfortable with it, you may even see a shift away from phone orders.
Redirecting callers to order online is a convenient way to streamline your ordering process, increase order accuracy, and boost sales. By offering customers the option to get that text to order online, you can reduce the strain on your phone lines. This lets your staff focus on other tasks and ensure that all orders are received and prepared on time. If you haven’t already set up text ordering for your restaurant, getting started with HazlVoice: Lite is simple and easy. Schedule a demo today and take your restaurant to the next level with a truly modern ordering experience.
