Is it time for your restaurant to ditch the generic white-label mobile platform and go custom?

The pandemic changed a lot of things for a lot of industries and in some cases those changes were for the better. Since 2020, the restaurant industry has been using technology in new ways, better customer experiences, increased loyalty and improved methods of data collection. Apps have been a major part of that change and the benefits are numerous.

Mobile apps provide a platform for customers to engage with the restaurant - browse menus, place orders, make reservations and customize their experiences.. Customers can earn points, discounts, or exclusive rewards for their loyalty and receive personalized offers fostering a sense of exclusivity and appreciation.

From the restaurant perspective, apps enable seamless online ordering and delivery services eliminating the need for phone calls and increasing efficiency for both customers and staff. The technology enables restaurants to seamlessly implement loyalty programs to incentivize repeat business. Apps also provide a direct channel for communicating with customers by sending targeted messages about special promotions, new menu items or discounts that keep the restaurant top-of-mind. At the same time, the customer data that apps collect is an efficient way to learn about your customer’s behavior making it possible to make smart, data-driven decisions.. Lastly, a well-designed mobile app is a powerful branding tool for restaurants. Apps can showcase the restaurant's unique identity and create a consistent brand experience.

Now that we know apps are good for restaurants, what are the best options for your business? It’s very easy to find a white label product that is plug and play, however, when is it time to move on from a generic option. 

Many businesses start out with an out of the box solution. Why not? They’re relatively inexpensive, they’re easy to launch and can incorporate your basic branding. It’s a quick solution, but they aren’t designed to last. What is easy to start will eventually require an investment in development and maintenance. The interface must continuously evolve to meet customer needs.

Appstem can create custom products that not only elevate your business, but also…

• Bespoke Design: the team will create products that are developed to meet specific requirements and goals. This ensures that our products cater to the exact functionality, performance and satisfaction goals of your restaurant..
• Brand Standards: A customized product will let your restaurant’s unique identity shine through, differentiating you from our competitors. We’ll use your design aesthetics so the app is cohesive across your entire marketing portfolio.
• Scalability: We design products with scalability and future requirements in mind. Your team will work closely with us to build a product roadmap that anticipates future needs allowing the app to adapt as the business evolves. White label options, being generic and standardized, don’t offer the same level of flexibility..
• Support and Maintenance: You have a direct relationship with our team, enabling changes on the fly. Appstem offers tailored maintenance contracts that provide ongoing support after the product is launched. 
• Control: With a white label product you don’t own your app, you can’t access the data it collects, you have no control over new features or functionality and you have no customization. With an Appstem custom product, your app is your own intellectual property and you are in control.

Before your restaurant turns to an off-the-shelf solution, take a look at your specific goals and resources and reach out to our team at hello@appstem.com and learn more about how our customized mobile products can provide a best in class experience for you and your customers.