Unique Ways a Ticketing Booth Can Benefit Your Business

The Covid 19 Pandemic threw a wrench in the plans of the world when it showed up in 2020. No one was prepared for everything to come to a screeching halt, and unfortunately, some of the biggest casualties were small businesses.

Many small businesses were forced to close their doors, and 60% of them shut down permanently. However, fast-food restaurants and other businesses that normally rely on drive-thrus to attract and retain consumers managed to keep their doors open and their income from dropping.

While drive-thrus may be most commonly associated with fast food chains, they aren't the only places cashing in on the popularity of socially-distant and limited-contact pickup. Besides franchises, independent restaurants and other businesses have started thinking outside the box for how they can ease their customer’s journey while still remaining open should another lockdown occur.

The drive-thru has been a part of American culture since the 1940s, and in today's competitive market, it can be an invaluable asset to your company.

You may be wondering: Does this mean I have to put a drive-thru in my parking lot? Doesn’t a drive-thru mean you have to wait for the person ahead of you like at fast food restaurants? What customer would want to sit there? If I rent my space, how does this relate to me? 

The idea of the “drive-thru” has expanded in ways we never thought possible before the past two years. Now, you can purchase canvas booths (also known as “ticketing booths”, “fabric shelters” or “drive-thru structures”) for your employee to operate from outside the building, allowing you to have a “drive-thru” no matter your space requirement or business type.

Here are six ways a drive-thru structure (AKA: ticketing booth or fabric shelter) can benefit your business.

1. You Can Serve More Customers

Many consumers with young kids will choose to shop at businesses that have drive-thrus or a drive-up option due to the ability to complete their errands without needing to remove their children from the car. Adding a “ticketing booth” drive-thru structure allows those customers to choose your business because of your convenience.

A drive-thru structure also allows you to service customers who are physically present at your business but who choose to do so from the parking lot or street. 

Finally, with more than one booth, you can accommodate a more significant number of customers in a shorter amount of time.

By working towards increasing the number of clients you serve, you will be well on your way to enhancing your company's bottom line.

2. Offers a More Comprehensive Brand Experience

For franchisors, it's important to remember that every one of your franchises is engaged in a fight against other local rivals in the market they serve. Providing your franchisees with standard drive-thru structure designs allows them to give their consumers a more branded experience.

And when the drive-thru structures are designed uniquely, they not only help you increase your daily sales and give your employees a comfortable place to work, but they can also become one of the most visible ways to spread the word about your franchise.

3. Drive-Thrus Are Convenient for Customers

The restaurant business is notoriously cutthroat, and the importance of the client experience cannot be overstated in today's economy. Businesses that can deliver a smooth, individualized experience will prosper. 

Drive-thrus are designed to save time and effort. The customer does not even have to get out of their vehicle to place an order, make a payment, or collect their food. As stated earlier, this is a huge win for customers who have young children or are looking for a quick experience.

QSR Magazine conducted a study showing that the average time spent in a drive-thru line is 255 seconds, which is hardly enough time to reheat a frozen meal or boil water at home. Therefore, drive-thrus at restaurants are a massive draw for hungry customers who need a quick meal.

4. Employees With Shelters Are Happier and Friendlier

It's common knowledge that the restaurant sector has one of the most significant turnover margins of any industry. Not only does adding a drive-thru lane provide you with new opportunities to boost your business's earnings, but it also makes the working conditions for your staff members more pleasant.

Stand-alone structures are great for employees who have to work outside in all kinds of weather. They also make safe transaction stations for people who are more worried about germs, bacteria, and viruses.

Customers that stop by for a quick meal or other necessities appreciate it when your team is relaxed and friendly. And when workers aren't sunburned or frozen, they are more likely to be in a good mood when interacting with customers. 

5. Drive-Thrus Are an Opportunity for a New Revenue Stream

In a world where there are so many restaurants to choose from, the ones that do well will be the ones that offer the best customer experience. Drive-thrus are just one more thing that businesses can use to give themselves an edge over their competitors.

A drive-thru adds another way to serve customers, which in turn drives revenue. At busy times, even just one drive-thru pickup lane can boost your food output by as much as 60%, which means more money in your pocket.

So, why keep your customers inside your building or make them wait for delivery when you can quickly meet their needs on the go with a drive-thru structure?

6. More Opportunities for Prime Locations

Do you have a high-traffic street corner or parking lot in mind, but a larger building won't fit there? Drive-thru structures have a lower building footprint, which makes it easier for them to fit in spaces where a full-sized establishment will not.

Full-sized businesses also need more people and more infrastructure than drive-thrus. When a business owner chooses the drive-thru model, their start-up costs are lower, and their operating costs, like cleaning, maintenance, etc., are lower as well. Therefore, drive-thrus have the potential to earn better profit margins compared to their dine-in counterparts.

Get a Ticketing Booth Through Canvas Craft

The popularity of ordering products through a drive-thru window has exploded over the past two years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. The trend has led businesses to recognize the benefits of drive-thru structures, not just in terms of revenue, but also in customer safety and operational efficiency.

At Canvas Craft, we make products that protect the things most important to you. Our drive-thru structures are supported by 40 years of industry experience and a guarantee from Canvas Craft. Every job we do is personalized, so you get our most exemplary service and detail. 

Are you a franchise/corporate leader or restaurant owner interested in the idea of a drive-thru structure for your business? We would love to sit down with you, discuss your business goals, and explore how a drive-thru structure can help. Contact us today and get an estimate for your project today!