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5 signs it’s time to digitize your resort’s F&B ordering process | STAY

Written by Oier Fano D. | Oct 30, 2024 7:49:30 AM

Running a resort means juggling a lot of moving parts, especially when it comes to food and beverage (F&B) services.

From poolside drinks to room service and everything in between, delivering a seamless guest experience is critical to keeping customers happy and maximizing revenue.

But how can you tell if your current F&B ordering system is holding your resort back?

If your resort is experiencing any of the issues below, consider upgrading your F&B ordering system to a more streamlined, mobile-friendly solution.

1. Long wait times are frustrating for your guests

One of the most evident signs that your F&B system needs to be updated is when guests must wait too long to place an order. Whether it’s waiting for a server to take their order or for food to arrive, long wait times lead to frustrated guests.

This issue is even more noticeable in resorts where staff are stretched thin or dealing with peak service hours. When guests have to wait for service, their perception of the entire resort experience is negatively impacted.

The solution: Implement a Mobile Ordering system

With a modern mobile ordering system, guests can skip the wait.

Scanning a QR code at their table or lounge chair allows them to browse the menu, place their order, and even pay—all from their phone.

This speeds up the ordering process, reduces wait times, and leaves your guests happier and more likely to order again.

2. Your staff is overwhelmed during peak hours

Even the most well-trained staff can become overwhelmed during peak service times.

Whether it's a busy dinner rush or a poolside lunch crowd, having too many orders to process manually can lead to slow service, mistakes, and an overworked team.

If your staff is constantly rushing around, trying to juggle orders, payments, and service, it's a sign that your current system could be more efficient and modern.

The solution: Focus on delivering, not taking orders

Upgrading to a mobile F&B ordering system frees your staff to focus on delivering excellent service instead of taking orders.

Guests can place orders directly from their smartphones, which go straight to the kitchen or bar, bypassing manual order-taking altogether. This reduces the workload on your team, allowing them to focus on faster service and better guest interactions.

3. Payment processes are slow and clunky

Do guests need more time to pay their bills?

Suppose your payment process involves staff manually bringing checks, waiting for guests to decide payment methods, and processing credit cards. In that case, your system is slowing down the guest experience and table turnover.

A slow payment process can frustrate guests, reduce efficiency, and ultimately lead to lost revenue. This is particularly troublesome for high-volume service areas like bars or poolside dining, where quick transactions are crucial.

The solution: Integrate digital payment systems

A mobile ordering system with integrated payments can make the checkout process fast and seamless.

Guests can pay directly through the ordering platform, using their phone to pay with credit cards, via Apple Pay or Google Pay, or even by charging it to their room.

Faster payments mean faster table turnover, happier guests, and higher revenue.

4. Manual order delivery is causing mistakes and delays

If your current system relies on servers manually taking orders and delivering them to the kitchen or bar, there’s a higher chance of order errors.

Mistakes happen when orders are written down incorrectly or passed along verbally. Not only do these mistakes frustrate guests, but they also delay service as orders have to be redone.

In fast-paced environments like resorts, even minor delays can pile up, leading to wait times and unhappy customers longer.

The solution: Send orders straight to the kitchen

You can eliminate manual errors by upgrading to a mobile ordering system with direct kitchen integration. 

Once a guest places an order, it’s automatically sent to the kitchen or bar, reducing the likelihood of mistakes and speeding up the entire process. This leads to faster service and more accurate orders.

5. Your F&B outlets are missing revenue opportunities

Does your current system support upselling? Are you maximizing revenue across your resort's F&B outlets, or are there missed opportunities due to long wait times or inefficient service?

If your system doesn't encourage additional purchases, such as suggesting appetizers, cocktails, or desserts, you're leaving money on the table.

The solution: Upselling and multi-outlet optimization

With a mobile F&B ordering system, you can use automated upsell prompts.

As guests place their orders, the system can suggest complementary items (e.g., “Would you like to add a side or a drink?”).

This increases average order values and improves the overall guest experience by offering more personalized service.

Additionally, mobile ordering allows you to capture orders across all of your F&B outlets, whether poolside, in-room, or at the bar, maximizing revenue potential across the resort.

The benefits of upgrading your F&B ordering system

If your resort faces these challenges, upgrading your F&B ordering system can transform your operations. Here are just a few of the benefits:

  • Increased guest satisfaction: Faster service, fewer mistakes, and a seamless ordering experience make for happier guests who are more likely to return.
  • Higher revenue: By streamlining the ordering and payment process, you can increase table turnover, encourage upselling, and capture more orders from multiple F&B outlets.
  • Better staff efficiency: A mobile ordering system takes the pressure off your staff, allowing them to focus on what they do best—providing excellent service. You can also manage peak service hours more effectively without overworking your team.
  • Improved accuracy: Direct integration with the kitchen or bar means fewer mistakes and faster service, reducing the chances of errors that frustrate guests and waste time.
  • Real-time data and insights: A modern F&B ordering system gives you access to valuable data on guest preferences, peak service times, and sales trends, allowing you to make informed decisions to optimize your operations further.

Is your resort ready for a mobile F&B upgrade?

The hospitality industry is rapidly evolving, and guests expect fast, convenient service in every part of their resort experience.

If your F&B ordering system is outdated, you’re likely missing out on opportunities to improve guest satisfaction and increase revenue.

Upgrading to a mobile F&B ordering system can streamline operations, reduce staff workload, and boost revenue, all while delivering the seamless, personalized experience that today’s guests demand.

Is your resort ready to upgrade its F&B system and start enjoying these benefits?

Request a demo to discover our F&B Mobile Ordering solution.