Blog Layout

Should Dim Sum Restaurants use Self Ordering Kiosks?

In the  previous article, we covered how useful QR ordering is for dim sum restaurants. In this article, we discuss how a self-ordering kiosk could be the secret weapon for your dim sum restaurant. As we all know, self-ordering kiosks are popular for takeaway kiosks, quick service food and fast food chains as they have an order, pay and collect ordering flow and self-ordering kiosks are great for that.

 

So how exactly can you use self-ordering kiosks for your dim sum restaurant?

 

Your takeaway section

 

Dim sum is a dish loved by Singaporeans and is a really versatile type of food. Suitable as finger food, breakfast, supper and definitely great to share at the table with loved ones. Dim sum takeaway section becomes more popular as customers love to take away some dim sum goodies after dining in, or have come to specifically buy some dim sum home.

 

Allocate more staffs to your dine-in section

 

As a dim sum restaurant, your dine-in section is the main source of your income and more resources should be channelled there. However, there are times when your takeaway section gets so busy that some of your staff have to be fully committed to man ordering stations at your takeaway counter or are required to manage dine-in and takeaway customers simultaneously, negatively impacting the productivity of your dine-in operations.

 

This is where self-ordering kiosks come in. You can station self-ordering kiosks at your takeaway counters to digitalize the ordering process and shift the focus of your service crews back to your dine-in section, while still getting orders from takeaway customers through self-ordering kiosks.

 

Educate customers on your menu and boost order size

 

Customers who have come to order takeaway may not be your regulars and do not know what you have to offer. Self-ordering kiosks have a digital menu where appetizing images and descriptions can be attached to each dish so your customers can understand your full dim sum menu offering to make informed decisions when ordering. 

 

A self-ordering kiosk not only takes orders, it also boosts sales. You may preset popular add on choices for your dim sum and have them pop up when customers place their orders. By automating upselling, your customers may order the dish they never knew they wanted.

 

Display menu image for all dishes


The ability to display attractive menu images determines whether the customer will want to try your dish or not as the images bring visual temptation and convey the specific mood that influences the emotion. Thus, it is important for most people to see menu photos to assist them to make a choice. 

 

A great example would be Macdonalds. When you crave for fast food, MacDonalds is more often than not, the first that comes to mind not only because of their strong industry presence but because you have a clear understanding of what they offer, appealing to human nature of the tendency to go back to what is familiar.

 

Promote new or popular dishes


Relying on service crews to promote your new or popular dishes is not as efficient as system automated promoting. There are times whereby your service crew may be too busy with other tasks to promote add on dishes. Your initiative of launching a new dish may not go far. 

 

Luckily, digitalised self-ordering kiosks give you an alternative option. By pre-setting your self-ordering kiosk to display your dim sum items on promotion as add on suggestions or pop-ups, you need not worry about customers missing out on the latest promotion information. Helping you to safeguard your revenue without overloading your service crew.

 

Quick, hygienic and secure billing

 

Self-ordering kiosks are mostly integrated with cashless payment solutions to make the billing process fuss-free, more hygienic and secure. A fast, easy and accurate checkout enhances your customers self-ordering experience which helps minimise rate of abandon carts. Furthermore, you will not need to worry about missing cash or payment discrepancy as all payment settlements are digitalized, eliminating human error, increasing efficiency and speed to achieve cost savings. 

 

Pre-ordering in the queue

 

Self-ordering kiosks are also applicable to your in queue ordering. Stationing some self-ordering kiosks along your queue helps you to get your customers orders before they are seated, saving on table ordering time and boosting your turnover rates, which is key to increasing revenue. Every 5 minute saved on table occupancy through pre-ordering in the queue, goes a long way. 

 

Self-ordering kiosks can also help you to keep your customers engaged in the queue as they browse your menu. By keeping customers engaged while they are queueing, you reduce the chances of losing customers in the queue.

 

Government grants on self-ordering kiosks

 

To push for digitalization of the F&B industry, and help F&B merchants cope with post covid new normal, our government has increased subsidies from up to 70% to up to 80% on self-ordering kiosks for pre-approved vendors such as iMakan to help defray the cost of digitalizing your business.

 

If you are looking to explore using self-ordering kiosks for your dim sum restaurant, do drop us your contact details below and we will be in touch to arrange a free demo session!

By Liang Wei Liaw January 3, 2025
Learn how to create a winning loyalty program for your food kiosk. Boost customer retention, enhance rewards, and streamline operations with CRM and POS integration.
By Liang Wei Liaw December 27, 2024
Revolutionize restaurant operations with QR ordering and CRM. Enhance customer experiences, loyalty, and efficiency for greater success.
By Liang Wei Liaw November 1, 2024
In today’s competitive restaurant industry, a customer relationship management (CRM) system is crucial for building loyalty, increasing customer engagement, and streamlining operations. Setting up a CRM effectively can make a significant difference in customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. Here are key considerations when implementing a CRM system tailored to your restaurant's unique needs. 1. Define Clear Customer Engagement Goals Clarify objectives: Consider what aspects of customer engagement you want to prioritize, such as boosting return visits, increasing order values, or driving loyalty through frequent visits. Knowing your objectives enables you to choose the right CRM features—whether it's personalized offers, rewards tracking, or targeted campaigns—that align with your goals. Loyalty rewards strategy: Decide if you want a points-based program, exclusive VIP memberships, or seasonal promotions to keep customers coming back. Each structure impacts the CRM’s design and setup. 2. Integration with Your POS System Unified operations: A CRM that integrates seamlessly with your POS system will streamline data flow and reduce manual entry errors, making it easier to manage customer profiles, track sales, and redeem loyalty points at checkout. This integration also offers insights into customer preferences, top-selling items, and order frequencies, helping you create better-targeted loyalty strategies. Enhanced accuracy: Integration minimizes discrepancies in loyalty points, customer profiles, and membership rewards, giving both your team and customers a smooth, dependable experience. 3. Flexible Membership & Loyalty Features Customizable rewards: Look for a CRM with flexible loyalty options that allow you to offer rewards such as points accumulation, discounts, or exclusive perks for special members. Providing a range of rewards keeps your program appealing to customers who can choose the perks that matter most to them. Member tiers: Some CRMs allow you to create tiered membership levels (e.g., silver, gold, platinum) that reward customers based on their spending. Tiered programs encourage guests to increase their spending to unlock higher levels and perks. 4. Customer Data Insights & Reporting Detailed analytics: A CRM with analytics and reporting features enables you to track customer ordering habits, visit frequencies, and spending trends. With this data, you can design promotions and campaigns that cater to your audience’s preferences, increasing the likelihood of higher engagement. Predictive insights: Advanced CRMs use data to suggest personalized offers based on customers’ past behaviors, allowing you to tailor discounts and recommendations that feel unique to each individual. 5. Mobile Accessibility for On-the-Go Management Real-time access: Choose a CRM with mobile compatibility, allowing your team to monitor customer loyalty trends, manage membership programs, and access customer profiles from smartphones or tablets. This feature is especially useful for busy restaurants where managers are often away from the office. Improved service efficiency: Mobile CRM access enables staff to quickly reference customer preferences and respond to their needs, creating a more personalized dining experience. 6. Automation & Operational Efficiency Save time and improve consistency: Automating routine customer interactions—such as thank-you emails, birthday messages, or reminders to use accumulated rewards—ensures regular engagement without the need for constant manual input. Automated campaigns build a reliable presence that makes your guests feel valued and remembered. Less administrative burden: With automation, you can reduce the time spent on tedious tasks, allowing your team to focus more on customer service and program improvement. A CRM designed around these considerations can elevate your restaurant’s customer relationships and optimize loyalty program management. Investing in the right CRM solution brings efficiency, deeper insights, and customer loyalty, driving your restaurant’s growth in today’s competitive market. If you are looking for a solutions such as QR ordering , self ordering kiosks and online ordering , click here to send us an enquiry.
By Liang Wei Liaw October 18, 2024
In the fast-paced F&B industry, particularly in Singapore, quick service chains are constantly evolving to meet customer demands while maintaining operational efficiency. Smaller quick service food and beverage outlets can learn a lot from successful chains and adopt similar strategies to fuel their growth. 1. Investing in a Reliable POS System A robust POS system is essential for managing orders, inventory, and customer transactions efficiently. Quick service beverage chains rely on advanced POS systems to streamline operations and minimize errors. Smaller outlets can adopt similar systems to scale their operations effectively, reduce wait times, and enhance customer satisfaction. 2. Utilize CRM to Build Stronger Customer Relationships Successful chains know the importance of building a loyal customer base. By implementing a CRM system, smaller businesses can track customer preferences, purchase history, and offer personalized rewards. CRM solutions allow quick service food and beverage outlets to run loyalty programs, which are key in encouraging repeat visits and driving long-term growth. 3. Leverage Online Ordering Online ordering has become a game-changer for F&B businesses, providing convenience to customers and increasing sales opportunities. Quick service chains often integrate their POS systems with online ordering platforms to streamline order processing. Smaller F&B outlets can adopt this practice to increase order accuracy and grow their delivery and takeaway services. 4. Implement Self Ordering Kiosks Chains frequently invest in self-ordering kiosks to enhance customer convenience and reduce wait times. This not only improves the customer experience but also reduces the workload for staff. For quick service food and beverage outlets, adopting self-ordering kiosks can significantly boost order accuracy and efficiency, especially during peak hours. 5. Use QR Ordering for Seamless Customer Experience QR ordering is an increasingly popular solution among quick service chains. It allows customers to place orders through their mobile devices, improving convenience and minimizing physical contact. Smaller businesses can use QR ordering to optimize service and increase table turnover, leading to higher revenue and customer satisfaction. 6. Run Effective Loyalty Solutions Loyalty programs are a proven way to retain customers and increase repeat business. Chains leverage loyalty solutions integrated with their CRM and POS systems to reward loyal patrons. By offering digital loyalty programs through a POS system, smaller F&B outlets can engage customers with points, discounts, or exclusive offers, boosting their revenue and brand loyalty. 7. Automate Marketing Efforts Quick service chains often use CRM systems to automate their marketing campaigns based on customer behavior and preferences. This helps them stay relevant and top of mind for their customers. Smaller businesses can adopt this strategy to create targeted promotions and campaigns that drive customer engagement and sales. 8. Focus on Data-Driven Decisions Larger chains rely on POS systems and CRM analytics to track customer behavior, product popularity, and sales trends. Small quick service outlets can also benefit from these insights by making data-driven decisions to adjust their menu offerings, improve service efficiency, and enhance the overall customer experience. By learning from quick service chains, smaller food and beverage outlets in Singapore can adopt scalable solutions such as POS systems, CRM platforms, and self-ordering kiosks to streamline operations, improve customer loyalty, and accelerate growth. If you are looking for F&B solutions such as self ordering kiosks , QR ordering and online ordering , click here to send an enquiry!
By Liang Wei Liaw October 11, 2024
In the ever-evolving F&B industry, sustainability is not just a trend—it’s a necessity. Consumers are increasingly drawn to eco-friendly restaurants that prioritize environmental responsibility. Implementing sustainable practices not only helps the planet but can also boost your restaurant's brand and drive sales. Let’s explore how sustainability can improve your restaurant’s bottom line and reputation. 1. Reduce Food Waste and Increase Efficiency Food waste is a significant issue in the restaurant industry, contributing to environmental harm and unnecessary expenses. By implementing better inventory management through a POS system , your restaurant can track stock levels and reduce waste by ordering only what’s needed. Additionally, real-time data from a POS system can help adjust portion sizes, ensure that ingredients are used before expiration, and monitor which dishes are more popular to prevent over-preparation. 2. Attract Eco-Conscious Customers Today’s consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z, actively seek eco-friendly dining options. Restaurants that adopt sustainable practices, such as using locally sourced ingredients, reducing single-use plastics, and offering plant-based menu options, can attract this growing customer base. QR ordering and self-ordering kiosks can also help reduce paper waste from traditional menus and receipts, aligning with your sustainability goals while providing a modern customer experience. 3. Boost Brand Reputation Through Transparency Sustainability gives your restaurant a powerful story to tell. Promoting eco-friendly practices, such as using biodegradable packaging or participating in farm-to-table initiatives, builds trust with your customers. Transparency about your efforts can differentiate your restaurant from competitors and improve customer loyalty. Sharing your sustainability journey through social media and marketing campaigns can enhance your brand image and show your commitment to the environment. 4. Cut Down on Energy Use and Costs Energy efficiency is another crucial aspect of sustainability. Restaurants can save on utility bills by adopting energy-efficient appliances, switching to LED lighting, and using smart POS systems to monitor energy usage. Simple changes, like turning off equipment when not in use or optimizing kitchen operations, can significantly reduce energy consumption, benefiting both the environment and your bottom line. 5. Enhance Customer Experience with Self-Ordering Solutions Integrating technology like self-ordering kiosks and QR ordering systems allows customers to place orders efficiently while reducing the need for printed menus and order slips. This paperless approach reduces waste and enhances the customer experience by offering a seamless, tech-forward ordering process. These solutions also minimize human error, speeding up service and improving accuracy in fulfilling customer orders, further contributing to operational efficiency. 6. Create Long-Term Savings and Profitability While some sustainable initiatives may require an initial investment, they can result in long-term savings and increased profitability. For example, reducing food waste, cutting down on packaging costs, and lowering energy usage can all add up to significant savings over time. Moreover, as more consumers prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions, eco-friendly restaurants can see higher traffic, translating to greater sales and customer loyalty. 7. Improve Employee Satisfaction Sustainable practices often go hand in hand with better working conditions, whether it’s through improved energy-efficient kitchens, healthier work environments, or ethically sourced ingredients. Employees are more likely to take pride in their workplace if they know they’re part of an organization that cares about its environmental impact. Happy employees contribute to better service, which can lead to improved customer satisfaction and repeat business. Incorporating sustainable practices in your restaurant not only improves your brand reputation but also attracts eco-conscious customers, reduces costs, and enhances overall efficiency. Technologies like POS systems, self-ordering kiosks, and QR ordering solutions play a pivotal role in supporting sustainability while modernizing operations. By adopting these practices, you can boost both your restaurant’s profitability and its positive impact on the planet. If you are looking for digital solutions such as self ordering kiosk . POS system , QR ordering , online ordering solutions , click here to find out more!
Boost your takeaway food kiosk’s success with digital ordering solutions. Learn how QR ordering, sel
By Liang Wei Liaw October 3, 2024
Boost your takeaway food kiosk’s success with digital ordering solutions. Learn how QR ordering, self-ordering kiosks, and POS system integration can enhance customer satisfaction and streamline operations.
By Liang Wei Liaw September 25, 2024
Improve your cafe's online ordering system with QR ordering, self-ordering kiosks, and POS system integration for a seamless customer experience.
By Liang Wei Liaw September 9, 2024
Learn how to create an exceptional online ordering experience for your restaurant customers with tips on QR ordering, self-ordering, POS integration & loyalty programs to boost sales and customer satisfaction.
By Liang Wei Liaw September 3, 2024
Consumers are getting increasingly environmentally friendly and are more likely to patronise an F&B business that prioritizes sustainable practices. Click here to find out more!
By Liang Wei Liaw August 16, 2024
With Labour Shortages and Wage increases, how should F&B business adapt to cope? Find out more
More Posts

Get in touch today!

Our Singapore solution consultant will get in touch with you shortly!

Sign up to our newsletter

Share by: