Article contributed by Traqq
The pandemic has affected practically all spheres of our lives. It has changed the way we work, how we travel, how much time we spend alone, and even how we dine.
While COVID-19 has not been kind to almost any business, the restaurant sector is among those affected the most. In fact, according to a report published by the National Restaurant Association, restaurants could lose over $80 billion in sales — and thus is just the beginning.
While this is a heavy hit for the food and beverage sector, a new trend seems to be emerging. This is something that may have the potential to turn things around — or, at least, offer restaurants much-needed support in this difficult time.
According to a report by the NPD Group, while restaurant visits have significantly declined, orders and deliveries have increased by over 60%. In order to fully leverage the new trend, food and beverage establishments during COVID will need to adopt new technologies to attract clients. In much the same way as multiple companies had to switch to contactless payments, restaurants will benefit from all forms of contactless technology.
What Is Contactless Technology?
There is no big mystery here. Just as the name suggests, contactless technology allows people to conduct a variety of operations without coming into contact with each other. Developments in contactless technology have long been recognized as faster and more efficient alternatives to their contact-needing predecessors. However, in COVID reality, touchless technology options have accumulated even more benefits.
What Forms of Contactless Technology can be Used in a Restaurant?
Contactless payments. This may be the most essential element for a restaurant to implement for to attract clients during the pandemic. Contactless payments take human contact out of the equation. This means that you don’t need to exchange physical money or even touch the pin pad to enter a code. This fact may be reassuring to customers who want to avoid contact when picking up their food.
Message notifications. Restaurants can notify clients that their orders are ready via a text message. This is a convenient solution for both parties that doesn’t require any contact. It can also be an efficient time saver and help avoid lines at the pick-up counter.
Contactless delivery. Another thing clients might appreciate during this time is when their food is dropped at the doorstep. Interaction with a delivery person may pose an unnecessary risk — and this something everyone wants to avoid at this time.
QR code menus. To avoid many people touching a paper menu, restaurants can switch to using QR codes instead. A patron visiting a restaurant can then simply scan a QR code on a table or counter and be directed to a digital menu. This can make the whole ordering process much faster and eliminate the risk of contamination by contact. Plus, not limited by physical space, restaurants can offer more detailed introductions to their dishes and provide more information in digital form.
These are just a few examples of what contactless technology can do for a restaurant. However, implementing just a few of these options can come with significant benefits.
Benefits of Contactless Technology
There are many ways in which a restaurant can benefit from implementing contactless technology.
Quicker service. Contactless payments, message notifications, and other forms of contactless technology speed up the order process. This will let a restaurant serve clients faster and increase turnover.
Health risk minimization. With less contact between restaurant workers and clients and no touchpoints like pin pads or menus, the risk of contracting a disease is significantly lower.
Improved communication. Less communication does not necessarily mean poor communication. This can give both parties some space and make every moment when they do need to interact much more valuable and efficient.
To sum things up, while the current events are a definite challenge for the food and beverage industry, be how technology can be of great help. Opening a restaurant during COVID may seem like a survival movie premise, it doesn’t have to be. A new environment can present fresh opportunities and serve as a trampoline for new adaptable businesses.
