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Learn How Digital Ordering Can Impact The Way Customers Interact With Your Business

  Digital ordering is an important way for customers to dine, particularly when it comes to bigger orders. There is anonymity to ordering digitally, which leaves space for customers to order bigger meals than they would normally from a server. It also helps people order what they really want from a restaurant, rather than considering what the group or restaurant suggests. Part of the issue is shame over ordering menu items. Many customers do not feel comfortable ordering what they really want in front of others, as well as are unsure of what the final bill may be. With online ordering making it easier for customers to choose and see the full price, many customers are finding it a better way to get the items they enjoy. As a result, it creates more profit for businesses that they did not consider before the pandemic. Many larger corporations like Starbucks are encouraging online ord犀利士 ers in advance, which eliminates wait time and increases profitability for the company. Restaurants or casual dining are also utilizing mobile ordering that makes for contactless delivery and pickup.   Keep Revenue High Among Shortages Businesses are reporting a labor shortage, which makes it increasingly hard to grow profits in an already hurting economy. Mobile ordering takes away the need for staff and creates an avenue for businesses to maximize time and direct their costs accordingly. While other businesses scramble for workers, there are simple ways to implement a digital ordering system that saves you time and creates a positive customer experience. Whether you decide to implement a QR code system, a kiosk, or an online ordering software program, there are several ways to keep revenue high even among shortages.   Create Efficiency and Monitor Expenses Digital ordering creates more efficiency for your business by optimizing services. By streamlining the process for customers in a more manageable way, you can monitor expenses and profits more closely. Many businesses use an order management system that tracks orders along the ordering process from start to finish. With the ability to track orders more acutely, you can ensure every customer is taken care of for takeout orders and delivery. Track data along the way and stay ahead of the competition by implementing promotions at the right time and offering deals to loyal customers who continue to return to your digital ordering platform. By adopting a digital ordering system, you can ensure your business stays relevant into the coming year.  

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What is Point of Sale Software?

  Point of sale (POS) software was created to assist retailers, restaurants, salons, and any other type of business that accepts in-person payment methods. Some POS systems are installed through a cash register, while others are available through mobile devices. It mainly serves as a way to calculate the total cost of purchase and to securely process payment from customers. Businesses are able to utilize a POS system in different ways, depending on the app utilized. From the ability to boost sales, cut costs, or automate processes, there is a multitude of ways that POS system software can positively impact your business.   Manage Orders POS software has the ability to track inventory management, which means the technology alerts you when supplies are running low. By knowing what items you need and when it significantly saves time for you and your staff.   Balance Calendars A POS system can efficiently show shifts and allocate them to the correct employees any day of the week. It can also process payroll to ensure employees are paid on time and there is a track record of what employees were working when in case of any issue.   Build Loyalty Programs A loyalty program can be created within a point of sale software to entice customers through rewards. Within a POS app, you can also design gift cards and send them digitally or physically to customers. Some loyalty programs are able to integrate with SMS, email, or postal mail, which helps you monitor promotions and discounts to preferred customers. With funnels, reminders, and delivery schedules, you can track everything right from your smart device.   Receive Comprehensive Reports POS software delivers comprehensive reports that help you understand your business better. From understanding what items should be phased out to what hours you should extend to, there is a multitude of ways that a POS report can help you create better opportunities for your business. With the ability to access weekly, monthly, and yearly reports, you can keep track all year long and adjust business approaches accordingly.   Access the Cloud Previously, you could only access a POS system that was hosted locally. With new technology, you are able to access your POS system from any device and any location. Cloud-based POS systems require little setup and do not need on-site servers. With regular updates, you can ensure you are always receiving the latest that technology has to offer. 24/7 access to your payment environment helps you track all locations for your business within one app. This means less time tracking each business individually, which leaves more time for you to take care of other aspects of running a business.   Choose The Ideal POS System For Your Business There are many different types of POS systems available, which is why it is important to consider your options. While some apps offer third-party integration, other apps like Modisoft are all-inclusive for your business needs. Before making a decision about a POS system, first consider functionality, cost, and scalable solutions. Make sure fees are transparent and what minimum quotas are required for transactions. Migrating to a cloud-based POS system helps you handle payments better, create cost-saving techniques, and keep customers satisfied along the way. From small businesses to large corporations, a POS system helps reduce waste and creates more efficiency in operations.      

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Ready to Maximize Your Email Marketing Campaign? Follow These 5 Steps

  Email marketing is one of the top ways businesses are able to connect with their target audience. Statistically, email marketing is 40 times more effective in acquiring new customers than social media. However, there is a science and art to gaining new customers through email marketing. While some emails can feel too intrusive from companies, there is a method that can give customers an inside look into your business while also offering exclusive deals and information about upcoming products or events. Utilizing a customer engagement tool can help automate the process of what customers are opening up your emails and what ones are choosing to ignore them. By targeting those who are more interested in what you have to offer, you can channel emails to be more effective to customers who are more likely to make a purchase. Here are five tips to consider when marketing through email.   1. Send Relevant Content Creating an email marketing campaign is not just about conversions, it is also about creating relevant content that entices your customers to pay attention. Each email should include a call to action that the customer can engage with. Whether the call to action is looking at a particular product, or an invitation to an event, make sure that the content within the email reflects the call to action. Creating a call to action may take some experimentation, but once you find what your target audience responds to, you can create stronger email marketing campaigns moving forward.   2. Channel Emails Away From Spam It can be easy to fall into the spam filter where customers never get a chance to read what you have to offer. Avoid flashy subject lines or phrases that offer free items. This can trigger the email software to place the email in spam. There are also FTC spam laws that are important to consider before reaching out and making marketing efforts. Emails should always avoid all-caps lines or exposed HTML content, as those elements tend to move the email into the spam folder.   3. Know What Times to Send There are general times to consider sending emails, and it greatly depends on the industry you are in. A customer engagement tool can help you understand the open rate of your emails and how to adjust for a higher click rate. The time of the year, the day in the week, and what time it is can all impact how well your marketing campaign performs. Consider when you are most likely to open and read your own email. Statistically, customers are more likely to open emails between 7 and 9 am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays with some email click rates spiking on Sunday evenings. Make sure to optimize your emails to ensure your campaign reaches your customers at the right time in their day.   4. Don’t Send Emails Too Often Emails can quickly add up in anyone’s inbox. You want to show the same respect to your customers that you look for in your inbox, which means not sending emails too often. Find the right rhythm for your emails, whether that is once a week, once a month, or every couple of months to share promotions and deals. Only send emails out when you are confident it is an engaging read that customers will enjoy and can participate in a call to action.   5. Use Subject Lines That Work Subject lines can make or break whether a customer opens your email. A customer engagement tool can help you refine subject lines to reach customers better. In general, keep subject lines short and to the point. You want to create an enticing opening without giving everything away in the main subject line. If you can speak simply and direct, you are more likely to have a higher open rate. Email marketing can help you grow your customer base, as well as maintain a positive connection with returning customers. By offering quality content with straightforward subject lines, you can create higher conversion rates across multiple channels of your business.    

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Generate More Business With an Easter Promotion

Easter is right around the corner, but they won’t look like a traditional holiday thanks to the pandemic that is in full effect. Celebrants won’t be piling into a church for Sunday Mass, and they won’t be heading out to brunch after mass either. Large Easter gatherings that would typically require catering are canceled. Children won’t be out hunting eggs, and even the Easter Bunny has to practice social distancing. It’s not all hum drum and sadness though, your restaurant can be a beacon of hope during these trying time. The good news is people still want ways to celebrate, and your restaurant can help them feel like their holiday is saved by putting together special Easter meals with great promotions. We’ve compiled a list of the best Easter promotions for restaurants during COVID-19, and some tips on creating your promotion. Act fast. Easter is nearly here. Tips for Setting Up Your Restaurant’s Easter Promotion Have Fun Easter is a time of joy for those who celebrate, show them a good time by getting fun with your promotions. Maybe you’ll have a bunny rabbit delivery person, or perhaps you’ll offer Easter baskets with your Easter orders. Whatever you choose, make sure you’re having fun with it. Get Social While social distancing may be in full effect, you can still get social and reach out to your customers on social media platforms. Set up Delivery If you don’t already have delivery in place, it’s time to set up delivery now. People are fearful of leaving their homes, and delivery is on the rise.

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How To Improve Customer Analytics and Service With Technology

Improving restaurant customer engagement and satisfaction starts with the ability to utilize technology for more quality customer service. In turn, it attracts new customers and develops a higher chance of customers wanting to return again. Restaurant technology is rooted in customer analytics, which provides greater insight into purchasing decisions and interactions within the restaurant. By knowing your customer base better, the analytics helps inform restaurant decisions and how to adjust services accordingly. Customer Analytics For Improving Services Customer analytics software serves as a vertical business intelligence platform, where siloed data is consolidated and directed to flow through the organization to improve services across the board. With the data in hand, restaurant owners and managers can understand the analytics better in order to turn data into real-world action to improve upon their business model. The data is automatically collected and shows intelligent analyses on trends, anomalies, and customers insights. From there, business owners can increase profits, adjust services, and resolve issues quickly from anywhere. Top Three Ways to Improve Customer Service Collecting restaurant data helps determine the needs of customers and employees to improve the organization and flow of the business. By recognizing the top three ways to improve upon customer service based on data, you can be more informed on how to manage decisions for a higher return of sales and customer loyalty. Improve Customer Engagement Customer engagement is how restaurants are able to establish a connection with customers for the long or short term. The goal for any restaurant is to improve upon relations in order to cultivate customer loyalty and ensure services are up to a high standard. An engaged customer often has an emotional connection to the restaurant, whether that is through the enjoyment of the food offered, or the friendship with the staff. Highly engaged customers also are more likely to buy more and make recommendations to their friends or family. According to Gallup, engaged customers are 56% more likely to go to a casual dining restaurant every month, where only 28% are more likely to visit their favorite fast food restaurant. By knowing the trends, your business is able to understand customer satisfaction software better in order to create deals or customer loyalty programs. Customer satisfaction software is able to, Identify top-selling items Recognize underperforming items and how to improve sales Understand the perception of customer experience in each restaurant location Show slow and peak hours to improve special offers, discounts, and happy hours Launch marketing outreach programs to establish a customer base and reach the right target market The information collected within the software shows a clear picture of how to create strategies for customer engagement and retention. The information also provides an avenue for marketing and outreach efforts that are more informed for a higher return rate of investment. Utilizing platforms is also an important part of customer engagement that can sometimes be overlooked without the right software. Tactics include, Web push notifications Email marketing Online reservations POS systems across multiple devices Reward and loyalty programs Discounts, sales, and promotions CRM communication across restaurants When not using digital systems to connect with customers, there is also the important aspect of connecting with customers in person. This includes talking with customers at the host stand, at the table, receiving the bill, or signing the final receipt. Each interaction is important for customer satisfaction and can make a difference in customer reviews and perception of their experience. The customer should feel like they matter, and that includes training employees to meet a certain standard within the restaurant. Know Your Marketing Channels Restaurant technology has increased significantly, which means the marketing technology has advanced enough for owners to recognize digital trends and what their main marketing channels should be. Owners and managers often use social media, blogs, SEO, and email marketing to reach new customers and retain loyal ones by communicating with a clear brand voice across all channels. The most commonly used method is through social media, which is a readily available market that can be set locationally to where a restaurant is. Nearly 50% of consumers engage with a restaurant on social media and is a great place to access positive reviews. Digital marketing approaches include, Posting updates Sharing photos and videos of food Using a consistent voice to convey an experience Increase brand awareness with targeted posts Use SEO (search engine optimization) for more website traffic Encouraging reviews SEM (search engine marketing) for Google Ads and other ad placement Digital marketing approaches look different for each restaurant, but by using automation tools, you can better define what approaches work best for your restaurant. Use Customer Relations Management Tools Customer relations management, also known as CRM, is a vital piece for maintaining positive customer relations. Restaurant management software is easily integrated with CRM tools, which gives a whole view of analyzed customer data for more acute decision making. The ability to export data systems also helps you or a manager access the information when needed. A CRM system helps with customer engagement and can show when loyal customers spend more, repeat orders, and provide recommendations to their community. One aspect of a CRM system includes loyalty management software, where you can create a loyalty rewards program based on the data provided by the customer engagement metrics. This can include greetings, special offers, regular updates, and customer feedback. Run A Smarter Restaurant Utilizing software helps you build a smarter and more informed restaurant. Technology has advanced in tracking data, informing decisions with analytics, and creating a smoother process for operations and customer relations. With an increased online presence and a CRM system, you’ll be ready to expand to new and loyal customers with ease.

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Four Secrets to a Successful Gas Station

  In 2021, there are nearly 121,538 gas stations with convenience stores in the United States. To compete and thrive, store owners need to get intentional about operating a successful business. Expectations are changing, which provides gas station owners with an opportunity to better serve their needs, attract new business and develop customer loyalty.   Hire reliable, trustworthy and friendly employees.   Employees can make or break your business. A successful gas station requires reliable, honest and courteous employees. As gas station owners, you sell a commodity, so small things can add up to better customer value. When your employees handle the customer touch points with grace, you create more value for the customer in a way they can appreciate. Customers like to be greeted when they enter the store, and appreciate a smile and friendly transaction they can look forward to when they return. Customers also like employees that are well dressed and groomed. When you make the customer feel valued, you set yourself apart from the competition. On the other hand, if employees are distant, unengaged, or simply rude, it makes it too easy for the customer to frequent another store. And if they tell their friends of a bad experience, you can lose more than one customer. Reliability is also important because you need confidence that your locations are running smoothly so you can focus on your job.   Have a competitive pricing strategy to beat the competition.   Pricing strategy can set your gas station apart from competitors. Keeping an eye on market trends will help you find opportunities to attract more customers and sell higher profit items. The balancing act is to protect profits while providing enough value to customers to keep them coming back. In general, keep your gas prices comparable or lower than your neighbors. Getting someone to the pump is the first step to getting them inside the store. Lower gas prices maintain loyalty and attract new customers.   Sell more than just gas.   According to this year’s NACS State of the Industry Report, foodservice made up 22.6% of in-store sales. It’s not really a secret that quick service food is an opportunity area for gas stations that want to improve profit margins, and if your locations haven’t explored the possibility of adding a menu for customers now is the time to get into the made-to-order food business. It may seem daunting to add another layer of services to your business but with today’s technology like self-order kiosks and mobile ordering apps makes it much easier for gas station owners to take the leap into foodservice than ever before.   Use a modern back office software system.   Technology is another secret to attaining the competitive advantage. Integrated, cloud-based back office management systems tie all store operations together and provide storeowners with new tools to improve profitability for a more successful gas station. Look for a system that makes managing your gas station easier, not harder, with features like speedy data entry and good reporting capabilities. A cloud-based system allows easy access from an Internet device, so you can manage your store on the go. And, a modern back office system supports services that customers expect, including managing and running loyalty programs. Modern back office systems help store owners rein in costs while giving store owners more tools to build and retain customer loyalty. Customers have a lot of choices when it comes to gas stations and c-stores. Modern technology can help make your store their most attractive option.  

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Learn How Digital Ordering Can Impact The Way Customers Interact With Your Business

  Digital ordering is an important way for customers to dine, particularly when it comes to bigger orders. There is anonymity to ordering digitally, which leaves space for customers to order bigger meals than they would normally from a server. It also helps people order what they really want from a restaurant, rather than considering what the group or restaurant suggests. Part of the issue is shame over ordering menu items. Many customers do not feel comfortable ordering what they really want in front of others, as well as are unsure of what the final bill may be. With online ordering making it easier for customers to choose and see the full price, many customers are finding it a better way to get the items they enjoy. As a result, it creates more profit for businesses that they did not consider before the pandemic. Many larger corporations like Starbucks are encouraging online ord犀利士 ers in advance, which eliminates wait time and increases profitability for the company. Restaurants or casual dining are also utilizing mobile ordering that makes for contactless delivery and pickup.   Keep Revenue High Among Shortages Businesses are reporting a labor shortage, which makes it increasingly hard to grow profits in an already hurting economy. Mobile ordering takes away the need for staff and creates an avenue for businesses to maximize time and direct their costs accordingly. While other businesses scramble for workers, there are simple ways to implement a digital ordering system that saves you time and creates a positive customer experience. Whether you decide to implement a QR code system, a kiosk, or an online ordering software program, there are several ways to keep revenue high even among shortages.   Create Efficiency and Monitor Expenses Digital ordering creates more efficiency for your business by optimizing services. By streamlining the process for customers in a more manageable way, you can monitor expenses and profits more closely. Many businesses use an order management system that tracks orders along the ordering process from start to finish. With the ability to track orders more acutely, you can ensure every customer is taken care of for takeout orders and delivery. Track data along the way and stay ahead of the competition by implementing promotions at the right time and offering deals to loyal customers who continue to return to your digital ordering platform. By adopting a digital ordering system, you can ensure your business stays relevant into the coming year.  

Read More

What is Point of Sale Software?

  Point of sale (POS) software was created to assist retailers, restaurants, salons, and any other type of business that accepts in-person payment methods. Some POS systems are installed through a cash register, while others are available through mobile devices. It mainly serves as a way to calculate the total cost of purchase and to securely process payment from customers. Businesses are able to utilize a POS system in different ways, depending on the app utilized. From the ability to boost sales, cut costs, or automate processes, there is a multitude of ways that POS system software can positively impact your business.   Manage Orders POS software has the ability to track inventory management, which means the technology alerts you when supplies are running low. By knowing what items you need and when it significantly saves time for you and your staff.   Balance Calendars A POS system can efficiently show shifts and allocate them to the correct employees any day of the week. It can also process payroll to ensure employees are paid on time and there is a track record of what employees were working when in case of any issue.   Build Loyalty Programs A loyalty program can be created within a point of sale software to entice customers through rewards. Within a POS app, you can also design gift cards and send them digitally or physically to customers. Some loyalty programs are able to integrate with SMS, email, or postal mail, which helps you monitor promotions and discounts to preferred customers. With funnels, reminders, and delivery schedules, you can track everything right from your smart device.   Receive Comprehensive Reports POS software delivers comprehensive reports that help you understand your business better. From understanding what items should be phased out to what hours you should extend to, there is a multitude of ways that a POS report can help you create better opportunities for your business. With the ability to access weekly, monthly, and yearly reports, you can keep track all year long and adjust business approaches accordingly.   Access the Cloud Previously, you could only access a POS system that was hosted locally. With new technology, you are able to access your POS system from any device and any location. Cloud-based POS systems require little setup and do not need on-site servers. With regular updates, you can ensure you are always receiving the latest that technology has to offer. 24/7 access to your payment environment helps you track all locations for your business within one app. This means less time tracking each business individually, which leaves more time for you to take care of other aspects of running a business.   Choose The Ideal POS System For Your Business There are many different types of POS systems available, which is why it is important to consider your options. While some apps offer third-party integration, other apps like Modisoft are all-inclusive for your business needs. Before making a decision about a POS system, first consider functionality, cost, and scalable solutions. Make sure fees are transparent and what minimum quotas are required for transactions. Migrating to a cloud-based POS system helps you handle payments better, create cost-saving techniques, and keep customers satisfied along the way. From small businesses to large corporations, a POS system helps reduce waste and creates more efficiency in operations.      

Read More

Ready to Maximize Your Email Marketing Campaign? Follow These 5 Steps

  Email marketing is one of the top ways businesses are able to connect with their target audience. Statistically, email marketing is 40 times more effective in acquiring new customers than social media. However, there is a science and art to gaining new customers through email marketing. While some emails can feel too intrusive from companies, there is a method that can give customers an inside look into your business while also offering exclusive deals and information about upcoming products or events. Utilizing a customer engagement tool can help automate the process of what customers are opening up your emails and what ones are choosing to ignore them. By targeting those who are more interested in what you have to offer, you can channel emails to be more effective to customers who are more likely to make a purchase. Here are five tips to consider when marketing through email.   1. Send Relevant Content Creating an email marketing campaign is not just about conversions, it is also about creating relevant content that entices your customers to pay attention. Each email should include a call to action that the customer can engage with. Whether the call to action is looking at a particular product, or an invitation to an event, make sure that the content within the email reflects the call to action. Creating a call to action may take some experimentation, but once you find what your target audience responds to, you can create stronger email marketing campaigns moving forward.   2. Channel Emails Away From Spam It can be easy to fall into the spam filter where customers never get a chance to read what you have to offer. Avoid flashy subject lines or phrases that offer free items. This can trigger the email software to place the email in spam. There are also FTC spam laws that are important to consider before reaching out and making marketing efforts. Emails should always avoid all-caps lines or exposed HTML content, as those elements tend to move the email into the spam folder.   3. Know What Times to Send There are general times to consider sending emails, and it greatly depends on the industry you are in. A customer engagement tool can help you understand the open rate of your emails and how to adjust for a higher click rate. The time of the year, the day in the week, and what time it is can all impact how well your marketing campaign performs. Consider when you are most likely to open and read your own email. Statistically, customers are more likely to open emails between 7 and 9 am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays with some email click rates spiking on Sunday evenings. Make sure to optimize your emails to ensure your campaign reaches your customers at the right time in their day.   4. Don’t Send Emails Too Often Emails can quickly add up in anyone’s inbox. You want to show the same respect to your customers that you look for in your inbox, which means not sending emails too often. Find the right rhythm for your emails, whether that is once a week, once a month, or every couple of months to share promotions and deals. Only send emails out when you are confident it is an engaging read that customers will enjoy and can participate in a call to action.   5. Use Subject Lines That Work Subject lines can make or break whether a customer opens your email. A customer engagement tool can help you refine subject lines to reach customers better. In general, keep subject lines short and to the point. You want to create an enticing opening without giving everything away in the main subject line. If you can speak simply and direct, you are more likely to have a higher open rate. Email marketing can help you grow your customer base, as well as maintain a positive connection with returning customers. By offering quality content with straightforward subject lines, you can create higher conversion rates across multiple channels of your business.    

Read More

Generate More Business With an Easter Promotion

Easter is right around the corner, but they won’t look like a traditional holiday thanks to the pandemic that is in full effect. Celebrants won’t be piling into a church for Sunday Mass, and they won’t be heading out to brunch after mass either. Large Easter gatherings that would typically require catering are canceled. Children won’t be out hunting eggs, and even the Easter Bunny has to practice social distancing. It’s not all hum drum and sadness though, your restaurant can be a beacon of hope during these trying time. The good news is people still want ways to celebrate, and your restaurant can help them feel like their holiday is saved by putting together special Easter meals with great promotions. We’ve compiled a list of the best Easter promotions for restaurants during COVID-19, and some tips on creating your promotion. Act fast. Easter is nearly here. Tips for Setting Up Your Restaurant’s Easter Promotion Have Fun Easter is a time of joy for those who celebrate, show them a good time by getting fun with your promotions. Maybe you’ll have a bunny rabbit delivery person, or perhaps you’ll offer Easter baskets with your Easter orders. Whatever you choose, make sure you’re having fun with it. Get Social While social distancing may be in full effect, you can still get social and reach out to your customers on social media platforms. Set up Delivery If you don’t already have delivery in place, it’s time to set up delivery now. People are fearful of leaving their homes, and delivery is on the rise.

Read More

How To Improve Customer Analytics and Service With Technology

Improving restaurant customer engagement and satisfaction starts with the ability to utilize technology for more quality customer service. In turn, it attracts new customers and develops a higher chance of customers wanting to return again. Restaurant technology is rooted in customer analytics, which provides greater insight into purchasing decisions and interactions within the restaurant. By knowing your customer base better, the analytics helps inform restaurant decisions and how to adjust services accordingly. Customer Analytics For Improving Services Customer analytics software serves as a vertical business intelligence platform, where siloed data is consolidated and directed to flow through the organization to improve services across the board. With the data in hand, restaurant owners and managers can understand the analytics better in order to turn data into real-world action to improve upon their business model. The data is automatically collected and shows intelligent analyses on trends, anomalies, and customers insights. From there, business owners can increase profits, adjust services, and resolve issues quickly from anywhere. Top Three Ways to Improve Customer Service Collecting restaurant data helps determine the needs of customers and employees to improve the organization and flow of the business. By recognizing the top three ways to improve upon customer service based on data, you can be more informed on how to manage decisions for a higher return of sales and customer loyalty. Improve Customer Engagement Customer engagement is how restaurants are able to establish a connection with customers for the long or short term. The goal for any restaurant is to improve upon relations in order to cultivate customer loyalty and ensure services are up to a high standard. An engaged customer often has an emotional connection to the restaurant, whether that is through the enjoyment of the food offered, or the friendship with the staff. Highly engaged customers also are more likely to buy more and make recommendations to their friends or family. According to Gallup, engaged customers are 56% more likely to go to a casual dining restaurant every month, where only 28% are more likely to visit their favorite fast food restaurant. By knowing the trends, your business is able to understand customer satisfaction software better in order to create deals or customer loyalty programs. Customer satisfaction software is able to, Identify top-selling items Recognize underperforming items and how to improve sales Understand the perception of customer experience in each restaurant location Show slow and peak hours to improve special offers, discounts, and happy hours Launch marketing outreach programs to establish a customer base and reach the right target market The information collected within the software shows a clear picture of how to create strategies for customer engagement and retention. The information also provides an avenue for marketing and outreach efforts that are more informed for a higher return rate of investment. Utilizing platforms is also an important part of customer engagement that can sometimes be overlooked without the right software. Tactics include, Web push notifications Email marketing Online reservations POS systems across multiple devices Reward and loyalty programs Discounts, sales, and promotions CRM communication across restaurants When not using digital systems to connect with customers, there is also the important aspect of connecting with customers in person. This includes talking with customers at the host stand, at the table, receiving the bill, or signing the final receipt. Each interaction is important for customer satisfaction and can make a difference in customer reviews and perception of their experience. The customer should feel like they matter, and that includes training employees to meet a certain standard within the restaurant. Know Your Marketing Channels Restaurant technology has increased significantly, which means the marketing technology has advanced enough for owners to recognize digital trends and what their main marketing channels should be. Owners and managers often use social media, blogs, SEO, and email marketing to reach new customers and retain loyal ones by communicating with a clear brand voice across all channels. The most commonly used method is through social media, which is a readily available market that can be set locationally to where a restaurant is. Nearly 50% of consumers engage with a restaurant on social media and is a great place to access positive reviews. Digital marketing approaches include, Posting updates Sharing photos and videos of food Using a consistent voice to convey an experience Increase brand awareness with targeted posts Use SEO (search engine optimization) for more website traffic Encouraging reviews SEM (search engine marketing) for Google Ads and other ad placement Digital marketing approaches look different for each restaurant, but by using automation tools, you can better define what approaches work best for your restaurant. Use Customer Relations Management Tools Customer relations management, also known as CRM, is a vital piece for maintaining positive customer relations. Restaurant management software is easily integrated with CRM tools, which gives a whole view of analyzed customer data for more acute decision making. The ability to export data systems also helps you or a manager access the information when needed. A CRM system helps with customer engagement and can show when loyal customers spend more, repeat orders, and provide recommendations to their community. One aspect of a CRM system includes loyalty management software, where you can create a loyalty rewards program based on the data provided by the customer engagement metrics. This can include greetings, special offers, regular updates, and customer feedback. Run A Smarter Restaurant Utilizing software helps you build a smarter and more informed restaurant. Technology has advanced in tracking data, informing decisions with analytics, and creating a smoother process for operations and customer relations. With an increased online presence and a CRM system, you’ll be ready to expand to new and loyal customers with ease.

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Four Secrets to a Successful Gas Station

  In 2021, there are nearly 121,538 gas stations with convenience stores in the United States. To compete and thrive, store owners need to get intentional about operating a successful business. Expectations are changing, which provides gas station owners with an opportunity to better serve their needs, attract new business and develop customer loyalty.   Hire reliable, trustworthy and friendly employees.   Employees can make or break your business. A successful gas station requires reliable, honest and courteous employees. As gas station owners, you sell a commodity, so small things can add up to better customer value. When your employees handle the customer touch points with grace, you create more value for the customer in a way they can appreciate. Customers like to be greeted when they enter the store, and appreciate a smile and friendly transaction they can look forward to when they return. Customers also like employees that are well dressed and groomed. When you make the customer feel valued, you set yourself apart from the competition. On the other hand, if employees are distant, unengaged, or simply rude, it makes it too easy for the customer to frequent another store. And if they tell their friends of a bad experience, you can lose more than one customer. Reliability is also important because you need confidence that your locations are running smoothly so you can focus on your job.   Have a competitive pricing strategy to beat the competition.   Pricing strategy can set your gas station apart from competitors. Keeping an eye on market trends will help you find opportunities to attract more customers and sell higher profit items. The balancing act is to protect profits while providing enough value to customers to keep them coming back. In general, keep your gas prices comparable or lower than your neighbors. Getting someone to the pump is the first step to getting them inside the store. Lower gas prices maintain loyalty and attract new customers.   Sell more than just gas.   According to this year’s NACS State of the Industry Report, foodservice made up 22.6% of in-store sales. It’s not really a secret that quick service food is an opportunity area for gas stations that want to improve profit margins, and if your locations haven’t explored the possibility of adding a menu for customers now is the time to get into the made-to-order food business. It may seem daunting to add another layer of services to your business but with today’s technology like self-order kiosks and mobile ordering apps makes it much easier for gas station owners to take the leap into foodservice than ever before.   Use a modern back office software system.   Technology is another secret to attaining the competitive advantage. Integrated, cloud-based back office management systems tie all store operations together and provide storeowners with new tools to improve profitability for a more successful gas station. Look for a system that makes managing your gas station easier, not harder, with features like speedy data entry and good reporting capabilities. A cloud-based system allows easy access from an Internet device, so you can manage your store on the go. And, a modern back office system supports services that customers expect, including managing and running loyalty programs. Modern back office systems help store owners rein in costs while giving store owners more tools to build and retain customer loyalty. Customers have a lot of choices when it comes to gas stations and c-stores. Modern technology can help make your store their most attractive option.  

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About Altria

Altria Group, Inc. is one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of tobacco and related products. They have been the undisputed market leaders in the U.S. tobacco industry for decades.

Altria Group is known for owning the most enduring names in American business including but not limited to Philip Morris USA, John Middleton, and U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company.

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Benefits

  • Monitor and track all promotional efforts by directly integrating deals into insights
  • Receive Altria rebates smoothly by sharing scan data reports
  • Generate Altria scan data report program at a click

Pricing

Included in Advanced Plan

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About Cartzie

Cartzie is a loyalty application designed by Modisoft, with you in mind. It is a one-stop loyalty and online ordering solution that is fully equipped with all the tools needed to make your business grow.

With Cartzie, you can do curbside pickups, delivery, and drive-thru ordering. Cartzie has revolutionized the way businesses interact with customers.

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Benefits

  • Add delivery options for your customers
  • Boost your marketing efforts through targeted campaigns
  • Take your business online in a few clicks
  • Receive payments online for your orders

Pricing

+$59 per month with Retail Plans

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About Comdata

COMDATA has been serving businesses for over 45 years and is recognized as a leading provider of commercial payment solutions. They specialize in serving the trucking industry and are known as an issuer of fleet fuel cards, trucking permits, corporate spend cards, and paperless payroll cards.

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Benefits

  • Automatically transfer sales data from the Comdata POS into Modisoft back-office software
  • Get an all-in-one solution to monitor and track your sales separately
  • Easy accessibility to manage all your fuel sales

Pricing

Included in Advanced Plan

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About DoorDash

DoorDash, Inc. is a food ordering and delivery platform based in San Francisco. It is the largest food delivery company in the United States with more than 50% of the market share in the convenience delivery category. It provides an on-demand food delivery service to restaurants and stores. Their services help businesses innovate, grow, and reach more customers.

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Benefits

  • Receive order directly into your POS System
  • Manage your online DoorDash menu
  • Enable DoorDash orders for your customers

Pricing

+$69 per month for Third-Party Order Management

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About Fintech

Fintech has been dedicated to serving the beverage alcohol industry for the last 30+ years. Established in 1991, Fintech operates from its headquarters based in Tampa, Florida. Supported by TA Associates and General Atlantic, Fintech automates alcohol invoice payment, streamlines payment collections, and facilitates comprehensive data capture for 1 million B2B business relationships.

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Benefits

  • Import vendor invoices directly into your back office
  • Optimize purchase order management
  • Improve your alcohol vendor management

Pricing

+$5 per month

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About Gilbarco Veeder-Root

Gilbarco Inc. is a supplier of fueling equipment including fuel dispensers, payment systems, point-of-sales systems, and support services. The company operates from Greensboro, North Carolina.

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Benefits

  • Effortlessly connect your POS data from the Gilbarco system to Modisoft Insights

Pricing

Included in Advanced Plan

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About Instacart

Instacart is a delivery company that operates a grocery delivery and pick-up service in Canada, and the United States. It is one of the largest grocery marketplaces in North America. Instacart makes the delivery process easy for store owners.

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Benefits

  • Monitor and manage your Instacart inventory levels from Modisoft Insights
  • Updated Instacart inventory levels in real-time
  • Avoid stockouts by ensuring accurate inventory levels

Pricing

+$15 per month

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About Retalix

Retalix Ltd was established in 1982 and is now owned by NCR Corporations. It develops licensed and supported software applications for retailers, wholesalers, and distributors of fast-moving consumer goods.

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Benefits

  • Easily Import sales data for reports and analytics from the Retalix POS system
  • Monitor sales in real-time

Pricing

Included in Advanced Plan

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About Paycue

Paycue is Modisoft’s preferred payment processing provider. It helps businesses to streamline their setup process to be faster and more efficient. Paycue assists businesses with faster payments and smoother customer interaction.

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Benefits

  • Enjoy minimal fees on transactions
  • Seamless integration
  • Speedy transactions
  • Secure payments

Pricing

No monthly fee. Only pay when you sell.

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