Cafes and restaurants are highly susceptible to changes in customer trends. Food and dining habits can be easily influenced by health trends, cultural shifts, and the rise and fall of different lifestyles. At the same time, technological advances, economic downturns, or global crises can transform the way people interact with food businesses in a snap. To overcome these challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth, it’s a must for restaurant and cafe owners to keep a finger on the pulse of the market. This way, they can immediately detect changes in the way people interact with their business and create a strategy to adapt and thrive in a highly competitive business environment.
If you run a cafe or restaurant, you might have noticed the undermentioned changes in consumer trends in recent years. Now would be a good time to pay closer attention to them and find ways to maximize the benefits that they can bring about.
1. More Customers Are Ordering Online and Using Delivery Services
Many people have discovered the convenience of ordering online and having their purchases delivered to their doorsteps. This customer preference has benefitted not just the e-commerce enterprises but also businesses in the food industry. With busy schedules and the desire for instant gratification, customers increasingly turn to their smartphones or computers to order food from their favorite cafes and restaurants. This trend has been further accelerated by the global pandemic, which has prompted many to prioritize safety and minimize physical interactions.
You can capitalize on this ongoing trend by implementing several strategies in your cafe or restaurant. Firstly, you can invest in an intuitive online ordering system that is integrated into your website or app. This will enable you to streamline the ordering process and enhance customer satisfaction. Additionally, your business can partner with third-party delivery service providers such as Grab or FoodPanda to expand your restaurant's reach and attract new customers who prefer the convenience of delivery. In case you’re aiming to retain more control over the delivery process and minimize commission fees, developing an in-house delivery system may prove beneficial for your business. Should you go this route, you can equip your delivery personnel with Maya Terminal Lite, an ultra-portable payment terminal machine that can process debit card, credit card, e-wallet, and QR Ph payments, for added customer convenience.
2. The Demand for Contactless Ordering and Payment Options Is Increasing
In line with the first trend, there is also a rising demand for contactless ordering and payment options in cafes and restaurants. This stems from the modern customer’s desire for efficiency, convenience, and safety. Tech-savvy customers, in particular, appreciate the ability to browse menus, place orders, and settle payments without physical contact, especially in light of recent health concerns surrounding the transmission of germs in public spaces. This trend has been further fueled by advancements in payment technology such as mobile wallets and QR code menus.
Adopting in-store payment solutions like Maya QR and Maya Terminal will empower your business to fully embrace contactless payments. Maya QR lets you simplify in-store payments by letting your customers just scan to pay. This can be done through a static QR code displayed on a poster or standee, or through a dynamic QR code generated by the Maya Terminal device.
Our payment terminal is capable of quickly and safely processing various payment options. The use of this portable POS device in your cafe or restaurant will enable you to strike a balance between modernization and maintaining personalized experiences.
By leveraging technology wisely, your business can enhance operational efficiency. This, in turn, can give your staff the breathing space they need in order to focus on personal touches that preserve the warm dining experience for which your establishment is known.
3. Customers Continue to Expect Personalized Experiences
In today's competitive business landscape, offering personalized experiences should go beyond simple gestures like writing your customers’ names on their coffee cups, for example. You have to harness the power of data analytics to gain insights into your customers’ preferences and behavior. By leveraging data from various channels such as loyalty programs, social media interactions, and purchase history, your restaurant or cafe can tailor offerings to individual tastes and preferences.
Utilizing data analytics enables your business to provide personalized recommendations to customers, enhancing their dining experience and fostering loyalty. Data on customer segmentation and preferences can serve as the basis for designing effective promotions, which can then maximize marketing ROI and customer engagement. Furthermore, implementing loyalty programs that reward frequent patrons with exclusive perks and discounts can incentivize repeat visits and strengthen customer relationships. By embracing data-driven personalization through these initiatives, your business can differentiate itself in a crowded market and create memorable experiences that keep customers coming back.
4. Engaging with Customers Has Become Essential to Enhancing Satisfaction
Customer engagement plays a crucial role in enhancing satisfaction and driving business growth in the digital age. Platforms like social media and review websites are empowering customers to talk about their dining experiences. To capitalize on this, your business must actively solicit and respond to feedback and make an effort to maintain a positive reputation. Keep in mind that potential customers often rely on online reviews and recommendations to inform their dining choices, too. This only highlights how important it is for your business to maintain an active online presence in order to attract new customers and retain existing ones.
By soliciting and responding to customer feedback, your business demonstrates its commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement. Meanwhile, analyzing customer reviews and feedback allows you to identify areas for enhancement in your business and address any concerns promptly. Moreover, leveraging positive reviews and user-generated content can serve as powerful marketing tools and social proof for attracting new customers and building trust in your brand. By prioritizing customer engagement and leveraging digital platforms effectively, your business can cultivate a loyal customer base and drive long-term success.
Keep Updated about Evolving Consumer Trends with Maya Business Solutions
Sign up for Maya Business to be able to use Maya QR, Maya Terminal, and Maya Terminal Lite. With these payment solutions at your disposal, your cafe or restaurant will be able to cater to tech-savvy customers who prefer to use cashless payment options. It’s a solid step toward helping you ride the wave of the aforementioned trends.
Aside from having access to a QR solution and versatile POS terminals, setting up a Maya Business account lets you open a Maya Business Deposit account and use it as your settlement account. With an industry-leading 2.5% per annum interest rate, you’ll earn PHP 25,000 in interest per year on a PHP 1 million deposit. Furthermore, you’ll be able to send money to your partners and suppliers for free via InstaPay and PESONet. Signing up also qualifies you for a no-collateral Maya Flexi Loan offer of up to PHP 2 million in just 3 months. You can use the loan to fund projects that will further enable your business to cater to changing customer demands. Just use Maya Business as your primary processor for all wallet and card payments. The more you use our solutions, the better the loan offer will be. Sign up for Maya Business today to enjoy the benefits of Maya Business solutions.
