The days of waiting in line to order your food are over. Self ordering kiosks are the future of food ordering, making their way into the restaurant industry and hospitality industry everywhere.

With food trends constantly changing, it’s essential to be ahead of the curve, and self ordering kiosks are the way of the future. Here is everything you need to know about self ordering kiosks, including what they are, how they work, and why they are the future of food ordering.

What Is a Self Ordering Kiosk?

A self ordering kiosk is a type of point-of-sale (POS) terminal that enables customers to place orders and make payments without human interaction. You can find these kiosks in various locations, including retail stores, hotels, restaurants, and airports.

These automated machines allow customers to place their orders via touch screen and pay for them without waiting in line or interacting with a human cashier. Sometimes, these kiosks may also provide customized order options or recommendations based on the customer’s preferences.

How Do Self Service Kiosks Work?

Most self-service kiosks typically provide a touch screen interface that guides users through the various tasks that can be performed. These tasks include purchasing, checking in for a flight, or printing a boarding pass.

The following is a rundown of how self-service kiosks operate:

First, customers access the digital catalog on the screen and scan the types of menus available. Some kiosks also have physical buttons that can be pressed.

Second, once the customer has selected what they want, the kiosk will provide instructions on what to do next. For example, customers may be prompted to insert their credit card or scan a QR code if they purchased a meal. Some self-service kiosks also accept voice ordering commands. This feature can be beneficial for those who are visually impaired.

Third, the self-service kiosk will then carry out the customer’s request. Self-service kiosks can provide a quick and convenient way for customers to get what they need without waiting in line. And with more and more businesses offering them, they’re likely here to stay.

In many cases, self-service kiosks provide a faster and more efficient way to complete these tasks than traditional methods that require human interaction.

Benefits of Self Ordering Kiosks

Whether you’re a quick-serve restaurant (QSR), fast casual dining establishment, or even a full-service restaurant, self ordering kiosks offer numerous benefits for your business.

Here are some of them:

Increased Efficiency

Self ordering kiosks improve your business’s overall efficiency. By reducing the time your employees spend taking orders and your customers spend waiting in line, you can free up time and resources for elsewhere in your business. This can help you improve your bottom line and make your business more successful.

Enhanced Order Accuracy

Self ordering kiosks reduce the chances of order errors as customers are able to input their own information. This is beneficial as it eliminates the chances of an employee making a mistake when taking an order.

Reduced Labor Cost

Self ordering kiosks reduce restaurant expenses associated with taking orders, as you will not need to hire as many employees such as wait staff, a restaurant server, and waitress. Consequently, your business will be able to serve more customers in the same amount of time, which leads to increased profits.

Increased Customer Satisfaction

Customers will be able to place their orders quickly and easily without having to wait in line. This leads to increased customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Flexibility

Self-ordering kiosks allow restaurants to change their menus and pricing efficiently. With a QR code menu, a restaurant can easily update the menu and pricing without printing a new or single use menu. This flexibility can be a great way to promote new items or special deals.

Increased Sales

Self ordering kiosks can increase sales by making it easier for customers to add more items to their orders, such as sides or desserts. This increases the likelihood of upselling (see how to upsell) and cross selling products.

If you are considering adding self ordering kiosks to your business, keep the benefits above in mind to see if this is a good move for your company.

Are Self Ordering Kiosks Worth It?

There’s no denying that self ordering kiosks can be a huge time saver, both for customers and businesses. But are they worth the investment?

On the plus side, self ordering kiosks reduce lines and wait times, freeing employees to attend to other tasks. They also minimize order mistakes since customers input their orders themselves. And let’s not forget the convenience factor – customers can order on their schedule without waiting for a human clerk.

On the downside, self ordering kiosks require a significant upfront investment of as much as $5000, and there’s always the possibility that they’ll break down or malfunction. Additionally, some customers may prefer the personal touch of human interaction when ordering their food.

Research by Harvard Business School professors Ryan Buell and Michael Norton shows that customers enjoy a sandwich order more when they actually observe the sandwich-maker preparing the food (rather than simply ordering the food and receiving it upon delivery).

So, what’s the verdict? Are self-ordering kiosks worth it? Ultimately, that decision comes down to each business’s unique needs and circumstances. But if you’re considering switching to self ordering kiosks, it’s worth using these points and additional research to see if they’re a good fit for you.

What Is Kiosk In Food and Beverage?

A kiosk is a small, self-contained stand or booth that is used to sell food or beverages. Kiosks are often found in high-traffic areas such as shopping malls, airports, and tourist attractions. They offer a convenient way for customers to grab a snack or drink without going into a full-fledged restaurant or café.

Often, kiosks specialize in a particular type of food or drink, such as ice cream, coffee, or sandwiches. Some kiosks may also offer other items such as souvenirs or lottery tickets.

Kiosks can be operated by small business owner-operators or by large corporations. Many popular fast-food chains have kiosks in their establishments where customers can place their orders.

Kiosks are also popular in high-end restaurants to cut down on wait staff and increase efficiency. For example, a sushi restaurant might have a kiosk where customers can order and pay for their food before taking their seats.

The use of kiosks in food and beverage establishments is growing quickly, as they offer a convenient and powerful way for businesses to serve their customers. In many cases, kiosks can increase sales, because it’s a faster way for customers to order and pay for their food or drinks.

With the continued advancement of restaurant technology, kiosks will  become even more commonplace in the food and beverage industry in the years to come.

The Best Self Ordering Kiosk System

The best self-ordering kiosk system should be able to provide customers with an easy and intuitive way to order their food. The system should also be able to accept various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, contactless payments, and cash.

If you plan on taking orders via online ordering apps, you’ll need to ensure that the system can integrate with your eCommerce platform for eCommerce credit card processing. Make sure that the system you choose can accept payments online and is PCI compliant. Additionally, the kiosk should be able to print receipts for customers who want them.

When it comes to self-ordering kiosks, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every business has different needs; therefore, one company’s best self ordering kiosk system might not be the best for another. However, there are five factors that all businesses should consider when choosing a self ordering kiosk system, including:

1. Cost

Self ordering kiosks can cost up to $5000 depending on the features and functionality you need. It’s essential to consider the upfront cost of the kiosk and the ongoing costs of maintenance and support.

2. Ease of Use

The best self ordering kiosk system is easy for customers to use. Look for a system with a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate.

3. Functionality

On premise vs Off premise

• On-premise kiosks are installed and managed by your own IT team. This kiosk is typically used in controlled environments, such as restaurants or retail stores.
• A third-party provider hosts off-premise kiosks. This means you do not have to worry about managing the infrastructure or security of the kiosk. Off-premise kiosks are often used in high foot traffic, such as airports or malls.

The best self-ordering kiosk is one that offers the features and functionality that your business needs.

4. Customization

The best self ordering kiosk can be customized to meet the specific needs of your business. Look for a system that offers customizable branding, language, and currency options.

5. Support

Self ordering kiosks should have the manufacturer’s support. This ensures that you have someone to call if you have any questions or problems with the system.

The best self ordering kiosk is one that meets all of these criteria. When considering self ordering kiosks, be sure to keep these factors in mind so you choose the best system for your business.

Frequently Asked Questions About Self Ordering Kiosks

What Is a QSR Kiosk?

A QSR kiosk is a type of self-service kiosk often found in quick service restaurants (QSRs) and fast casual restaurants. QSR is a type of restaurant that provides fast food and limited table service.

What Are the Types of Kiosks?

• Temperature Kiosk
• Internet Kiosks
• Advertisement Standing Displays
• Wayfinding Kiosks
• Retail Kiosks
• Food and beverage Kiosks
• Information Kiosks
• Self-Service Kiosks

Are Kiosks Expensive?

Restaurants typically pay $5,000 for each in-store kiosk (including a display, scanner, credit card reader, and receipt printer), plus additional fees for any customizations. (QSRMagazine)

The change in consumer habits and use of technology have boosted the demand for self ordering kiosks significantly over the past 10 years. Though it may take a while to catch on, self ordering kiosks will revolutionize how customers place their orders. Overseeing the future of restaurant ordering is a special challenge, as it must strike a balance between tech-friendliness and cost-effectiveness.