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Offering takeaway services at your eatery is a great business move – but how can you turn it into a memorable marketing opportunity?
A lot has happened in the last year…and times have been especially tough for restaurants. It’s been inspiring to see eateries start offering (or re-prioritising) takeaway services in the midst of limited-capacity dining, social distancing and lock downs.
It’s exciting to add a new service to your small business – in this case, takeaway. You might have learned already that offering takeaway is more than putting food into to-go containers. You’ll need to create a system that customers and employees can follow for efficiently placing and picking up orders…maybe even an online ordering feature. You’ll need to test the process to make sure it’s streamlined and safe, so every customer has a positive experience.
And once you’ve mastered your new offerings, it’s time to take your takeaway experience to the next level. Whether you run a bistro or a bakery, make sure customers carry out a branded experience…not just their order.
Whether your eatery is new to takeaway or ready to kick things up a notch, here are 9 things you need to offer stand-out service.
The three you need to deliver standout takeaway
+ six bonus to-go tips
1. Flags
2. Custom packaging
3. Postcards
4. Social posts
5. A takeaway friendly menu
6. An easy ordering system
7. QR codes for touch-free transactions
8. A pick-up zone
9. Incentive to order
1. Flags
If you’re new to the takeaway game, a bold flag at the front of your restaurant or café lets potential diners on the street and the road know about your new offering.
2. Custom packaging
Custom-branded paper cups and bags let you turn the most basic supplies into branded marketing vehicles.
3. Postcards
A postcard provides a blank canvas for you to leave your customers a ‘thank you’ note. Or, staple the customer’s receipt to a branded postcard for a little something extra.
4. Social posts
Make sure your customers know that you offer takeaway – one of the easiest ways to spread the word is through your social channels. Announce your new offering across Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and continue to share high-resolution photos of your dishes, stand-out customer reviews and other takeaway news.
VISTAPRINT TIP
Create a signature hashtag for your eatery’s takeaway program, and encourage customers to tag their posts with it. Think: #BeaumontToGo.
5. A takeaway friendly menu
You may need to adjust your offerings so they’re compatible with a takeaway model – nobody likes soggy fried chicken or melted ice cream. Instead, think about what you can do to ensure your to-go meals are as delicious as your dine-in ones, and create some takeaway-only specials to drum up excitement. (Family meals, anyone?) Showcase your updated offering on a new menu design, along with your contact information, takeaway protocols and photos of your most crave-worthy meals.
6. An easy ordering system
When it comes to placing takeaway orders, make it as easy as possible for customers. Add a dedicated phone line or extension dedicated to takeaway customers, add an online ordering feature on your website or partner with a third-party app.
7. QR codes for touch-free transactions
If customers don’t feel comfortable paying ahead of time over the phone or online, collect their payment with a QR code when they arrive. print a unique-to-you QR code on decals, banners and more – so you can accept transactions swiftly and safely.
8. A pick-up zone
Create a dedicated pick-up area for takeaway orders inside (or outside!) your eatery. Whether it’s a simple folding table or a section of your check-out counter, guide customers to the proper pick-up area at your eatery with easy-to-follow signage.
- Posters are a great option for showing the way – and reminding everyone to keep a safe social distance.
- Create a specific uniform (t-shirts and masks) for employees handling takeaway orders so customers know who to ask for help.
- From logo pens to thank-you postcards, use low-cost marketing materials to reinforce this branded takeaway experience.
VISTAPRINT TIP
Want to create a special look or logo for your takeaway program? 99designs by Vistaprint makes it easy to work with creative experts from around the world to get the branding of your dreams.
9. Incentive to order
Keep customers coming back with special offers or a rewards program. Stamp the back of a business card every time they come in and reward them with a discount or freebie to say ‘thanks’ for their loyalty.
