Class isn’t quite back in session, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn something new. Most quick-service restaurants spend anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars on drive-thru repairs each year. But did you know that you can cut that dollar amount down significantly just by performing routine maintenance on your drive-thru equipment? Here are a few simple steps that, if followed, will help dramatically reduce your drive-thru repair bill:

Avoid Liquids

Electrical components and liquids simply don’t mix. Keep water and any other solvents away from your drive-thru headsets. If a headset does fall into some form of liquid, take the battery out immediately and allow your headset to dry completely before attempting to turn it on again.

Battery Performance

For best sound quality, make sure you are using freshly charged batteries. If your drive-thru battery gets low, swap it out with a fully charged battery from the charging station. Also be aware of the age of your batteries. Most will have a manufacture date printed on them. If you’re operating with a drive-thru battery that is more than one and a half to two years old and you’re having issues with sound quality, chances are you may need new batteries. 

Clean and Test-

Routine cleaning is one of the most important steps of maintaining your drive-thru headsets. Pick one day a week and set time aside to thoroughly clean each one. Once you have finished cleaning, test each headset to make sure it’s working correctly. If you come across a broken or non-operable headset put it aside until you have completed testing the rest.

When a drive-thru headset repair is needed, place the broken equipment in a box and print out a free shipping label from our website. Simply attach the label to the box and drop it off at a UPS facility or hand it to your UPS driver. CE also offers current customer and new customer promotions. Check the special offers tab to see if there is a coupon for your drive-thru repair.

Check back next week to learn more about drive-thru maintenance. If you have a specific question regarding any of your drive-thru equipment, call CE at 877-731-0334.

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.

During the summer months quick-service restaurants tend to receive a heavier flow of traffic through their drive-thrus. With the increase of customers, drive-thru headsets are usually pulling double duty and have a higher likelihood of malfunctioning or breaking down due to constant usage. To minimize the amount of drive-thru repairs this summer make sure you are doing drive-thru maintenance checks on a regular basis. One of the easiest ways to save on drive-thru headset repairs is by following these simple steps below:

1. Clean Exterior of Drive-Thru Headsets

Use a damp cloth to remove particles and grease from your headset. If you use a mild soap, apply it to the cloth rather than the headset to ensure excess moisture doesn’t get into the electronic components. Stay away from spray cleaners and solvents as they can cause corrosion.

2. Clean Crevices

Use a small, soft bristled brush between the buttons and in the crevices of your drive-thru headset to remove small crumbs. This will prolong the durability of your headset and decrease the chances of component failure.

3. Check Condition of Earmuffs

The earmuffs on drive-thru headsets should be replaced every 60-90 days or more frequently if needed. This will provide better drive-thru sound quality, improve comfort, and promote better hygiene. If you have several employees, give them the option to have their own set.

4. Avoid Water

If liquid gets in to a headset or belt-pac it can cause significant electrical damage. If this happens to your drive-thru equipment, power it off, take out the battery and let all components completely dry before turning the equipment back on. If you are still experiencing issues with your communicator contact Technical Support at 877-731-0334.

5. Clean Batteries

To help prevent static, use a cotton swab moistened with alcohol to clean the contacts on each drive-thru battery, headset and charger port (make sure the battery charger is unplugged before cleaning). Not only will this reduce static, but it will also keep your batteries and drive-thru headsets functioning at peak performance.

6. Test Drive-Thru Headsets

Listen for static while adjusting the mic boom. If you hear static, try using a different drive-thru battery. If you are still experiencing static, call Technical Support.

Next, grab a partner to listen on a separate headset. Push the “B” button on yours and count from one to five. If they are able to hear each of the numbers clearly have them repeat the last step back to you. Switch out headsets and repeat. If at any point you are unable to hear all of the numbers there could be a problem with your headset. Contact Technical Support to troubleshoot further.

7. Keep Equipment Cool

To ensure you’re getting the best from your drive-thru equipment, store in a cool, dry place. This will help prevent from overheating, strengthen the life of your drive-thru batteries, and keep moisture from getting into electrical components.  

By following these seven steps you will experience less drive-thru equipment failures, better drive-thru sound quality, and happier employees and customers. What this means for you is reduced number of drive-thru repairs, better order accuracy, and improved overall customer experience.   All of these combined are sure to result in a wealthier bottom line.

For more tips or questions on how to improve your drive-thru efficiency give CE a call 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.

Most quick-service crew members simply don’t have time to wait on the phone to purchase accessories or replacement parts. CE makes it incredibly convenient by offering online ordering. You can make purchases 24/7, as well as view repair pricing, send in drive-thru repairs, and read up on ways to improve your drive-thru efficiency. Gone are the days of waiting on hold.  

CE makes ordering drive-thru equipment as easy as 1-2-3. With an online shopping cart you can purchase drive-thru headsets, chargers, batteries and other accessories without ever having to pick up the phone.

Follow these steps to get started:

1.       Hover your mouse over the “Drive-Thru Repairs Accessories & Sales” tab above, and click on your brand of equipment.

2.       Choose the drive-thru equipment or accessories you need and add them to your cart. You can make quantity adjustments while items are in your shopping cart.

3.       Once you are ready to place the order, click Checkout.
Fill out your shipping and billing information and submit your order.

If you need to send in a drive-thru headset repair, CE also offers FREE inbound shipping. Locate the shipping form on the “Send in a Repair” tab, fill in your information, and click submit. A shipping label will be displayed on the next page. All you have to do is print it and tape it to the outside of your broken equipment box. Drop off the box at a UPS facility or hand it to your UPS driver and we’ll take care of the rest.

Check back next week for more tips on how to improve your drive-thru efficiency. Right click here and select “bookmark this link” to make CE blogs easily accessible for your weekly reading enjoyment. If there is anything you cannot find on the site, call 877-731-0334 and one of our support reps will be happy to assist.

The words “low battery” are the last thing a crewmember wants to hear while they are in the middle of a lunch or dinner rush. In the time it takes to remove the dead drive-thru battery, find a new one, insert it and turn your headset back on, the customer at your menu board will be irritated that they have not been greeted. To keep this from happening and to improve your overall drive-thru performance, here are five tricks to maximize your drive-thru battery life.

1.       Clean Batteries

When a battery isn’t making a solid connection with the contacts in your drive-thru headset or belt-pac, it can cause communication to drop suddenly. The best way to avoid this is by cleaning your battery contacts and the contacts in your headset or belt-pac with an alcohol swab. Also clean the ports in your battery charger to ensure your batteries are getting the best connection when charging. When maintaining your drive-thru equipment, you want to make sure that all pieces being cleaned are turned off and that you allow them to dry completely before turning any equipment back on or inserting batteries back in.

2.       Know When to Charge

Because drive-thru batteries have a certain number of charge cycles in their lifetime, it’s best to charge only when they are low on power. By turning off your drive-thru headsets and belt-pacs when not in use, you’ll be able to save any power your drive-thru battery is holding, avoiding an additional charge cycle. If you are unsure whether they have reached the end of their lifecycle, there is usually a manufacturer’s date on the back of the battery. If your battery is more than one-and-a-half to two-years old, you’ll want to send it to an e-waste recycling facility or back to CE for disposal, and purchase a new one. CE offers batteries that work with HME, 3M, and Panasonic drive-thru headsets. Call 877-731-0334 today!

3.       Keep Equipment Cool
When batteries are fully charged, remove them from the charger and store them in a cool, dry place. For best results, also keep your drive-thru battery charger in a cool, dry place. This will keep them from any overheating that can cause electrical component damage. 
 

4.       Use Regular Outlets
To extend the life of your batteries, use regular outlets instead of switched or timed outlets. This will ensure your battery goes through the entire charge cycle.

5.       Check Battery Ports
Before turning on your drive-thru headset make sure the battery is securely in place. If the battery feels loose, or if the clip that holds it in place is missing, contact Technical Support at 877-731-0334. They will troubleshoot the problem and recommend next steps.

By utilizing these five tips, you’ll see better results in your drive-thru performance. Drive-thru sound quality will improve. You won’t have to switch out your batteries as often, allowing crew members to stay focused on customers. And you won’t be caught off-guard when it’s time to replace your batteries. For more tips on how to maximize restaurant efficiency, or any other drive-thru maintenance related questions call 877-731-0334.

Unfortunately, not every quick-service restaurant can afford to buy a new drive-thru system every couple of years. However, by doing a little drive-thru maintenance on a regular basis you can extend the life of your drive-thru headsets and keep small problems from turning into large ones. Below are the four most common issues seen in drive-thru headsets, along with solutions to keep your drive-thru system running longer.

1.       Ear foams falling apart or missing

Ear foams aren’t often thought about until they are falling apart, or completely missing altogether. Replacing them at least every 60-90 days will not only improve comfort, but also improve drive-thru sound quality and promote good hygiene. And with ear foams being one of the least expensive drive-thru headset accessories, it’s a no-brainer.

2.       Visible fractures or cracks
Small cracks may not seem like a big deal, but if liquid gets inside the casing it can seriously damage the electronic components of your headset. If that happens, your headset can be deemed BER (beyond economical repair), which means you would have to purchase a new headset to replace the one that was sent in. To save money in the long run, send in your drive-thru equipment for repair at the first sight of fractures or cracks.

3.       Stuck or broken buttons
If you aren’t able to communicate with other crew members or customers due to a broken or stuck button on your headset, it can really cause issues with speed of service and overall customer experience. Weekly maintenance will help reduce the chance of this happening. If you aren’t sure how to clean your drive-thru equipment, refer to your user’s manual. If a button is completely broken, send your headset for repair.

4.       Batteries taped to the headset

When a latch on your drive-thru headset breaks, it may seem like a good idea to tape the battery in place and continue working. What happens, though, if a drive-thru battery isn’t seated properly in the headset, is it causes drops in communication. You could be in the middle of taking an order and lose connection without realizing it, causing communication gaps, and potentially slower service and incorrect orders. It's best to send it in for repair, rather than taking that chance.

By taking proper care, you’ll be able to extend the life of your drive-thru equipment, saving you money down the road. Make sure that routine checks are done to ensure ultimate drive-thru efficiency. For more information on how to increase the life of your drive-thru system, call 877-731-0334. Our technical support reps are happy to give advice and help with any of your drive-thru needs.

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!

One of the most important aspects of managing a quick-service restaurant is maintaining your drive-thru equipment. With more and more customers using the drive-thru, rather than ordering in-store, it’s crucial that orders are filled quickly. If your drive-thru systems aren’t performing at their best, the result can be bad customer experiences, which jeopardize repeat business and ultimately  decrease your bottom line.

A quick way to evaluate your faulty drive-thru equipment is by calling CE's technical support at 877-731-0334. The rep will diagnose the problem and will either help you repair it over the phone or suggest next steps. If an on-site visit is required, a technician visit will be scheduled for you. Most often your drive-thru equipment will simply need to be sent in for a quick repair.