Boosting Sales During Quiet Periods for Eateries
Managing the slow season for restaurants can be a challenge, but an online ordering system might just be the solution you need to maintain profitability.
Restaurants typically experience reduced foot traffic during slow periods, which can strain finances if no action is taken to stabilize sales. In this guide, we explore a practical solution to help thrive during these lean times and discuss tactics to maximize the use of an online ordering system.
What is a Slow Season for Restaurants?
A slow season for restaurants is characterized by a decrease in customer visits, making it tougher to generate revenue. Factors that can lead to a slow season include seasonal changes, weather conditions, economic fluctuations, and customer behavior. For example, restaurants in vacation areas might experience a slow season during the off-season, while those with outdoor seating may see a dip in customers during cold weather. The state of the economy and holiday seasons, as well as personal resolutions like saving money or eating healthier, can impact business as well. Statistics show that half of people aim to save more money instead of dining out, and these trends can contribute to slow periods. Additionally, local events and school calendars can affect foot traffic, especially when schools close, and businesses catering to students may experience a decline in visitors.
Geographic location can also influence when a slow season occurs. A restaurant near a beach might struggle during the winter months due to reduced tourism, while restaurants in winter sports areas tend to be busy at that time.
When is the Slow Season for Restaurants?
Although the trend can vary based on a restaurant's type, location, climate, and customer base, it's possible to predict a slow season in advance to some extent. For instance, summer months can be challenging for college-town eateries, as students leave for break, while winter months can be difficult for restaurants in vacation destinations due to cold weather. Major holiday seasons can temporarily boost sales before a post-holiday lull, particularly if around Christmas, accounting for at least 19.3% of sales in the US. In urban areas, January and February can be lean months due to the post-holiday slump, as customers focus on saving and adhering to New Year's resolutions. Economic downturns, inflation spikes, or unexpected global events can also impact slow periods.
Benefits of Online Ordering Systems for Restaurants
During slow periods, demand for takeout and food delivery increases. Online ordering systems fulfill this demand by providing customers seamless access to restaurant-quality food from the comfort of their homes. Research shows that 49% of customers are more likely to order food during bad weather, and 56% will pre-schedule deliveries in anticipation of inclement weather.
Offering online ordering can help make up for lost dine-in sales and provide a steady stream of revenue. Additionally, online orders help keep your kitchen staff busy and minimize downtime. Online ordering systems also let you create targeted promotions and discounts, making it easier to lure new customers. Statistically, 89% of customers who plan to order takeout during the holiday season consider deals and specials when choosing a restaurant. Expanding your reach beyond your neighborhood can also increase revenue, as customers searching online for food in your area can find your place, even if they aren't close by.
Orderable – The Best Online Ordering System for Restaurants
Orderable is a WordPress plugin that enables you to add an online ordering system to your restaurant website. In addition to offering fast setup, flexible menu creation, and customizable delivery scheduling, Orderable allows you to manage orders with ease. Orderable works for various types of restaurants, including mom-and-pop establishments, cafes, bakeries, and ghost kitchens.
How Orderable Supports Restaurants During Slow Seasons
WithOrderable, you can offer online ordering that meets customer expectations by providing a convenient way to browse menus, place orders, and receive home delivery. Customers can customize orders to their preferences, leave special requests, and receive real-time notifications on their orders' progress. Orderable also lets you customize your menu layout to create an engaging ordering experience for customers. You can add labels to indicate popular items, dietary preferences, or sales to help customers find items efficiently.
Orderable offers flexible scheduling options to maximize delivery slots, allowing you to choose which days of the week to offer delivery and set specific time slots when customers can place orders for delivery. You can also limit the number of orders your kitchen can comfortably handle during each time slot to ensure your staff isn't overwhelmed. In addition, Orderable offers support for multiple delivery zones, giving you the opportunity to reach more customers who are further away.
Up- and cross-selling add-ons, such as premium toppings, condiments, drinks, and desserts, can help boost revenue per order. Orderable is designed to keep 100% of your online sales, unlike third-party platforms that charge commission fees.
Strategies for Maximizing Sales with an Online Ordering System
Implementing an online ordering system is one thing; effectively utilizing it is another. To make the most of online ordering systems during slow seasons, consider the following strategies:
- Offer targeted promotions: Capitalize on holiday spending and create limited-time offers or special deals for slow season meals, as customers are more likely to be in a spending mood during these times. Consider offering free delivery or discounts to attract new customers.
- Expand delivery options and partnerships: Offer local delivery to more areas, and consider partnering with third-party delivery platforms to reach more customers. Providing options like curbside pickup can also cater to the needs of nearby customers.
- Introduce meal bundles and upsells: Offer meal packages or combo deals to cater to customers gathering during holidays. By simplifying meal planning, you'll appeal to customers who want convenience.
- Optimize your online menu for mobile users: With 60% of digital restaurant orders coming from mobile devices, ensure your online menus are mobile-friendly and easy to navigate on smartphones to encourage mobile ordering.
- Create a seasonal menu: Develop menu items based on local seasonal ingredients or holidays to attract customers. Promote new menu items on social media to build excitement.
- Incentivize customer loyalty programs: Offer loyalty rewards to encourage customers to return throughout the slow season. Referral programs can be an effective way to attract new customers through word-of-mouth recommendations.
- Focus on profit margins: Identify and promote high-margin menu items, reduce waste through smarter inventory management, and offer catering or bulk orders to boost profits during slow periods.
By implementing these strategies, you can position your restaurant to thrive during slow seasons and maintain a healthy bottom line. This comprehensive approach is what makes Orderable the best online ordering system for restaurants.
Get Started with Orderable Today
Implement an online ordering system like Orderable on your restaurant website today to take advantage of the various benefits it offers during slow seasons and ensure your restaurant's continued success.
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Online ordering systems can provide a crucial lifeline for restaurants during slow periods, allowing customers to order food for delivery straight from the restaurant's website. Product add-ons like premium toppings or desserts can boost revenue per order. Table ordering, an extension of online ordering, can cater to customers who prefer to dine at home but still enjoy restaurant-quality food.
In the tech-driven lifestyle of today, food-and-drink businesses are leveraging technology to streamline operations and maximize profitability. Online ordering systems, like Orderable, offer fast setup, flexible menu creation, and customizable delivery scheduling for various restaurant types, such as cafes, bakeries, and ghost kitchens.
Savvy restaurateurs can harness the power of online ordering systems during slow seasons by offering targeted promotions, expanding delivery options, and introducing meal bundles and upsells. Offering a mobile-optimized online menu, and focusing on profit margins through smarter inventory management, can help drive sales and boost the bottom line.
Without question, an online ordering system like Orderable is a practical solution for restaurants facing slow periods, allowing them to tap into the growing demand for food delivery and reach customers beyond their local community. By embracing this technology, restaurants can continue to thrive and grow in an increasingly competitive business landscape.
