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.

 

 

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!

Everyone knows summer is one of the busiest times of the year for quick-service restaurants. With the weather warming up and schools letting out, more people are traveling and looking for affordable eating options on the go. If you haven’t started your drive-thru maintenance, now is the time to get on the ball. When you’re expecting heavy traffic, you want to make sure your business is fully prepared. CE not only provides the best quality service at the lowest price, but also provides discounts and specials so you don’t have to break the bank in order to have your drive-thru equipment running properly. Below are five ways to save with CE:

Bonus Bucks--For every $100 you spend on drive-thru repairs, CE will send you $5 in bonus bucks. You can redeem these with any future drive-thru repair. Simply place the bonus bucks in the box with your broken equipment and CE will deduct that from the total repair bill.  

New Customer Discount--Haven’t used CE before? Just for giving us a try, you’ll receive up to 50% off of any all-in-one drive-thru headset or belt-pac for any HME, Panasonic, or 3M drive-thru system. On top of that you will receive a four-month warranty on your repair.

Current Customer Discount--If you frequently use CE, there is an option for unlimited repairs at a low monthly fee. CE’s Drive-Thru Protection Plan covers all models and brands of drive-thru equipment. With a Protection Plan you can expect to receive reduced downtime at your store, high-quality parts and service, and peace of mind, knowing that your system is covered.

Free Drive-Thru Battery Specials--Many underestimate the power of the drive-thru battery. It not only keeps your headsets functioning, but when using newer, fully charged batteries they increase the amount of time between charges and also improve drive-thru sound quality. If you’re looking to purchase a drive-thru battery, consider ordering more than one at a time. They are always useful, and when you buy three you’ll receive the forth one free!

Multi-Store Discount--CE understands that keeping your drive-thru equipment in its best condition can get expensive. Running multiple stores can calculate to multiple repairs in a given month. That’s why CE offers up to 25% off select products and services for multi-store owners. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice great service to stay on budget.

The last thing you need is for your drive-thru equipment to take a vacation when everyone else is. So grab those busted headsets, dust off those dirty belt-pacs, and send them to CE. You'll get them back refreshed and ready to work, just in time for the summer rush.

It’s a fast-paced world in the QSR industry. Even with a first-rate staff, there’s no guarantee that equipment won’t get dropped or that it won’t fail. Drive-thru systems are no exception. Like any other equipment that is used daily, drive-thru systems require maintenance from time to time in order to keep things running at their smoothest.  In instances like these you need a repair facility that will get you back up and running – fast!

When it comes to drive-thru equipment maintenance, here are five ways CE has the competitors beat:

1. Same Day Service – Most equipment will fix and ship the same day, or within 24 hours of receipt. If that isn’t quick enough, CE also provides protection plans for a low monthly fee that allow an advanced swap-out of the equipment that needs repair. This means CE will ship replacement drive-thru equipment the same day they receive your call. Once you receive your replacements, just drop your broken equipment into the same box and UPS will come back to pick it up.

2. Factory Authorized – CE is factory authorized by Panasonic and is also the only independent repair facility in the United States approved by HME. CE does a 35-point inspection to ensure that every drive-thru repair receives the VIP treatment. Because the technicians are trained by the original manufacturer, you know your repair is built to last.

3. Free Inbound Shipping – On top of same-day service and factory approval, you’ll also receive free inbound shipping. Simply click on the Send In A Repair tab, and follow the three easy steps to send in your broken drive-thru equipment.

4. Nationwide Service – CE is not only centrally located, but also has an additional repair facility for maximized convenience and quick turnaround. This allows the capacity to service equipment nationwide.   

5. Lowest Price Guaranteed – If you weren’t convinced by the first four reasons to send your drive-thru equipment to CE, this will surely grab your attention: CE guarantees the lowest price for your repair. On top of those savings, CE also runs drive-thru battery promotions, and offers discounts for new and current customers.

So whether you have a drive-thru intercom system, timer system, or just need to send in drive-thru headset parts for repair, there’s no need to look any further. When it comes to drive thru equipment maintenance, CE has the competition beat.

I’m an owner of a quick-service restaurant in Oklahoma with an HME System 30 Timer and a 3M XT1 Headset System. In the winter we have a heck of a time with thunder storms and, wouldn’t you know, a lightning strike near my restaurant took down a power line and caused us to lose power throughout my entire store. We were left in the dark for several hours until the utility company could get out and restore our electricity. Once everything came back on, a surge caused my drive-thru headsets and timer to malfunction.  At this point anyone would be stressed and irritated. The last thing I wanted to do was sit on the phone with two separate companies, giving all of my information twice, in order for two separate technicians to come out and fix each piece of equipment.

Fortunately one of my shift managers took one of CE’s magnets off the filing cabinet and tossed it to me. Turns out CE repairs and services all major brands of drive-thru systems. Instead of taking up all of my time on two separate phone calls, I was able to have one of their technicians come out and repair both pieces of equipment at the same time. The convenience alone is a great reason to use CE for anything drive-thru related, but what puts them above the rest is their quality of work and the pride they take in the services they perform. Since the electrical outage, I have used CE for a couple of drive-thru headset repairs and to purchase a new drive-thru battery.

Whether it’s for a drive-thru intercom or timer system from 3M, HME, Fast Track or other, CE handles all drive-thru needs.  Their prices are the best in the market that I’ve seen, and their turnaround is the quickest.  There’s a reason why CE is the best, and you can count on me to be a life-long customer.

 

If you have broken drive-thru headsets, belt-pacs, drive-thru battery chargers, or timer systems, everyone knows that CE is the best place to send your drive-thru equipment for repair. But did you know that CE also provides onsite installation and service?

For drive-thru equipment problems that can’t be fixed by troubleshooting with technical support or shipping them for repair, CE has installation and service providers nationwide to help. Here are a few common problems CE technicians can fix onsite:

-Broken loops

-Bad speakers and microphones

-Wiring issues

-Malfunctioning vehicle detector boards

-Installation of base stations and drive-thru timer systems

-And more!

Whether you have HME, Panasonic, 3M, or any other major brand drive-thru equipment, CE is your one-stop shop for all your drive-thru maintenance needs. Don’t need any repairs, but can use a new drive-thru battery or other drive-thru accessories? CE also provides small accessories for all major brands. They even have an online shopping cart for your convenience. Now that’s what I call a full-service company!

People often purchase something because of all the bells and whistles that come along with it. Once they have it though, it’s tedious and frustrating to set everything up so they don’t end up utilizing most of the features, which led them to purchase the product in the first place.

Starting with the ION|IQ and now with EOS | HD, HME has made it easier to take advantage of all the amenities included in your drive-thru system. With an easy to follow digital menu screen on the front of the base station, and a quick start guide included at the back of the operating manual, you are now able to set up your customer greetings, employee reminders, and alerts in three easy steps. To make it even less of a hassle, there are 12 pre-recorded reminder messages to help you get started.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when setting up your drive-thru system:

1.       Record three to four greetings that play out to your customers at different times of the day. This can include specials or menu items you are trying to push for your different dayparts.

2.       Add a couple of important reminders for your employees such as “please check dining room trash” or “please wash your hands.” This will allow them to focus on other tasks so they aren’t constantly trying to remember everything.

3.       Also include one or two alerts to notify your employee that the freezer or back doors have been left open.

With the quick start guide and these helpful tips you are on your way to using your drive-thru system to its full potential.

 

“Can I get a la    che   ger   with    ion and no    kles?”

Have you had a situation like this in your drive-thru where the person keeps cutting out, or there is so much static in your headset that you’re having to ask them to repeat their order two or three times? It’s not only frustrating for the customer, but also for the employee taking their order. Most often people think that the headset must be broken, or that there is an issue with the speaker, or that the entire drive-thru system is busted.

There are situations where that is the case, but often times it’s a less severe problem than you think. Here are a few ways to troubleshoot your drive-thru sound quality before wasting time and money sending in equipment that might not be broken.

Try a few different headsets. If the sound quality is clear in any one of them, then you can eliminate the base station and drive-thru speaker post as the cause. Take a headset that sounds clear, remove the battery, and place it into the headset that is not working properly. If that headset now sounds clear, then it could be that you have a battery that is low on juice or is just getting old. Most drive-thru batteries have a manufacture date on the bottom. If the battery is more than two years old it should be recycled and a new one purchased.

Clean the connections with an alcohol pad. If drive-thru equipment isn’t cleaned on a regular basis, then grease build-up occurs and can get into the electronic components. If it gets into the battery compartment, it can interfere with the connection between the battery and headset, causing static and audio cut-outs.  Turn off your headset, take the battery out, and clean the connections with an alcohol wipe where the battery and headset meet.

Move to another area of the store. If your headset only gets static or cuts out in certain areas of the store then there could be an issue with the antennas on the base station. Someone may have removed one of the antennas to adjust something else in the base station and forgot to screw it back in, or when the antennas were screwed in they weren’t tightened down correctly. Unscrew each of the antennas all the way and re-thread them back in, making sure they are secured properly.

If you are still having issues with drive-thru sound quality, call in to our free technical support. Our friendly staff will troubleshoot further to narrow down exactly where the problem is occurring and help you get back up and running in no time.

I own a large, regional chain of QSRs, each one with dual drive-thru lanes. As you might guess, I use a lot of drive-thru equipment to keep those lanes running smoothly.  I happen to believe that HME makes the best drive-thru equipment, so all my stores are equipped with either the HME ION IQ or Wireless IQ.

 

When I need to purchase a new piece of drive-thru equipment or repair an existing one, it’s nice to know I can turn to one place for all my needs: CE. They’ve got everything from base stations to clothing clips, battery doors to speaker kits – and most of their products offer a choice of new or refurbished at very reasonable prices.

 

CE offers free shipping on all inbound repairs.  They have advance exchange programs when I can’t wait from something to get fixed. They even offer same-day repair service on many of the products they fix. And if you use drive-thru products other than HME, they can even fix those as well.

 

If you’re a dedicated HME user like me, I recommend keeping the CE phone number (877-731-0334) on your speed dial.  They have everything you need to keep your  drive-thru system running smoothly, including a full range of accessories. And they deliver it all with fast, friendly service!