How A Mobile App Could Revolutionize The Food Industry

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The mobile trend is moving rapidly. We have witnessed the rise of smartphones, which resulted the birth of other exciting industries like applications creation, mobile marketing and location-based services.

Snapfinger, a mobile application that allows users to order food within a few scrolls and taps could be following the success steps of Tap Tap Revenge. With menus from 28,000 restaurants in 1,600 the U.S and Canada, there is certainly something for every North Americans.

All stakeholders warmly welcome the idea; restaurants gain additional sales, consumers enjoy greater convenience and Snapfinger benefits through charging restaurants 3 percent to 10 percent of each bill.

Real-time Info

The app isn’t just a middleman but also adds value to diners and restaurants by providing real-time data and relevant purchase recommendations.

“There are tools for group ordering for an office lunch, ordering favorite items with one click and getting location-based, limited-time coupons.

Snapfinger is linked to each restaurant’s computerized cash register, and it reflects what is available at what price that day. This real-time information is helpful because each of the hundreds of restaurants in a chain has different prices, daily specials and store hours, and if one runs out of an item, Snapfinger knows it…”

“People who order takeout using Snapfinger spend about 25 percent more than when they order from a traditional menu… That is because Snapfinger prompts people to add items, like grilled onions on a hamburger — the kind of upselling previously done by servers.”

App as Menu

Snapfinger importance was highlighted as one chain plans to replace its menus with iPads running Snapfinger’s app (how cool is this!). This move aims to reduce wages and improve productivity and sales. Of course, star waiters are still very much needed to complete diners’ experience with a human touch.

Could it Revolutionize the Food Industry?

It probably could. Data makes a huge difference here. Restaurants are open to share their data with Snapfinger for it to create better order experience. Timing and market are also in its favor. As more people are adopting smarter phones, convenience apps like Snapfinger would be hugely welcomed.

Plus, the U.S food takeout business is huge, generating $50 billion revenue a year; 3% of $50 billion. You do the math.

With greater financial muscle, Snapfinger would be able to further improve its food ordering experience. Perhaps tapping into social data like friends’ recommendations, likes and reviews is a possibility. Just a thought.

Source: The New York Times