The Benefits of a Hosted Phone System for Restaurants and Bar Venues
When starting a new business or running an existing one, owners often question their providers about the new phone system they should opt for. Let’s answer this question right away ― if you are running a restaurant or a bar, you should choose a hosted phone system.
No need to be confused with the term as you might already be familiar with the word “cloud.” Businesses, whether large or small, are all attracted to this computing service that has made it easy for them to operate anytime and anywhere they want. Moreover, the media loves to talk about it, and it’s high time that you got to know its exact purpose too.
Your chief technical officer might have tried to explain to you in simple terms what a hosted phone system can do for your business. However, if you have yet to decide because you haven’t fully understood its benefits, you have come to the right place.
First, let’s talk about what is a hosted phone system:
Understanding How a Hosted Phone System Works
Not to be confused with VoIP, which uses the internet to help you communicate, a hosted phone system usually uses the internet, but it is not located at a company’s premises. The good news is that you can opt for a cloud-based PBX system that is programmed beforehand with a separate login so that the number can be registered with a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) server.
Once set up, you will have access to all the modern features that today’s workforce requires, such as email, voicemail, video conferencing, auto attendants, etc.
As mentioned above, a hosted phone system resides in the Cloud. The switches and servers are at a secure off-site data center. You, the subscriber, can connect to it by paying a monthly fee. As for your restaurant, bar, or resort, you get a desk phone that you can plug in and connect with the cloud. Once the connection is established, they are up and ready for making calls.
Now that you know the basics, here’s how you get the phone call at your place of business:
You contact a provider that offers a hosted phone system. Once the lines are set up, you are connected to the data centers that are off-site
When a call comes in, it first goes to the hosted PBX system, which is then converted into digital packets transmitted through an internet connection. (This is the part where VoIP factors in.)
The PBX routes your call to your desk phone at the restaurant.
When your phone rings and is picked up, the digital packets get converted into voice messages. Thus, a connection is established.
How a Hosted Phone System Benefits a Restaurant
Did you know that a hosted phone system can help you deliver an exceptional dining experience? Not only that, but it can also help you build strong relationships and increase your bottom line. You can manage your daily restaurant activities, monitor workers, answer customer questions, and even take orders from multiple customers at the same time.
The switch from a traditional phone line to a hosted phone system can streamline your operational workflow and increase employee productivity in the following ways:
A Virtual Receptionist
It helps you create a lasting impression, thanks to the auto-attendant who greets customers and offers them a pleasing call experience. You can also configure your system to give professional messages and greetings based on seasons and holidays.
Efficient Workflow
It streamlines and simplifies process and operation workflows by offering advanced features like mobile applications, third-party integrations, like billing systems and customer relationship management, and video conferencing. The phone can also be used as a time-logging system that allows managers to keep track of their staff schedules. This feature helps them ensure that every activity in the restaurant is performed efficiently.
No More Inaccurate Orders
Inaccuracy in orders is one of the biggest downfalls of restaurants. Customers can get angry when they receive an incomplete order or when their specific request is not met, like putting anchovies on their pizza when they specifically asked for them to be removed. Thanks to a hosted phone system, messages can be stored in voicemails, and employees can listen to them to make sure that they are making the right order as directed by the customer.
Fast Exchange of Information
One of the biggest benefits of a hosted phone system is that it allows restaurants to deal with the incoming rush of messages and calls through a centralized handling system. With the help of crystal clear signals, customers don’t have to wait a long time for their call to be picked up. Moreover, employees can answer queries about the location of the restaurant, operating hours, and any other logistical information easily.
Targeted Marketing
Who would have thought that a phone system can help you market your brand better? Let’s assume you own a small bar that sells specialty cocktails. Every day during Happy Hour, your bartenders put on a little show and offer customers new drinks to try. Some of them have become a crowd favorite. However, the afternoon rush is still lacking.
Why not tap into your call recordings to find out what customers are regularly ordering and if there’s anything they have to say about it. Since a hosted phone system monitors and records all your calls, you can use the data for marketing purposes. The data you collect is a goldmine of customer insights that can be used to create efficient, targeted marketing campaigns, saving you money and time. Moreover, your promotions will be received well and fulfill the needs of your customers.
Cost-Effective Solution
Last but not least, a hosted phone system provides a cost-effective calling solution that is cheaper to install compared to a traditional wired phone but also due to the low call rates. By switching to this system, you can save about 45% on traditional phone service. Moreover, this system is easy to maintain because the server is located at an off-site location and monitored by the providers. You can add new lines whenever you want and further expand your network as your business grows.
Enhanced Security
No matter the business, protecting your customers’ data, like their address and phone numbers is extremely important. When you partner up with an established provider, you benefit from their years of experience and skills that have kept data confidential for a long time to provide their clients a better communications infrastructure.
Flexibility
Imagine your shift as the morning manager is about to end. You are just about to walk out the door when a call comes in. The customer has all sorts of questions about your restaurant’s menu, and they also ask you to recommend a good lunch option. The new manager hasn’t arrived yet, and you find yourself stuck. This is where the hosted phone system comes to your aid. You can easily switch the call from the phone line to your mobile and talk on the go.
And that’s why a hosted phone system is better and beneficial in every way for your restaurant! You will never miss a call, send an incorrect order, and leave a customer hanging or waiting. The system’s rich features empower restaurateurs to configure their phones based on their needs and their customers’ needs. From small restaurants to ones with a long chain that has operations spread around the world, a hosted phone system helps reduce infrastructure and operational costs. Hence, switching from your traditional phone line to a hosted phone system benefits you in every way.
If you want a quality hosted phone provider for your restaurant, visit the Motion VOIP website. Our expert staff has years of experience and extensive knowledge in making restaurants, resorts, assisted living, and apartment complexes technology-savvy. Whether you own a small restaurant or a bar, or several in different locations, we can help implement the right technological solutions to boost your business.