Motivating your quick-service employees during the summer months can be quite an undertaking. While everyone else seems to be having fun in the sun, the last place your crewmembers want to be is working indoors. One way to keep your employees engaged is by hosting a friendly competition between shifts using the store’s drive-thru equipment. This will not only boost morale, but also increase your speed of service which will ultimately improve your drive-thru sales. Here are a few games you can introduce to your employees:

 

Speed Game

Everyone knows the quicker you move cars, the more cars you’ll be able to service, and the more money you’ll make. Because speed is such an important part of the quick-service industry, this game is sure to have a great impact on your sales.

To start, access your reports from the previous week for each shift. If you have an HME ZOOM® drive-thru timer, use the report for multi-day comparison. You’ll fill in three fields. In field one select shift, in field two select the time period, and in field three select the start and end dates for your report. Once you’ve filled in all three sections, click the button to generate your report. Choose which event you would like to time and give that average to each shift leader as the starting point. At the end of the week, run the report again to see which shift improved the most. Some stores offer prizes or incentives for the winning shift, though bragging rights aren’t too bad either.

 

30-Day Disaster Challenge

No matter how quick your crew is, there will ultimately be times in the day or certain orders that take longer simply due to the complexity of the order or a mistake in the kitchen. Disastrous orders are practically unavoidable, but should be as minimal as possible.

Set a difficult, yet fair and achievable goal for the number of disastrous orders your store must stay below in a given month and entice your team with a prize or bonus once they achieve that goal. If you are using a ZOOM drive-thru timer, you can set this goal as one of the events that shows up on the dashboard screen so your team can keep track at all times.

  

Line Buster

When customers see a long line in the drive-thru lane, they’re likely to go elsewhere if they aren’t in the mood to wait. Long lines are turn-offs and ultimately lead to missed opportunities, which will in turn hurt your sales.

If you have a complex order that is causing a bottleneck, have the customer pull into a parking space or waiting area so other customers can breeze on through. You can also create a game out of this by setting a “max car in lane” goal. Every time the shift goes over the maximum number of cars you want to allow in the lane at one time they will have a point deducted. The team with the fewest points deducted at the end of your designated time frame will win.

 

Because most drive-thru timers allow you to record several different events at a time, you can modify all of these games to suit whichever goals you are looking to achieve. By creating an entertaining competition, your employees are likely to be more engaged and have fun with their shift. This will ultimately create a better customer experience and improve your bottom line.

For more drive-thru maintenance tips or tricks to help boost sales or improve your drive-thru efficiency, call CE at 877-731-0334.

Do you have different brands of drive-thru equipment? Not sure who to call when your equipment breaks down? CE is your total drive-thru solution. Not only does CE repair all major brands of drive-thru equipment, but they also have a trained technical support team that can assist with all of your drive-thru needs, no matter what brand of equipment you own. From programing your headsets to providing information on repairs, exchanges and onsite visits, CE has you covered.

 

Programming Equipment

Programming your drive-thru equipment can be a daunting task, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve done it. While some drive-thru timers and headset systems have become more user friendly over the years, there are still many out there that require extra help to get you back up and running. Many drive-thru systems require various combinations of button pushing or switch toggling to successfully program them. If you’ve misplaced the user’s manual it’s practically impossible to figure out the sequence without additional help. Whether it’s registering drive-thru headsets, setting up reminders in the message center, or re-installing drive-thru timers, CE’s technical support staff is able to help you every step of the way.

 

Troubleshooting Sound Quality Issues

Drive-thru sound quality plays an important part in order accuracy and speed of service. If the order taker or the customer has to repeat themselves because of problems with the audio, it can really slow things down. It also has a negative impact on the customer’s experience which is bad for business. If you are experiencing static, choppy audio or any other issues with your drive-thru sound quality call CE’s technical support team. They will troubleshoot your drive-thru equipment to find out exactly where the problem lies. Once the problem area is found, they will let you know what adjustments to make and give you advice on your next course of action if the problem is not resolved.

 

Providing Information about Repairs, Exchanges, and Onsite Visits

Not only are CE’s technical support reps skilled at troubleshooting equipment, but they are also very knowledgeable about when to send in repairs, when you should think about doing an exchange, and when an onsite technician is necessary. They can also provide you with the cost difference and timeframe of each service.

 

Next time you have a question about any of your drive-thru systems give CE a call at 877-731-0334. Technical Support is standing by to help with all of your drive-thru needs, from registering a headset, to assisting with drive-thru timer repairs and much, much more.  Best part of all, it’s free! What are you waiting for?

Finding the right drive-thru repair facility can be a daunting task. There are many things to consider in your search such as convenience, price, quality, and trust. Below are five attributes that solidify CE as the perfect vendor for all your drive-thru equipment needs.
 

1. Quick Service - Because CE has been in business for over 40 years, they know what it takes to repair your drive-thru equipment--and fast. In most cases CE provides 24-hour service. That means from the moment your equipment reaches them, they will fix it and have it packaged to return to you by the next business day. 

 

2. Factory-Authorized Repairs - You can trust that your drive-thru headset or timer repair is in great hands because CE is factory approved and authorized to work on your drive-thru equipment. Every CE repair starts with a 35-point inspection and will be tested once it’s fixed to make sure your drive-thru equipment works properly before returning it to you.

 

3. Warranty - In the unlikely event your drive-thru equipment malfunctions within four months after it is received from CE, they will fix it again for free. You can also purchase maintenance agreements for a low monthly fee to cover your entire drive-thru system. That means if any part of your drive-thru system goes down, you won’t have to worry about unforeseen expenses when sending equipment for repair.

 

 

4. FREE Technical Support - There’s nothing worse than feeling helpless in a stressful situation. If your drive-thru equipment breaks down, give CE a call.  Often they are able to resolve the issue over the phone. The best part about this service is that it’s free!

 

 

5. E-Commerce - CE is your one-stop shop. Not only do they specialize in drive-thru repairs, but they also sell everything you need for your drive-thru, from headset ear foams to new base stations and timer systems, and everything in between. You can call in your order, or place it online thru CE’s website.

 

 

If you’re in the market to purchase new drive-thru equipment, one of the questions you are bound to ask yourself is “do I want to buy new or refurbished?” The best way to decide is by asking yourself the following questions:

·         How much am I willing to spend up front?
New systems will provide you with the latest in drive-thru technology, but can come at a hefty price. If you don’t have the budget for a brand new drive-thru system, refurbished systems are a great way to upgrade without breaking the bank. You may miss out on some of the functionality that a brand new drive-thru system includes, but many legacy drive-thru systems provide similar functions.     

·         How much am I willing to pay toward reccurring repairs?
One of the perks of purchasing a new drive-thru system versus refurbished is that they usually come with a one to two-year factory warranty. This means that if your drive-thru equipment fails within that time period, you can send it in for a free repair. Refurbished drive-thru systems usually come with a warranty as well. However, it’s valid for a shorter period of time. And because refurbished systems are pre-owned, there is more chance of underlying issues, which means that you could end of sending in equipment more frequently for repairs.

·         Are the “extras” important to me?
Over the years, there has been a lot of progression with drive-thru timers and headset systems. While most of them still function the same way, there have been advancements in sound clarity and message centers in drive-thru headset systems, and new, remote-reporting features in drive-thru timers.

·         Can I trade in an older drive-thru system to help offset the cost of my next system?
Many store owners don’t know that there is still some value to their old systems. Some companies, like CE, will allow you to trade in your old drive-thru equipment and apply that money toward a new system. If you were planning to purchase a refurbished system because you didn’t have the money for a new one, this could be the little help you need.

 

When choosing the right drive-thru system, make sure you’re asking yourself all the important questions. If you still aren’t able to decide which system is best for you, call one of CE’s sales reps at 877-731-0334. They can provide additional information and answer any questions you have regarding specific systems. They can also provide recommendations for the system that will best fit your restaurant.  Good luck, and happy shopping!

I love my System 30A drive-thru system from HME. It’s a reliable piece of equipment that I can count on to provide up-to-the-minute information on the performance of my drive-thru lanes. In fact, they’re so reliable that only time I need to do anything with them is when I want to change store hours, load new paper, or some other occasional task. And I usually have the shift manager do that.

 

Wouldn’t you know it – the last time we needed to load a new roll of paper, the shift manager was out sick and I was on duty. I didn’t remember how to go about changing the paper, so I took advantage of CE’s online video training for the System 30A.  These short training videos cover topics like how to:

 

·         Change the time

·         Change store hours

·         Properly load paper

·         Set up dayparts

 

Watching the video only took a couple of minutes, and in no time I had a new roll of paper installed and the drive-thru timer system was up and running again. These kinds of convenient resources are one of the main reasons I stick with CE for my drive-thru equipment needs.

Need to adjust a belt-pac but aren’t sure how? Want to change some of the settings on your drive-thru timer but can’t find the manual? Then check out CE’s free online training videos. Designed to help you maintain and operate your headset system equipment more efficiently, these short (usually less than a minute) videos provide useful information on a variety of drive-thru equipment and procedures.

 

Here’s a sample of some of the videos you can find on our video training page:

 

HME Wireless IQ

• How to change the language on a belt-pac
• How to clear the registration
• How to take an AIO headset out of hands-free mode
• How to register a wireless IQ belt-pac

 

HME System 30A

• How to properly load paper
• How to change the time
• How to change store hours
• How to set up dayparts

 

And don’t forget – if you need help with a technical question, give us a call at 877-731-0334. Our helpful drive-thru repair experts will answer your technical questions free of charge!

You have enough headaches running a busy quick service restaurant without constantly having to worry about equipment breakdowns and how much it will cost to fix them. Now, you can protect your equipment and get peace of mind at a very affordable price with CE’s Drive-Thru Protection Plan.

 

 

 

For one fixed monthly fee, you get:

 

 

 

• Unlimited drive-thru repairs
• Reduced downtime
• No long-term contracts
• Fast, professional repair of any model or brand
• Quality parts and service

 

 

 

Our plans cover everything from headset systems to drive-thru timers and cabled equipment, and offer a variety of coverage levels and options. Why worry about drive-thru equipment maintenance when you could be focusing your time and energy on running your store more efficiently?

 

 

Call CE today at 1-800-737-0688 to learn more about our different equipment protection plans.

I am a manager of several quick service restaurants in San Diego, CA. My weekly schedule is always hectic and jammed packed, with constantly visiting, checking up on the stores, and receiving updates from my employees. Having many tasks on my list of things to do throughout the week, in order to keep the restaurants running as smoothly as possible, the last thing I use to want to deal with is broken drive-thru equipment. I am sure that any manager or supervisor can relate when I say it is a nightmare having to deal with sending in the broken drive-thru equipment for repair and hoping it comes back fixed properly the first time around.

 

Having found CE Repairs a few years ago, drive-thru repairs no longer seem to cause much stress or agony to my daily life. In my eyes they are the drive-thru repair heroes! They have so much to offer and treat me with the upmost respect and care every single time I do business with them. They have consistently impressed me with their quick turn around on drive-thru repairs, and with their consistency of producing excellent and qualified drive-thru repairs on all my drive-thru equipment. If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to get in contact with CE Repairs and see what they have to offer with their drive-thru repairs, I promise you will gain peace of mind along with a great company to help keep your quick service restaurant up to speed.

 

Last week we gave you a few points on why CE Repairs should be your ultimate choice in a drive-thru repair facility. If those did not quite sell you on relying and trusting CE Repairs to take care of all your drive-thru repair needs and more, then here are some more points and facts on why CE repairs will be your drive-thru repair hero in more ways than one!

More about CE Repairs:

• CE Repairs is fully staffed with expertly trained and skilled technicians.
• CE Repairs offers same day service for all their customers. The technicians will fix your repair in 24 hours of receiving the drive-thru repair. If this is not met then your repair will be FREE of charge on CE Repairs.
• We provide nationwide installation and service by referrals of qualified onsite service providers.
• CE Repairs also offers free inbound shipping on all drive-thru repairs. All you need to do is fill out the simple drive-thru repair form and send it in to CE Repairs!
• CE Repairs also offers what many other drive-thru repair facilities do not, which, is free technical support in many different avenues. You can call our toll free number at 877-731-0334, you can watch our helpful how-to videos, review and download any of the user manuals that we provide for you, and also look over the FAQ's page and maybe find your answer!

CE Repairs has much to offer and these facts are only the tip of the ice burg. You will receive great service and care from us here at CE Repairs. We want to make sure our customers are 100% satisfied with all their drive-thru repair needs!

 

Are you in search for a reputable and reliable drive-thru repair company? Look no further than CE Repairs. We have plenty to offer you and are confident enough in our work that you will be satisfied with your drive-thru repair.

About our Drive-Thru Repairs:

• CE Repairs is a drive-thru repair facility that has been around for about 35 years.
• It is the only independent drive-thru repair facility that is HME factory- approved and trained.
• CE Repairs services all of the major drive-thru brands, such as: HME, Panasonic, and 3M.
• We do not compromise on the quality of our drive-thru repairs for our customers. Unlike many other drive-thru repair companies out there, we will not claim that we can fix a drive-thru repair we cannot. If we happen to run into this problem we will immediately notify you and you will receive either $65 credit to the purchase of a refurbished drive-thru product, or, 100$ credit to the purchase of a new drive-thru product. We pride ourselves in our integrity and always want to give the best to our customers.
• All of our drive-thru repairs go through a thorough 35-point inspection before the actual repair begins; we want to make sure the drive-thru repair is one that will last you.

Not sold yet on CE Repairs? Stay tuned for next week for more about why CE Repairs should be your one and only pick for a drive-thru repair facility!