Looking to revolutionise your restaurant’s efficiency and customer experience? Self-service kiosks are rapidly becoming must-have tools in the industry for quick service restaurants, hotels, visitor attractions and cafes. By empowering guests to order and pay at their own pace, kiosks not only streamline operations but also improve customer satisfaction.
To help you navigate the options available, here’s a rundown of the essential features that make for the best restaurant self-service kiosk. Whether you’re considering upgrading your current system or diving into this technology for the first time, this guide will ensure you make an informed decision tailored to your needs.
What is a self service kiosk?
Self Service kiosks are automated systems where customers can order food, drinks or tickets by tapping items on a screen, rather than talking to a person. These kiosks have software installed to display menus, guide users through ordering, and facilitate digital or card payments. They integrate with the restaurant’s EPOS system for seamless operations.
What qualities should I look for in a self service kiosk?
User-friendly design
A user-friendly interface is crucial for restaurant kiosks to ensure customer satisfaction. The design should prioritise simplicity, ensuring that users can easily navigate menus, make selections, and complete orders quickly.
You’ll also want to consider incorporating accessibility features to accommodate diverse needs, including options for visually impaired and differently-abled users.
Choice of sizes and formats
Choosing the right size and format for your self service kiosk depends on your specific needs and space availability. If you’re aiming to steer customers towards self-ordering rather than using cashiers, larger freestanding kiosks like 22” or 27” models are ideal. These provide prominent displays that attract attention and streamline the ordering process.
Alternatively, if floor space is limited, consider wall-mounted options which can save valuable room while still offering all the easy ordering capabilities.
Durable hardware
When it comes to choosing a self service kiosk, durability is paramount, especially in high-footfall locations. Robust hardware is essential to withstand constant use and ensure uninterrupted service for your customers.
Easy set-up
When selecting a self service kiosk provider, prioritise those who offer flexible installation times to minimise disruption to your operations. At Gardiff, we provide a site survey before installation to streamline the process. Full-size kiosks typically require a few hours for installation, so choosing a provider with efficient installation ensures your kiosks are up and running quickly, allowing you to focus on serving your customers without prolonged downtime.
Ability to integrate with existing systems
We know changing EPOS providers can be a hassle, but you’ll want to make sure your kiosk seamlessly integrates with your main system. Choosing a comprehensive system like Gardiff ensures everything works together harmoniously, enhancing efficiency and customer service in your business.
Multiple payment options
Ensure the provider supports widely used methods like Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. This will ensure a seamless transaction for your customers.
Real-time inventory and menu updates
Real-time inventory and menu updates are essential features for advanced self service kiosk systems. By dynamically linking with the kitchen and inventory management systems, these kiosks update menu availability in real-time based on current stock levels. This means that customers won’t get frustrated from ordering unavailable items.
Also, real-time inventory helps with reduced food wastage as it’s possible to promote dishes that you need to sell more of. They also can help streamline kitchen operations by ensuring chefs prepare only items that are currently available, optimising workflow and minimising delays.
What are the benefits of self service kiosks?
For customers
For customers, kiosks mean shorter and faster queues, allowing people to quickly place their order. Customers appreciate the control kiosks give them as well, as they can ensure their order is accurate and easily customise it to their preferences. Additionally, kiosks allow customers the luxury of browsing the menu at their own pace, without feeling rushed, which gives them a better experience.
For business owners
From a business perspective, self service kiosks significantly reduce wait times by eliminating the need for verbal order relay and confirmation. This efficiency not only speeds up service but also improves leads to happier customers.
Kiosks operate reliably around the clock, ensuring they are always available for customer use and reduce the need for more checkout staff. By automating the ordering process, staff are freed up to focus on tasks that require human interaction, such as providing excellent customer service.
Self service kiosks have also been shown to increase order value by up to 40% through automated prompts and intuitive upselling techniques.
Why choose a Gardiff self service kiosk
Gardiff touch screen self service kiosks are fully integrated with our EPOS systems, with centralised product, pricing and stock management. They aim to improve staff productivity, customer flow and waiting times, complete with operational reporting, and real time sales analytics on-site and on the cloud.
- Easy to use – our kiosks have a intuitive interface, which is customised to your business
- Choice of mount – choose between free-standing, counter top or a wall mount
- Payments – integrated payment solution with contactless and chip and pin options
- Screen customisation – display advertising messages and promotions when the kiosk is on standby
- Increased spend – average spend is increased by up to 40%
- Customisable menus – orders can be customised with add ons and modifiers
- Upselling – add upselling prompts and promote your bestsellers
- Easy installation and support – we take care of set-up and installation, and are a call away if you have any issues
