In this article we’ll concentrate on how your QSR can increase average basket size.

We’ll look at …

  • Menu Engineering to highlight high-margin items
  • Personalising upsells through digital ordering
  • Bundling combos and limited-time offers
  • Implementing smart suggestive selling at checkout
  • Using time-based promotions

There can be no doubt that increasing the average basket size (the value of each transaction in your QSR) is a smart and simple way to grow your revenue without needing more customers.

Here are five practical ways to help your customers spend a little more:

1. Use Menu Engineering to highlight high-margin items

Where you place your menu items matters. Put your most profitable meals, combos, and premium add-ons front and centre, quite literally.

YUMBI-powered apps include a carousel banner at the top of the screen to highlight promotions – perfect for combo deals and featured upgrades.

2. Personalise upsells through digital ordering

With online and app-based ordering, you can suggest relevant add-ons to each customer.
Tailor messages like ‘Add a drink for R10!’ or ‘Go large for just R5 more!’ based on past orders, and watch your basket size grow.

3. Bundle combos and limited-time offers
Your customers love a good deal, in fact, most customers today seek them out. Bundle popular items into themed combo meals or seasonal specials like an ‘Autumn Snack Pack’ to boost the perceived value. These bundles increase spend while giving your customers a sense of saving.

4. Implement smart suggestive selling at checkout

Train your staff and ensure there’s messaging on your app to make a friendly offer before the customer pays. A simple ‘Would you like to add a dessert?’ can increase order value by up to 15%.

5. Use time-based promotions

Create urgency by offering upsizes or add-ons during specific times, like lunchtime or weekends. Use push notifications to say things like ‘Upgrade your meal before 2.00pm today!’ and catch those peak-hour boosts.

With these small tweaks, you can grow your average basket size, one order at a time for a resounding increase in revenue. Think creatively and it’s a win-win for your customers and QSR alike.