Struggling to hit profit targets? A small average check size increase makes a big difference. This guide shows you how to boost customer spend. A slight bump in each customer’s spend impacts your bottom line. Learn actionable ways to achieve it.
Master Menu Engineering
Every menu item tells a story. Make sure it tells a profitable one. Place high-profit items strategically. Position them where eyes land, like the top right or bottom left of a page.
Consider this: a $12 burger with a 25% food cost yields $9 profit. A $7 dessert with a 20% food cost yields $5.60 profit. That dessert often makes more sense for your bottom line. Lavu POS data shows what sells and at what margin. Use Marty, Lavu’s AI layer, to pinpoint your most profitable dishes.
Train Your Staff to Sell More
Your servers are your front-line sales team. Give them product knowledge. Teach them specific upsell phrases. Suggest adding avocado for $2. Pair a specific wine with an entree. Role-playing builds confidence.
Give staff bonuses for higher average checks. Track individual server performance. A server with a $40 average check performs better than one at $35. Lavu POS provides data to track top sellers. This data informs targeted training.
Boost Beverage Sales
Beverages offer high profit margins. Train staff to suggest specific drinks early. Offer premium non-alcoholic options. Go beyond water or standard sodas.
Promote specialty cocktails, craft beers, and wine pairings. A $10 cocktail often costs less than $2. This impacts your bottom line. Smart beverage sales elevate the dining experience and your profit.
Tempt with Appetizers and Desserts
Appetizers and desserts are impulse buys. Servers must suggest them at the right moment. Present a dessert menu or tray. Tempt guests. Offer smaller, lower-priced dessert options.
An extra $9 appetizer or $8 dessert per table quickly adds up. These items increase overall spend. Make them irresistible. Use server recommendations and attractive presentation.
Create Value Bundles and Combos
Customers love a good deal. Create ‘meal bundles’ with an appetizer, entree, and drink. This boosts perceived value. It encourages guests to order more than à la carte.
A ‘dinner for two’ special encourages higher overall spend. You control the included items and your margins. This strategy makes customers feel they get more for their money. You increase your average check.
Use Your POS Data Intelligently
Your Lavu POS captures every transaction detail. It shows popular items, slow movers, and profit margins. This data is gold for business decisions.
Marty, Lavu’s AI analytics layer, identifies trends. It suggests optimal menu changes. Use these insights to refine pricing, staff training, and promotions. Marty helps you make data-driven decisions. It acts as a true operator ally.
Key Takeaways
- Re-engineer your menu for maximum profit per item.
- Train staff on effective upselling and cross-selling.
- Prioritize high-margin beverage sales. Include alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
- Push appetizers and desserts at key points in the meal.
- Bundle items or create combos to increase perceived value and total spend.
- Regularly analyze Lavu POS data and Marty’s insights for informed decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good average check size?
No. A good average check size varies by restaurant type and concept.
How can I motivate my staff to upsell?
Yes. Offer incentives like gift cards or bonuses for top performers. Create friendly competitions among servers.
Should I raise prices to increase average check size?
Yes, carefully. Analyze current food costs and market prices first. Small, strategic price increases on popular items can help.
Does offering daily specials increase check size?
Yes. Daily specials introduce new, high-margin items. Train staff to highlight them as premium options.
How often should I update my menu?
Update it regularly. Make minor tweaks quarterly. Change major items seasonally.
Can I use technology to help increase average check size?
Yes. A powerful POS system like Lavu tracks sales and customer preferences. Marty provides AI insights to guide menu and training decisions.
Ready to see Lavu in action?
Book a free demo and see how Lavu helps operators like you.
