Clear customer-to-crewmember communications is essential for fast, accurate service in the drive-thru. But the snow, sleet, wind and mud that comes with winter weather can often affect your outdoor drive-thru parts in ways that degrade sound quality.

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There’s an old saying in business that “the numbers don’t lie”. That is certainly true when discussing the advantages of using high-definition audio headsets to serve your drive-thru customers. This revolutionary drive-thru part offers the following:

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Looking for ways to improve speed of service and customer satisfaction? Make it quick and easy for your guests to order.

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Is harsh winter weather degrading sound quality in your drive-thru system? Try these four tips from CE Repairs for clearer sound and better communications between customers and crewmembers.

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I’ve been in the fast food business a long time; long enough to remember when QSRs operated with manual drive-thru intercom systems rather than today’s sophisticated wireless headsets...

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Next to your drive-thru headset system, the drive thru speaker is the most important component in the order-taking process. If crewmembers can’t hear and understand customers due to problems with your speakers or speaker posts, it can significantly slow down service times and increase order mistakes.

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Are your drive-thru crewmembers complaining about unwanted background noise in their headsets when taking customer orders? If so, it may be slowing down service times and reducing order accuracy. Most of today’s leading drive-thru headset systems include sophisticated noise cancellation technology. But if those pesky background noises are making orders hard to hear, it may be time to clean or even repair your equipment.

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Are you wondering if you need to replace your current drive-thru headsets with new or better ones? Asking three questions can help you decide:

·         Do my employees like the drive-thru headsets?

·         Do we have ongoing drive-thru sound quality problems?

·         Do you constantly need drive-thru headset repairs?

Good headsets fit well, are comfortable to wear, and have intuitive controls that are easy to learn. If employees complain that your headsets are uncomfortable or difficult to use, it may be time to look for new ones.

At the same time, clear communications is essential for great service in a drive-thru.  If crewmembers have a hard time hearing customers, it may be due to cheap parts or poor quality workmanship that results in poor drive-thru sound quality.

The best drive-thru systems are made to withstand the daily wear and tear of even the busiest QSR. If you frequently have to replace parts or send them in for repair, investing in a higher quality system can save you time and money in the long run.

Did you know something as small as a drive-thru battery could have a significant impact on your sales? Since most quick-service restaurants have shifted toward using wireless drive-thru headsets, batteries have been playing an important role in how quickly and accurately orders are placed. When a drive-thru battery wears out, it can cause unnecessary distractions that will hamper your business. Here are three tell-tale signs your drive-thru batteries need replacing.

1. Static or Cut-Outs—When your batteries are no longer holding their charge, you’ll likely experience a noticeable change in your drive-thru sound quality. Audio cutting out or static in the middle of orders are good indications that you may need new batteries. One way to determine whether it is the drive-thru battery or the headset causing the problem is by swapping the battery with another one. If the static goes away, you’ve likely found your culprit.

2. Shortened Charge Cycle— Most drive-thru batteries last about 10-12 hours once they’ve been fully charged. This will allow employees to work an entire shift without changing batteries. If your employees find themselves having to change batteries after just a couple of hours of use, it might be time to purchase new ones. To get the most use out of the batteries, make sure they’ve gone through the entire charge cycle, and only use the ones that are fully charged.

3. Expired Date—Most batteries have an expiration date printed on them. If your drive-thru battery has an expired date it’s best to replace it with a new one. If you are unable to locate the expiration date on your battery, a good rule of thumb is to replace your batteries every one-and-a-half to two years.

If you’re experiencing any of the above conditions but still aren’t sure if you need new batteries, give CE a call at 877-731-0334. A tech support rep will troubleshoot the problem with you and recommend next steps. If you know you’ve got old batteries, take them to an e-waste recycle facility, or send them to CE for disposal. New batteries can be purchased through CE’s website or by phone. You might even find a buy-three-get-one-free promotion under the special offers tab.


Remember, small details like replacing old batteries can have a huge impact on your sales. Be sure to check your drive-thru equipment on a regular basis and don’t hesitate to call when you’re in need of technical support.

Has the aroma of barbecue ever made your mouth water? How about the sight of a big, juicy burger on TV or the sound of crackling bacon in a frying pan? The role these senses play in your food consumption doesn’t only have an impact on the specific food you choose to eat, but where you choose to purchase it. By exercising the five senses you’ll be sure to attract more customers to your drive-thru.
 

Sight—You only have one chance to make a lasting first impression. Since the first sense customers use when they pull into your restaurant is sight, you’ll want to make sure the perimeter of your building, including your drive-thru, is clean and spotless. Also focus on your drive-thru menu board. Ensure it’s brightly lit and clutter free. Use authentic, sharp-quality photos sparingly to entice customers to try new or higher-priced products on your menu.

Sound—Because communication is necessary in the ordering process, drive-thru sound quality plays a really important role in winning over your customers. If you haven’t upgraded to an HD Audio or digital drive-thru system, and aren’t maintaining your drive-thru headsets on a weekly basis, you could end up with detrimental sound-quality issues. To ensure customers are able to communicate their order without difficulty, test your headsets with other employees regularly before you open for the day, or during slow periods.

Smell—Nothing will turn a person away from hunger quicker than the smell of something foul. This is yet another reason to keep the parking lot and perimeter of your restaurant clean. If you currently store dumpsters next to the menu board or drive-thru lane, think about relocating them. If that isn’t an option, seal garbage bags as best as possible before placing (not throwing) them in the dumpster, and keep the lid closed to help reduce the escape of bad odors.

On the other hand, smells can also work for you. Try upselling dessert at the window if you’ve just pulled a fresh batch of cookies from the oven. With the aroma of freshly baked pastries filling their car, how could your customer say no?

“Touch”—Drive-thru efficiency doesn’t include cutting corners. The way an order is presented to the customer has more of an impact than you may think. If food isn’t wrapped properly or has spilled over in the bag when the customer receives it, it leaves  the lasting impression that your establishment is messy and unorganized. It also suggests that your employees don’t take pride in their job. A neatly packed order and courteous staff will earn you big points.

Another way to set your store apart from other restaurants is by adding a special touch to each order. Whether it’s an after-dinner mint, affirmation, trinket or board game on the packaging itself, an extra little take-away for the customer will be appreciated and remembered.
   

Taste—The number one element people rely on with their favorite quick-service restaurants is the taste of the food. Each menu item was designed to taste a specific way, and it should taste that same way every time. In order to achieve this, the ingredients need to be precise. Not only is it important to use the same and only the same ingredients each time, but the measurement of each ingredient should be the same every time as well.

Now that you’ve learned how to use all five senses to attract drive-thru customers, put them into practice and watch your sales soar. For more information on drive-thru maintenance, how to improve drive-thru efficiency, increase customer counts, or questions regarding any other drive-thru-related topic please call 877-731-0334, or check back next week to learn more.