Self-ordering at events and more

Since you're reading this blog, you're likely familiar with self-ordering. If not, here is a quick summary: Self-ordering is the process where your guests order and pay via smartphone or tablet. The order is automatically recorded in the POS system and either served by staff or picked up at the counter. This saves staff trips and payment transactions.

Events with limited staff

As a restaurateur, you want your events to run smoothly. But what happens when staff is short? Sick leave and general labor shortages can lead to event cancellations. By using self-ordering, you minimize risk because you need significantly less staff per event.

Events often involve homogeneous groups, such as corporate Christmas parties. Guests know each other and usually arrive at the same time. This is a major advantage, as you can easily brief your guests on the ordering system like this:

“Dear guests, thank you for visiting us again this year! We have introduced something new today. You will find a QR code on your tables. Use it to place your order with your smartphone. We will then bring it to your table. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.”

Since all guests are served at the same time, digital order rates increase. You don't need to take orders and can focus on serving food and drinks.

PS: Don't worry if someone doesn't have a phone. Someone at the table will have one and can order for their neighbor. The fact that guests know each other makes it even easier.

Alternatively, you can provide tablets with a digital menu. Guests view the menu and order via a touch screen. This user-friendly solution is a good alternative for older guests.

Duck and goose pre-orders

Many restaurateurs use software to boost Christmas business, such as 'Mückenschlösschen' in Leipzig. At this café-restaurant with its beer garden and unique atmosphere, guests can pre-order duck or goose (hot or cold) and enjoy it at home. Orders are paid for in advance and automatically recorded in the POS system. Guests then pick up their goose or duck on the selected date.

Various settings give restaurateurs the flexibility to define lead and processing times. You can also choose when the order appears in the POS system. At 'Mückenschlösschen', for example, a goose order requires enough lead time so the order only appears when the guest places it. In other cases, like a snack bar, it makes more sense to show orders at the register only 10 minutes before pickup. This way, staff don't have to worry about pre-orders and can simply process the tickets.

There are many ways to use self-ordering solutions. If you want more information, send us a message here .