7 ways bars can reduce wait times and boost sales

How long should customers wait for food and drink? As a bar owner, avoiding long wait times during peak hours or major holidays is one of your biggest challenges. When done right, it’ll exponentially increase bar sales, and when done wrong - it can be catastrophic for your profit and reputation.

In this blog, we discuss essential strategies and tactics specifically designed to reduce bar queues at your establishment.

• Elevate customer satisfaction with innovation. 
• Contactless payments.
• Efficient table busing.
• Strategise your staff engagement. 
• Point of Sale (POS) System.

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1. Elevating customer satisfaction with innovation. 

It’s not enough to be reactive to busy periods, you need to be proactive. Thanks to technological developments, there are lots of innovative ways that you can take control while elevating customer satisfaction. 

Tools that allow you to digitally keep your customers in the loop are a serious game changer. Here are some ideas…

• ‍Introduce customer pagers upon arrival. In this way, you create an efficient and seamless waiting system that lets guests relax at the bar or explore the local area while waiting their turn. You can further enhance the experience by offering QR code order systems. In this way, diners can simply scan a QR code from their smartphones, order and pay.
• Another option worth considering is the integration of digital queue systems. This technology-driven solution would further streamline the waiting process, allowing customers to join the queue digitally and receive updates on their position in line.
• Last but not least, you can opt for text marketing tools as well. Real-time updates and estimated wait times via digital queues and text alerts empower the customer. These customer-centric strategies will help reduce bar queues and leave a positive impression on your establishment.

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2. Contactless payments. 

Contactless payments are booming, and their impact on the bar industry is undeniable. According to research, the number of contactless payment transactions has gone mainstream and is expected to triple the current market size by 2024. This supports the notion that customers seek convenience and efficiency in every aspect of their lives, including when they visit bars and restaurants. 

As a bar owner, embracing this method can significantly increase bar sales. Customers can quickly pay up, and everyone can enjoy a hassle-free experience.

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Ready to learn more about the power of contactless payments? Contactless payments will make your bar operations all the more efficient. If you want to know more about online payment methods, read more here.

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3. Apple’s new digital ID feature. 

As a forward-thinking bar owner, integrating contactless payments isn't just about convenience; it's a strategic move that can significantly bolster your sales. 

The latest updates, including Apple's digital ID feature, bring an extra layer of innovation. This revolutionary feature enables customers to securely verify their identity using smartphones, enhancing security and reducing wait times.

Once verified, they can make payments using Apple Wallet. It's a win-win situation: smoother operations for you and a more enjoyable experience for your customers. By seamlessly linking this digital ID innovation with your contactless payment system you're enhancing security and slashing wait times.

4. Efficient table busing. 

Efficient table busing is crucial in ensuring your customers have a seamless and enjoyable dining experience. While bussers may work behind the scenes, their role in improving wait times and creating a fast-paced flow within your establishment should not be underestimated. Establishing a smooth and timely table turnover process can make all the difference in customer satisfaction and help increase bar sales.

You should also build strong communication and collaboration among your team. A good rapport ensures that servers receive their orders on time. This streamlined coordination not only enhances customer service but also helps to reduce bar queues.

5. Strategise your staff engagement. 

The ultimate goal of any service provider should be to “ease customer’s pain”. Providing exceptional customer service is one way of doing it. One significant factor that can undermine customer satisfaction is staff idleness. When customers observe employees sitting around or engaging in casual conversations, it can lead to frustration and disappointment.

You can encourage the manager on duty to motivate the staff and set the right example. Emphasise the importance of maintaining a sense of urgency and attentiveness, even during quieter periods. Employee diligence and responsiveness positively impact the customer experience, leaving them feeling valued and cared for.

6. Remain open to suggestions. 

Servers and bartenders are what make the real difference in a bar. They're the ones dealing with your customers day in and day out. You should be open to all the suggestions and reward them based on good ones.  

Set target sales goals for your team, and if they hit the mark, everyone wins. It'll promote teamwork and show your crew that their hard work pays off. So, feel free to switch things up from time to time. Keep your menu fresh, experiment with new offerings, and ensure your bar stays the talk of the town.

7. Point of Sale (POS) System. 

A good POS system offers numerous features that can help you increase your sales. This benefits both your staff and customers.

With a user-friendly interface, your waitstaff can swiftly input orders and handle payments, ensuring a smooth and efficient service. The convenience of effortlessly tracking orders from placement to completion can enhance the overall experience.

Harnessing the power of a comprehensive POS system grants you access to detailed business reports. These insightful analytics offer a deep understanding of your operations, enabling informed decisions that drive growth and improve customer satisfaction.

This advanced system goes beyond sales. It empowers you to manage your inventory meticulously, keeping a watchful eye on essential supplies and ingredients. This way, you can say goodbye to unexpected shortages or wastage and run a well-organised, cost-effective operation.

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To sum up.

Maximising profitability is a constant challenge in the hospitality industry. By implementing the ways discussed above, you can increase your sales by attracting customers to indulge more. These tips offer valuable insights to propel your success. 

If you want to ensure seamless transactions, consider partnering with Judopay. With our reliable and secure payment solutions, you can provide a smooth customer experience, leading to increased loyalty and satisfaction. Get in touch.