Businesses now have a new path to follow, thanks to technological advancements. In recent years, mobile apps have dominated the restaurant industry, resulting in increased demand from company owners. Furthermore, mobile apps have strengthened restaurant owners’ market presence while also assisting them in promoting their brands online.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO DEVELOP A RESTAURANT APP?
The intricacy of an application influences the development process. It may take some time to operate complex features, designs, and functions. The length of time it takes to develop an application depends on the developers’ or the mobile application development company skill level and the number of developers.
The first issue that emerges when a restaurant owner decides to design an app for their business is how much it will cost. The answer is honest and straightforward: the cost, the number of hours that development will take, and the app’s complexity. In short, the cost of developing a restaurant app ranges from 2000 to 8000 dollars, including basic functionality such as online delivery. Developing an app for an international restaurant chain will cost between 20,000 and 40,000 dollars, with advanced features like a pricing list, operating hours, and online table reservations.
Furthermore, it is preferable to contact a developer and arrange conditions with him when a restaurant owner decides to establish an app. More significantly, coding, design, and testing will all be included in the development cost. Depending on the market, the cost is computed on an hourly basis.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE IMPORTANT FEATURES YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ADDING IN YOUR RESTAURANT APP?
A list of food items, their pricing, images, and, in certain cases, the number of calories they contain. The menu can be displayed in a variety of ways, but it is best to keep things basic and user-friendly. Food can be further divided into sections and subcategories, making it simple for customers to find what they want.
● ONLINE ORDERING
Rather than calling for delivery, the average user spends roughly thirty seconds placing an order online. Customers will find it more convenient to interact with the restaurant in this manner. Users may be offered the option of ordering for dine-in, pickup, or delivery via online ordering, which simplifies the procedure and makes the service more appealing.
Customers who are on a diet or who have food allergies may appreciate the services if they may choose which items to include and avoid.
● PAYMENT PROCEDURE
Online banking, PayPal, Apple Pay, and other payment methods are some of the most popular. Both the customer and the establishment may rely on these payment options.
● TABLE BOOKING OR RESERVATION
Guest will like it if their table is booked, saving their time to wait for a customer already present. This option will benefit the customer to plan their evening.
● GEO-LOCATION FACILITY
The geo-location functionality may be useful for restaurant chains who want to deliver their cuisine to consumers in multiple towns or nations.
● PUSH NOTIFICATIONS
Customers will be able to uncover fresh exclusive deals, discounts, and special promotions if you send them notifications. By sending out push notifications, you can provide regular customers free coffee.
HOW MUCH TIME WILL THE APPLICATION TAKE TO BE COMPLETED?
SIMPLE APPLICATION
A simple application with the following features can take up to 3-5 months to develop.
- Geo-location
- Menu
- Notifications
- Sharing on other social networks
- Reviews
One project manager, one designer, two developers, and one user feedback expert may make up a team for a simple application design.
COMPLEX APPLICATION
Depending on the expertise of the teams assigned to the assignment, a sophisticated application will take about a year to be fully functional. The following features may be found in a sophisticated application.
- Everything included in the simple application
- Complex payment methods
- Order tracking facility
- Pre-ordering
- Bluetooth signal transmitter
The cost of your complex application depends on the complexity you choose to add in your application.
HOW MOBILE APPLICATION CAN HELP YOU IN GROWING YOUR RESTAURANT BUSINESS
A unique mobile app not only serves as a quick ordering platform, but it also serves as a one-stop shop for enhancing consumer interaction. A mobile app can bring added value to your clients, helping you to stand out from the crowd.
1- CONSUMER FRIENDLY
Many restaurants have been able to effectively manage their peak business hours thanks to online ordering. People are able to avoid the horrible experience of losing time in a long wait thanks to online ordering. They can simply make an order whether they are caught in traffic or on their way to pick up the kids because they have the option to order their meals through a mobile app.
Mobile apps allow you to order from anywhere at any time without having to stop what you’re doing and phone the restaurant. The meal experience has progressed significantly, and guests now have a much more pleasant encounter.
2- BRINGING YOU MUCH CLOSER TO M-COMMERCE
Customers are more likely to make a purchase if they have a positive cashless experience, according to research. The less cash you use, the more convenient your experience will be. Mobile apps make it incredibly simple to accomplish this. A solid restaurant ordering software will allow you to pay using a variety of methods. As a result, the consumer is able to select the most convenient solution.
3- EASY WAY TO ATTRACT YOUR NEW CUSTOMERS
Mobile apps are great tools for interacting with customers. But the real question is: What value can you offer that will encourage your customers to download and utilize your restaurant’s app on a regular basis? You’ll need the correct mix of content on your app to accomplish this.
If you have too much content, your app will appear clustered. Reward your clients for ordering using the app. Mobile apps feature a plethora of built-in solutions for maintaining high levels of engagement. Use innovative approaches to keep your consumers interested in your business.
4- LESSER MISTAKES AND LESSER PROBLEMS
Even the most experienced waiter can make an error when taking down an order. However, if your employees have a technology advantage, this scenario can be averted. If you want your firm to run well, you must also look after your employees. Investing in a mobile app for your restaurant will give you and your staff a break. Your employees may leave the mundane jobs to the software and focus on more important things like advertising your brand new mobile app by adding online ordering into their work routine.
5- ONLINE PRESENCE, REVIEWS, AND RATINGS
Your restaurant’s ranking on numerous rating sites will improve with the use of a mobile app. Customers prefer to use their mobile devices to place orders. A favourable interest in your business will be sparked by a seamless mobile experience, which may be further boosted by leveraging customer reviews and ratings. Reward your consumers for positive feedback, and address any issues that arise as a result of bad feedback. A fast answer can quickly resolve the majority of these negative feedbacks.
ENDNOTE
With the rising use of smartphones and the availability of a wide range of mobile apps, it is critical for restaurants to take use of this technology in order to expand their margins and prepare for the future.
