In today’s highly competitive QSR drive-thru market, it’s hard enough to get customers to come to your restaurant, especially those who may be trying you for the first time. So the last thing you want to do is unintentionally drive them away with something you’re doing or not doing.

Keeping your headset system and other drive-thru parts functioning properly is a good start. Then follow through by avoiding the top five turnoffs for drive-thru patrons:

• Letting customers sit unattended at the order point
• Getting the order wrong
• Having slow service times due to order mistakes or non-functioning drive-thru parts and equipment
• Putting an inexperienced crewmember at the order point or delivery point
• Neglecting the external appearance of your drive-thru (dirty, smelly, cracked pavement, etc.)

You never know which turnoff will be the one that makes a customer decide not to return to your drive-thru, especially with first time customers. So why take a chance?  Keep your drive-thru parts in good shape so crewmembers can focus on providing excellent customer service. And don’t let these turnoffs creep into your daily operations.