By Jacob Graham, June 3rd 2014
A strange debate has been occurring online as of late, concerning whether or not restaurants (more specifically, servers) should be burdened with the task of charging a customer's electronic devices. I say strange because what seems like such a trivial matter, plugging something in, has turned into a debate of principles. One argument, published in
Vice, comes from server
Tae Yoon, who believes that cell phones "
can create a lot more bullshit" for servers to put up with, outside of their normal duties. A counter argument, penned by
Matt Duckor in Epicurious, argues against Yoon, saying that it is all about courtesy and hospitality. I'm not going to rehash their opinions here, but rather ask a question: Is charging your customer's electronic devices good for your business? Short answer, yes. Read on for the long version.
Just like with
Google Glass and
Electronic Cigarettes, restaurants are having to quickly adapt to changes in consumer technology. While the former issue has more to do with
customer on customer interactions, and the latter with
regulations, the implications are the same; restaurants are having to make decisions about how technology fits in with their business. I'm not concerned with whether
using your phone in a restaurant is rude - argument for another day - this just concerns charging a guest's phone.
The fact of the matter is that more than
two thirds of adults in the US (not including those tech-savvy teenagers) have smartphones. It stands to reason then that smartphone owners make up a sizable chunk of restaurant's business. Catering to your demographic is business 101, so if your customers have smartphones, you are officially in the smartphone charging business. Just like calling a cab for a patron or opening the door for them as they leave, it may have nothing to do with your food, but it has a lot to do with whether or not that customer returns. While reasonable adults probably won't hold a grudge for refusing to charge their devices, accepting the task is sure to make a positive impression. Also, you want calm guests, not
panicked, my-babysitter-can't-reach-me diners pushing you to bring them a check.
So here's a top tip from Tablebases.com. Charge your customer's phones, tablets, cameras, e-readers, e-cigarettes, Google Glasses, and whatever else they happen to be carrying with them. The good news is that because so many people have smart devices, charging accessories are plentifully available and quite cheap. Head down to your local electronics store, and pick up a dozen or so different charging cables. Starting off with the basics, iPhone (Lightning & 30-Pin), Mini USB, Micro USB, should cover most devices. For anything specialized, hopefully your customer will keep a charging cable handy. It is probably best not to have wait staff handling customer's devices (that smells of liability to me), instead go for at-the-table solutions. While installing wall plugs and USB power outlets at every table would be the most complete solution, you avoid the costs and hassles by purchasing portable battery packs to lend to customers while they eat, so they can keep track of their belongings (making things even easier, these usually ship with a variety of cables/adapters to fit different devices).
Technology is not going to stop progressing, for better or worse. Think charging a customer's cell phone is a major annoyance? Be grateful you can do so inside. Just wait until guests start asking staff to
charge their cars.
Source:
Vice,
Epicurious,
Image Credit (Flickr)
The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the original author and other contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Tablebases.com.
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