Ideal Software is a software development company specializing in Stock Control and POS software for restaurant and hospitality industries. Our flagship products, Ideal Stock Control and Ideal POS Reports, has sold to many large restaurant franchise chains as well as single quick service establishments. After the success of the Ideal package, Ideal Software has expanded their service into custom built software solutions. Visit our website www.idealsoftware.co.za
Saturday, 28 April 2012
5 Tips for Building Customer Loyalty
Owning and operating a restaurant in
today’s economy can be a challenging proposition, which is why it is so
important to build customer loyalty. In truth repeat customers make up
the bulk of any restaurant’s customer base and word-of-mouth advertising
can do wonders for building up your clientele. But how do you go about
building customer loyalty in the restaurant industry?
While
any one of the following five suggestions will help to increase your
business, implementing all of them is highly recommended and definitely
possible given a little time and planning.Tip #1: Atmosphere is Everything
For dine-in customers the atmosphere of
the establishment can rate right up there with the quality of service
and nearly as high as the quality of your food. But when you think of
atmosphere, think more than the decorations and table linens; think also
of an atmosphere of one-on-one recognition. Customers like nothing
better than visiting an establishment where they are recognized and
called by name. Encourage this kind of recognition in your staff.
Everyone from your bus boys to the chefs should be able to recognize
repeat customers and make them feel comfortable.
Tip #2: Reward Your Repeat Customers
A customer rewards program for repeat
customers is a must if you really want to establish your credibility
with your repeat customers. Perhaps a customer loyalty card (with a
free meal after so many purchases) or coupons for a discount on their
next meal purchased. There are a number of options available when it
comes to customer rewards, and each of them is worth the time and effort
you will put into it.
Tip #3: Start a Newsletter
Believe it or not, many customers really
do pay attention to what goes on in their local neighborhoods. By
starting a newsletter you can keep yourself firmly in their minds by
their seeing your weekly or monthly newsletters in their email inbox.
This mailing list will also help to establish a list by which you can
send out offers for discounts and special ‘group’ purchases or birthday
discounts or other options, but the set up of a newsletter to address
local concerns (and those specific to your restaurant) can be a viable
option for asking for the emails.
Tip #4: Drawings and Giveaways
Having drawings and giveaways for repeat
customers is a great way to keep them coming in. Have a business card
drawing for your lunchtime business clientele, or a random once a month
door prize raffle where someone who came in during the course of an
evening will receive a free meal for two, or free desert with their next
purchase or something similar.
Tip #5: Reward Referrals
If a repeat customer refers a new
customer to your restaurant, why not reward them? Perhaps a coupon for
free deserts the next time they come in, or even something as simple as a
thank-you letter; something to let them know that you appreciate their
support.
Truly, your repeat customers are the
bread and butter of your business, so why not take the time to ensure
that you do everything in your power to win their loyalty? Not only
will you be increasing the chances that they will keep on coming back,
you’ll most likely gain new customers as well from their referrals, and
that can be a very good thing.
Does your restaurant use any other strategies? Leave a comment below and let us know.
For more info on Ideal Software’s Inventory Management system follow the link IdealStockControl
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