In part two of our five part series we revisit some blogs that were specifically written for and about drive-thru menu boards. When looking at drive-thru menu boards, there could be a lot of pieces to the puzzle or very few. It all depends on how you want to enter the drive-thru world. It is also highly dependent on your current environment, the on you’re building, or the one you’re going in to.
Blog Excerpts Part II- Drive-thru Menu Boards
Blog Excerpts Part V- Random Thoughts
When we sit down weekly to write our blogs we have a list of notes to draw ideas from. In most instances there is enough that we can pull to warrant a post around a sole topic. However, at other times it hasn’t been the case. Rather than bypassing a week, we’ll take a collection of these notes and put together some “random thoughts.” Looking back, I have liked how the random blogs have come together. They cover a lot of area and offer some particular insights that would otherwise not be shared. In the last of installment of five we take a look at some of them.
Menu Boards: 6 Reasons a Second Source is a Good Idea
Its natural with sales, you make your calls and introductions and the canned response that you get more often than not is “we’re all set, thank you.” This doesn’t bother me any, in fact, I hope that is what our clients are telling people. However this isn’t a blog about how to combat sales objections, nor will I suggest that we’re the right fit for everyone (shhh, we’re not). As I have explained to several a person I have spoken with, “it’s great that your all set, but have you ever considered backing up your current vendor… just in case?” Now the question becomes, what is the “in case” and what other reasons would there be to have another company squared away should something arise? When I think about this, there are six reasons that come to mind.
Drive-thru Headsets: How Many Do You Need?
Whether you are building from the ground up, renovating an existing location, or taking over a place that once had it, there are a lot of factors that need to be considered when adding a drive-thru operation. Beyond the sign itself, there are a number of add-ons and accessories as well as detection and communication equipment that will have to be coordinated and installed. Today we will focus on the communication equipment, specifically the headsets themselves. What I am not going to address is the differences between each model and what system would be best for you.
New Drive-thru Too Much? Try This!
There are typically four scenarios when the idea of a new drive-thru comes up; 1- as a part of a new build, 2- adding to an existing location that has never had one in the past, 3- adding to a location that previously had a drive-thru and finally, 4- the replacement of a unit that is already in place. For the purpose of this entry, we’re going to focus on #4. [Read more…]
4 Step Menu Board Design Process
When we come in to contact with new customers we quickly establish their needs from a design perspective. Some already have this aspect completed when we engage, others require design work from the bottom up, some have a website or take-out menu to draw inspiration from and then there is the collection of people who have a vision but require a more involved diagnostic on how to get from ideas/thoughts/plans to implementation.
10 Ways to Speed Up Drive-thru Service
If you can relate to this blog then chances are you have a good problem. What this likely means is that you are having some level of difficulty handling the volume of cars that are coming through your drive-thru. For the purposes of this blog, lets pretend for a moment that your current setup is sufficient and that there are no glaring issues that have to be corrected. What I mean is that at the very least, you have a functional drive-thru and communications system.
The Inexact Science of Menu Board Design
As I put my thoughts together for this blog post, I can’t help but think that there are a number of other companies that can both relate to what I am going to write about as well as empathize with it. Up for discussion today, the cost associated with Menu Board Design. To put it simply, there is no easy way to charge for design. If you attach an hourly rate, it gets called in to question, if you combine it with a particular display fixture, you may price yourself out. Added to this, is the unknown factor of how the design process will go with the individual(s) or company you are working with.
Opening a Drive-thru? Ask Yourself These Questions
When it comes to adding a drive-thru to a location, for the most part there are four scenarios that you will find yourself in; 1- a new build-out, 2- taking over a location the has had a drive-thru in the past, 3- taking over a location that hasn’t had a drive-thru in the past and 4- adding a drive-thru to your existing location. It should come as no surprise that in the cases where drive-thrus had previously existed there is less work to be done ahead of time. That being said, there is a lot more to do than erecting a sign and calling it a day if you are looking for a fully-functional drive-thru. Today I will turn the table and have you ask yourself the questions that need answering before you jump in with two feet. Your answers could have a sizable impact on the bottom-line.
5 Signs You’re Working with the Right Menu Board Company
“Price” and “quality” tend to be the two most important factors when considering a relationship with a product-based company. I am not here to tell you any different. As a matter of fact, for the most part, I would agree. However on the flip-side, what good is quality if the product arrives 2 weeks late? Or, what good is cheap if you can’t get a human on the phone to ask questions? What I am saying is that while cost and quality are important, there are certain criteria that, in my opinion, supersede these two. Ultimately, the quality will exist if you are working with a vendor that has these attributes. I can also tell you, they won’t be the cheapest on the block.