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As a coffee shop owner, you probably recognise the scene: the morning rush when the whole neighbourhood walks in at once for their daily caffeine fix. The queue at the register grows longer, customers become impatient, your staff are running around frantically, and despite all the effort, some guests still leave frustrated. What if I told you there’s a solution that turns this chaos into a smoothly running operation and can increase your revenue by more than 20%?
A modern ordering terminal, also known as a self-service kiosk, can make the difference between a stressful workday and an efficient, profitable business. In this article, I’ll show you how smart ordering technology takes service in your coffee shop to the next level.
In a modern coffee shop, everything revolves around speed and quality. Customers don’t want to wait, yet they expect a perfect flat white or oat milk cappuccino, extra hot with a double shot of espresso. That puts a lot of pressure on your staff, especially during peak hours.
An ordering terminal completely changes this dynamic. Customers can calmly build their order, make menu adjustments, and add extras without feeling rushed. This lets your team focus on what they do best: crafting the perfect coffee and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
The result: less pressure on your staff and an experience customers appreciate. Research shows that customers spend an average of €1.50 more via a self-service kiosk, because they can explore the menu more thoroughly and more easily add extra items.
Long queues are frustrating, especially in the morning. With an ordering terminal, multiple customers can order simultaneously. Three kiosks mean serving three times as many customers with no waiting time.
Orders are entered by the customers themselves, which means misunderstandings like the wrong type of milk or an extra shot virtually disappear. This increases customer satisfaction and reduces waste.
Modern ordering terminals make subtle suggestions at the right moment. Is a customer ordering an americano? A suggestion for a muffin or brownie automatically appears. Result: higher average order value, with no extra work for your staff.
With ordering taken care of, employees can truly connect with customers. Extra attention, giving advice, and creating perfect latte art increases customer satisfaction and job enjoyment.
Every order generates data: popular products, peak times, and combinations. Use these insights for menu optimisation, inventory management, and staff planning. This way, you make data-driven decisions that increase revenue and reduce waste.
Not all terminals are equal. Choose a user-friendly system with a clear touchscreen, intuitive navigation, and seamless integration with your POS system.
Onesix offers kiosks built on millions of orders, works on tablets, laptops, and kiosks, and provides 24/7 support via phone, email, and chat.
Ensure the terminal is immediately visible upon entry and has sufficient space around it. During peak hours, you can deploy multiple kiosks: one per 30–40 customers per hour minimises wait times.
Staff must know the system inside and out to guide customers. For customers, clear instructions or short videos are helpful. During the first few days, an employee can assist; within a week, most customers understand the system.
A kiosk doesn’t replace staff. Have employees walk around, personally hand over orders, and be available for questions. This way, you combine smart technology with warm hospitality.
Costs vary by system and provider, but ROI is often quick. With increased revenue (up to 30% extra), lower staffing costs during peak hours, and fewer errors, an ordering terminal usually pays for itself within 6–12 months.
Many providers, such as Onesix, offer flexible pricing models and a free 30-day trial period. This lets you experience how the kiosk works risk-free and measure its impact on revenue and customer satisfaction.
The hospitality industry is evolving rapidly. Customers expect convenience, speed, and personalisation. An ordering terminal is no longer a luxury but a necessary investment to stay competitive.
The result: serving more customers, higher revenue, satisfied staff, and happy guests. With the right preparation and a user-friendly system, you can see noticeable improvements within weeks.
Take the next step: explore options, request demos from various providers like Onesix, and experience how an ordering terminal can transform your coffee shop.
Your future self — and your customers — will thank you.
Want to learn how Onesix products like Kiosks, QR codes, and POS systems can strengthen your hospitality business? Feel free to contact us and visit our page for a complete overview of our hospitality solutions.
Daan works as Head of Marketing at Onesix. This news site offers relevant articles for people who work in or have an interest in hospitality, retail, and amusement parks.
