VoIP can help many organisations with a range of everyday business functions, in particular restaurants. This is because restaurants nowadays rely heavily on customer communication e.g. takeaway orders. While a lot of restaurants today do use digital platforms, running the business is still needed with communication systems - like VoIP.
Why would a business want to use VoIP?
VoIP is short for Voice Over Internet Protocol. These systems are growing fast in popularity, not least because landlines are being switched off by 2025.
A VoIP phone system allows you to make and receive phone calls over the internet, rather than through traditional copper landline wires. Rather than being physically located on your premises, it’s actually cloud-based. This means you can access your VoIP system on any internet-connected device, including your tablet or mobile phone. It’s super flexible, and often far cheaper than using your landline or mobile phone.
All you need to access your VoIP service, from anywhere in the world, is a reliable (preferably fibre) internet connection. This also gives you the advantage of having a virtual phone number or VoIP phone number. But don’t worry - you can still keep your own existing number if you want to.
Some businesses however use their VoIP phone to choose a number that best suits them and the customers they’re aiming to target. For instance, you could go for a freephone number or local number - even though your business isn’t physically located in that area. This is great if you want to have a virtual presence within that community, building a sense of being a ‘local’ and gaining trust in your brand.
VoIP phone systems aren’t just about making and receiving phone calls though. There’s also a whole host of features on offer that can help you manage your call volumes, make cheap international calls, check call statistics and plan your marketing strategies.
Can restaurants use VoIP?
Of course! VoIP is the ideal communications and marketing tool for any business, particularly small businesses and start-ups in the hospitality sector.
Why not sign up for a free 7-day trial? It’s a really useful way of getting to grips with the features our VoIP phone systems offer before making the leap to a monthly package.
How much does VoIP cost for restaurant businesses?
The good news is that VoIP phone systems cost far less than you might think. And when you choose to sign up with bOnline, everything is done remotely with no technical knowledge needed by you. We can also have you up and running within 24 hours, with no downtime.
Our low-cost unlimited calling packages start at just £13.95 + VAT per month. This includes your digital phone line and number, unlimited inbound calls and unlimited UK landline and mobile calls. On top of that, your call plan offers some incredibly business-friendly features too, including mobile and desktop apps, on-demand call recording, call forwarding, 1-1 HD video meetings and much more.
What are the advantages to VoIP for restaurants?
There are many reasons why a VoIP phone system could benefit your restaurant business. Here are some of the main ones:
Call logging for restaurants
There’s nothing more annoying than calling a restaurant to book a table or order a takeaway and no-one answers the phone. Not only that, but many people won’t then bother to call back, meaning lost sales for your business.
Call logging can help reduce missed calls by providing information around what calls are being missed and when. So you may look at your call log and realise there are lots of missed calls during the week around lunch time. Why is this? Perhaps you don’t have enough staff on at those times for example and therefore need to revisit your rotas so that the phone is more likely to get answered.
Call logs also give the phone number of the person who made the call, giving you the opportunity to call them back. Not only can this help your bottom line, but means better customer service too.
Call recording for restaurants
Looking to track your bookings or offer better training for new staff? Maybe you’ve had a difficult call from a customer and want to listen again to better understand what went wrong? This is where call recording can really help.
You’ll need to let your customers know they are being recorded, not least for data protection reasons. However, this can be done as an automated message before the caller is put through to your restaurant.
No more issues with poor phone signal
Mobile phone signal isn’t always reliable, especially if your restaurant is in a rural location or somewhere a bit off the beaten track. But as a VoIP system uses the internet, mobile phone signals are irrelevant. So you never need to worry about poor quality calls or being cut off half way though talking to a customer.
VoIP phone systems are also ideal if your restaurant offers a takeaway service. Your customers will be able to get through far more easily, and the better call quality means less chance of mishearing and getting the delivery order wrong.
Looking for the best restaurant VoIP for your business?
Call us on 0203 125 3243 and we’ll be pleased to guide you through the process. Take a look through our help section too for answers to commonly asked questions around getting set up, keeping your number and much more.
