Did you know that Americans drink about 400 million cups of coffee every day, or about 146 billion cups every year. More than half of all coffee consumers would rather skip a shower in the morning than skip their coffee, and about 49% of them would do without their mobile phone for a whole month rather than give up a cup of joe.
With those statistics, it's no surprise that cafes, coffee shops, and coffeehouses are the fastest-growing segment of the restaurant industry. With 77% of adults in the USA drinking some coffee drink regularly, the cafe has become an integral part of society and our daily living experience.
Cafés are convenient for those of us on the go. Cafes are also great places for meeting a friend, reading a good book, or even conducting informal business meetings or interviews.
80% of coffee customers search online for coffee shops located near them.
Like every industry, cafes have experienced a digital transformation and benefitted from new technologies to improve operations and the customer experience.
In today's connected world, a compelling online presence for your cafe is an absolute must. In addition to a great website that helps customers learn about your cafe, its location, menu, hours of operation, and other information you want to share – you want to turn your cafe into a fully functioning online business. This change includes online ordering (mobile too), a robust social presence (i.e., Facebook and Instagram), and investment to drive online traffic to your website (search optimization and paid social ads). There are many other activities that you can leverage to build your cafe's brand – but nothing will give you the "immediate" bounce like digital awareness.
74% of customers will consider switching brands if the ordering process is too complicated.
Long lines at the counter will turn some people away. With onsite self-ordering kiosks, your customers will have the convenience of placing their orders quickly when the counter lines are just too long. Customers can order quickly and self-pay with an enhanced visual experience, powerful content, and simple prompts.
When you offer online ordering, you are not only reaching new customers and generating digital awareness across your market, but you are also giving customers the convenience to order anytime from anywhere.
Today's ordering technology also gives cafes the ability to engage with customers through targeted promotions, incentives, and rewards. Built-in loyalty programs incentivize customers to re-order for rewards and gifts. New features and functionality continually enhance the engagement with your customers. Repeat customers become loyal, and loyal customers become advocates for your business.
Affordable Technology with High ROI
You would be surprised at how cost-effective ordering technology can be. With initial set-up often costing less than $1,000 and low monthly service fees, online and mobile-ordering apps usually pay for themselves within months. Onsite kiosks can generate $20,000- $40,000 in incremental sales in less than six months. These ordering solutions are cost-effective and affordable, and they streamline operations, making them more efficient, sharpen your competitive edge, reach new customers, and provide valuable insight into your business and its customers.
With annual sales surpassing $45 billion, the US cafe/coffee shop market is enormous, with no indications of a slowdown any time soon.
Would you like to incorporate these new technologies into your business but don't have the cash on hand? Since 2005, Quikstone Capital Solutions has helped thousands of merchants just like you grow their businesses with easy, fast, and flexible working capital.
If you accept credit cards, you could qualify for up to $250,000. Use our ROI calculator to see how much you can make with a merchant cash advance from Quikstone. With all the benefits you will gain by adding these new technologies, why wait any longer? Contact us today to get started.
