Get More From Preorders
Having the order feature switched on is only half the battle. Customers have to know it's there and find it easy the first time.
Tell people it exists
- Send an email explaining what pre-orders are and how to place one.
- Put up signage: something as plain as "Queues too long? Order in advance next time" does the job.
- Add a line to your website FAQs.
- Brief your bar and FOH staff to mention it at the right moments.
Make the first time frictionless
If a customer can order and collect quickly at a clear pick-up point, they'll do it again and tell the people they came with. That first clean experience is the best marketing the feature has. So get the pick-up point, signage and staffing right before you push volume.
Answer the cost question before it's asked
Customers assume preordering costs more. Tell them it doesn't. Better still, give them a reason to: a small discount on the preorder menu, or a members only menu price that adds value for that segment.
Use your campaign tools
- Drop the pre-order link into a pre-show email sent well ahead — a week out gives people time to plan.
- Reinforce it with an SMS the day before or day of, when they're actually thinking about the night.
Consider at-seat delivery
crowdEngage can pass the customer name and seat location to support at-seat delivery. A lot of venues start this with accessibility bookers, so those customers don't have to queue — a genuine service improvement, not a gimmick. If full-house delivery isn't workable, run it for members or VIP ticket holders.
Help: support@encorepro.com