E-commerce, or digital commerce, is simply online shopping. When Tim Burners-Lee created the internet, we don’t believe that he foresaw people shopping online in this capacity, with such a large segment of the world’s commerce routing through his creation. But yet, here we are. E-commerce is one of the most convenient ways to purchase anything today, and as cyber security has evolved, it’s also one of the more secure ways, as long as you are using a secured payment method. So how can online payments improve the hospitality industry moving forward post-pandemic?
Contactless payments for a cashless world
Cash is one of the largest spreaders of germs in the world, there is no doubt about that. Money is absolutely filthy and a single note comes into contact with thousands of people or more during its circulation. One of the issues with cash is the ability to pass on pathogens in the form of bioterrorism using the paper and polymer notes to their advantage. As a result, banks and financial institutions have widely adopted contactless payments via bank cards and mobile technology to reduce the use of cash and hopefully slow or stop the spread of nefarious germs (cue mental image of a germ, dressed as a mafia boss, complete with a cigar, angrily waving his gun in the air in protest of this comment). If you are one of those who still likes the feeling of a wad of cash in your pocket, try swapping it with a roll of paper and make the switch to contactless payments. They are as safe as they can be, once you use a reputable payment method through a reputable application (learn the signs of safe and unsafe checkout options) and you’ll be doing yourself a favour in the long run.
Contactless and e-commerce payments are really the way forward. It’s much more convenient for both the customer and the vendor, but it is much safer, health wise. We all experienced how much of a lifesaver online food shopping was during the lockdowns. It was so overbooked that people just could not get a delivery slot, but without it, there would be queues outside of shops that would have taken hours to wait in. Online shopping has become a necessity to our lives, especially in the western world.
Less contact, but even more convenience…
While convenience is at the top of the list, the real benefit behind using e-commerce for the hospitality industry, especially after the pandemic, is reducing the amount of contact we have to slow the spread and increase our safety and efficiency.
Say you’re a customer at a restaurant. You’ve had your meal and now it’s time for your bill. Normally, they would print your receipt and bring it to your table, and then you’d pay by cash or card. But what if there was a better way? Imagine if the restaurant went completely digital, and instead of printing your bill, you were able to book a table, place orders and pay your bill all through an app… The only contact the staff at the restaurant would have would be bringing the orders to your table. The added bonus would be the ability to better describe your meals, have customers rate them and publish reviews so that future customers can see what your customers really enjoy and why, or take a punt on something they wouldn’t normally get as a result of someone else’s review.
There are so many benefits for restaurants to do this, since they will be able to control how many people are in their restaurant at a time, allow customers to see how full or empty they are before they arrive and also give the kitchen a better estimate on how busy their days will be. The data collected could also be used for research and creating a better product offering.
Building creditability
The hospitality industry has taken a massive hit during the coronavirus pandemic, and it will take time to recover not only financially, but also with consumer trust. One of the ways to rebuild consumer confidence is through peer reviews. We are more likely to purchase an item or go on a holiday somewhere new if a friend has already tried it and has a positive review, because we want that positive experience too. However, we are not limited to solely our friends. When we buy online, we read through customer reviews to see what others who have purchased had to say about it.
We all know the typical options for any business online: website, social media, TripAdvisor, Google business listings, Yelp, etc. But if we want to do better, and be better, we have to think outside of these confines. If the technology to make a better system does not exist, create it, make it scaleable, and you just created a new sector and revenue stream for your business; you’re no longer a pub/hotel/restaurant alone anymore, you’ve diversified into a new application for your industry. Businesses need to start thinking differently and step outside of their industry shell if they want to survive. If you’re ready to do that, then you’re ready to tilt your business.
About TILT Creative Agency
TILT Creative is a UK based creative agency specialising in content creation and managed solutions for blogs, websites, branding and social media. Désiré, the chief writer, artist and strategist behind TILT Creative Agency, has worked with a variety of clients (from startups to luxury brands) across all kinds of industries (such as automotive, beverage, construction, oil and gas, tourism, and health and safety) all over the world, including the United Kingdom, Dubai, Africa, America and the Caribbean.
TILT Creative’s core philosophy is to change the perspective, or ‘tilt’ it. How can you TILT your business? Could it be a brand refresh, a better experience on your website, or perhaps a stronger blog strategy? Maybe writing a book on your expertise could skyrocket your company’s credibility and revenue?
Désiré’s work quality stems from her ability to infuse your brand’s story with the essence of abstract creativity, and disseminate a unique experience that stimulates the senses to your customers on an individual level, while meeting your business’ objectives. Her comprehensive research process, attention to detail, and pursuit of perfection embellishes every piece of her work: writing and design. The results are always favourable.
Ready to TILT your business? Find out more at www.TILTcreative.agency or send an email to [email protected].