SMART TACTICS

Covid-19 has turned takeout into a critical form of restaurant service in the past year , and as such , many tools and innovations have helped improve to-go operations . One of the smallest yet most versatile of these tools is the humble sticker .

Stickers have found small ways to make a big difference in both marketing aspects and operational processes . Incorporating different types of stickers and labels into current takeout efforts can help restaurants and bars save time while building their brand .

Here are five ways to use stickers with takeout orders to help promote your business .

Labeling . The first and most obvious use of a sticker is for labeling products . From jams to sauces to drinks and catering to-go , a printed label looks professional and makes it easy to name what ’ s inside .

Include ingredients , instructions , logos or product details so that you don ’ t have to write this information on the sticker every time you package the product .

Branding . Creating a sticker embossed with a logo can help boost your brand when affixed to just about anything . The brand recognition allows customers to further identify with the business . Some places to put a logo sticker : On takeout orders as a seal . In takeout bags as a gift to customers .

On computers , water bottles , or anywhere customers might see when paying for their orders .

Near the checkout counter for customers to take .

On food or drink packaging .

A benefit to adding a free sticker inside the bag of takeout orders or at the checkout register is that not only will people consider it a fun addition to their order they weren ’ t expecting , but it ’ s also a great way to promote the business when people stick it to their personal items .

Sealing for freshness . Being able to keep food and drink fresher for longer is key when guests order takeout . The restaurant or bar may not always know how long it will take for the food to arrive at a customer ’ s door , or how long it will take for the customer to pick it up . Keeping a tight seal on boxes and bags will add to the longevity of hot food .

Add a tamper-evident label to show customers their food and drink is safely sealed while in transit . Some of these stickers have perforated sections , or are large enough to simply fold over the top of a bag to show it ’ s sealed . This kind of sticker works well for sealing cocktails to-go .

Including instructions or notes . Stickers with a matte finish and blank space or lines make it easy for employees to write specific notes on an order . The extra space adds to the efficiency of labeling food items that rotate frequently .

Some of the types of notes to leave on a sticker :

Special instructions or details about the product .

Directions for adding last touches to food or drink .

The name of the product or ingredient list .

Customer names or order numbers .

Any other quick or last-minute note as needed .

These types of stickers can save employees time by allowing for better organization . They help keeps takeout orders moving quickly so that customers spend less time waiting around , plus stickers can make each food item more readily identified once the customer is unpacking it at home .

CONNECT WITH QR CODES A QR code can link to any number of websites such as online menus , landing pages , social media channels , ordering systems and review sites with a quick scan of a smartphone . This allows the sticker to be a seal while doubling as a customer engagement tool .

Add a quick note to “ View our menu ” or “ Follow us on Instagram ,” but take up the majority of the space of the sticker with the code itself so it ’ s easy to scan . A QR code leads to a greater chance the customer will connect and engage with the business past picking up one to-go order .

These uses for stickers can help improve marketing and operational processes . And with the restaurant industry being a fast-paced environment , any potential for saving time while promoting business is a significant advantage .

Elizabeth Riggio is a copywriter at MustHaveMenus , an online service that helps restaurants and bars design and print professional-grade menus and marketing materials .

By Elizabeth Riggio

10 • Sumer 2021 www . cheersonline . com