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This topic comprises 3 pages: 1 2 3
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Topic: App for Drive in radio stations?
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Jack Ondracek
Film God
Posts: 2348
From: Port Orchard, WA, USA
Registered: Oct 2002
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posted 06-26-2016 08:12 PM
I've asked around, but haven't actually seen one of these things in use. The issue of synchronization, even if a phone can process FM, is really the first one that needs to be addressed. If it can't (or won't) be done, then the phone won't work... period.
We've also thought about the idea of purchasing concessions through a phone app, but rejected that as well. Again, too many issues to make the novelty worthwhile.
At a place like ours, there are way too many options available to the customer. You order a sandwich. On our POS system, the system brings up the questions of options... Add Cheese? Bacon? Chili? Fries? No onions (or several other condiments)? Oh... on the fries... Garlic? Cheese? Chili? Crumbled bacon?
Similar options screens exist for just about everything else... Popcorn (flavor shakers), Pizzas, Drinks (hot and cold),
Our cashiers work through those lists in seconds, in organized fashion and with smiles on their faces. The general public would likely find our system a frustrating, confusing mess. And yet, those lists of options largely grew from our experience with the customers at our counters, where they ask for everything imaginable, and where, in a "cook to order" service, they usually get it.
I suppose we could offer a simplified menu, but as soon as the "outside customers" figured out there were options they could only get inside, the whole thing would turn into a gripe-fest.
Then, the issue of successfully punching in your credit card. That's done often enough, I suppose, but added to the challenge of ordering, it's just another frustration.
OK. Order's done... goes to us... is finished and in our scenario, we text or call you to come pick it up (carhops are out of the question). You come in, work your way through the pickup line and probably spend a bit of time, looking at everything to see if we got it right. When your order hit our POS system, does it appear ahead of everyone who's standing in line, waiting their turn?
Our system has a screen in the back, where items produced in the kitchen appear. What is produced by the counter employees out front only shows up on their screens. We'd have to rethink our entire POS system to make this work.
All in all, we don't see the novelty as something that would end up being a positive experience. Actually, people sort of like working through the line. They know there's something good at the end of it, and they see it as a "shared adventure" of sorts. They also see some 15 people behind the counter, busting their chops to get things done, unlike the counter at your local post office!
Nope... Nope... Nope. Oh, we haven't bought into offering wifi, either, though I know other drive-ins do this for their own reasons. No comment on whether it's a good idea or not... we just haven't chosen to do so here.
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Randy Stankey
Film God
Posts: 6539
From: Erie, Pennsylvania
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 06-26-2016 11:07 PM
quote:
At a place like ours, there are way too many options available to the customer. ...
The general public would likely find our system a frustrating, confusing mess. ... in a "cook to order" service, they usually get it. ...
I suppose we could offer a simplified menu ... the whole thing would turn into a gripe-fest. ...
Then, the issue of successfully punching in your credit card. ...
OK. Order's done... goes to us... is finished ... You come in, work your way through the pickup line and probably spend a bit of time, looking at everything to see if we got it right. ...
When your order hit our POS system, does it appear ahead of everyone who's standing in line, waiting their turn?
Not to suggest you do any of this but strictly for discussion... Sheetz Convenience Stores have an on-line order system that works pretty well.
https://order.sheetz.com
You can order on-line, tell them what time you want to come and pick it up pay by credit card if you want to. (I always pay at the counter.) You simply walk in and give them your name. (Account User Name) They'll call your name you when your order is ready then you pay for the food at the cashier. (Wait in line if there are other customers.)
The one thing is that EVERYTHING you order from Sheetz food counter is entered from touch screen terminals. The machine prints out a ticket number. You take that ticket to the cashier and they scan the ticket number. Once paid, the kitchen knows it's okay to give out the food. For an on-line order, you give them your name.
The system works well. I've used it many times without a problem. The thing is that it would be quite an expense.
It's a neat idea but I don't think you would ever want to do it at a drive-in.
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