Why do restaurants ask for your phone number when you call in take out?

[aphex]

?

 

[olds]

So they can track your orders or call you back to confirm.
I remember one place who knew who you were when you called. Caller ID?

 

[imported_stev]

So if you stumble on that question, they know that you were trying to send a bogus order to a friend (or enemy) as a joke

 

[Ronstang]

That is how they store your info in their database. The next time you call them it is likely they already know who you are before they even pick up the phone.

 

[V00DOO]

So you don't try to order something and not pick it up.

 

[RelaxTheMind]

Just in case your a hot girl?

 

[spidey07]

It's quicker to ask for your number to confirm delivery address. As soon as you call the delivery address is automatically filled. They're just making sure your information is in the point of sale systems and that the info is correct.

On the concept of caller ID. By the time they pick up the phone all fields are already populated thanks to caller ID. Favorite method of payment, usual order, special instructions, most used specials, etc.

 

[nageov3t]

I think a ton of the above posters didn't read the word "take out."

I'd say it's two reasons... 1: there's a question about the order or, after taking your order they find out that they're out of stock on something you asked for, and 2: if you stumble on the question, you might be someone who's just screwing with them.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: loki8481
I think a ton of the above posters didn't read the word "take out."

I'd say it's two reasons... 1: there's a question about the order or, after taking your order they find out that they're out of stock on something you asked for, and 2: if you stumble on the question, you might be someone who's just screwing with them.

Nope. It's all about customer relationship management.

The number is just an easy way to quickly confirm you are indeed the customer they think they are speaking with. That and an easy way to contact the customer.

The phone is still the most powerful tool there is in communication.

 

[OrganizedChaos]

in case the delivery guy can't find your house he can call you and get directions

 

[Leros]

Just in case. They might have a problem or a question.

 

[TallBill]

Originally posted by: OrganizedChaos
in case the delivery guy can't find your house he can call you and get directions

I'm suprised that it took so many replies. My old address had fucked up street numbers, and if it was the first time back there, the delivery guy always called.

 

[kranky]

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: OrganizedChaos
in case the delivery guy can't find your house he can call you and get directions

I'm suprised that it took so many replies. My old address had fucked up street numbers, and if it was the first time back there, the delivery guy always called.

I think that's because the OP said it was a take-out order.

 

[olds]

Originally posted by: kranky

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: OrganizedChaos
in case the delivery guy can't find your house he can call you and get directions

I'm suprised that it took so many replies. My old address had fucked up street numbers, and if it was the first time back there, the delivery guy always called.

I think that's because the OP said it was a take-out order.

:laugh:

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: spidey07
It's quicker to ask for your number to confirm delivery address. As soon as you call the delivery address is automatically filled. They're just making sure your information is in the point of sale systems and that the info is correct.

On the concept of caller ID. By the time they pick up the phone all fields are already populated thanks to caller ID. Favorite method of payment, usual order, special instructions, most used specials, etc.

While this is true, the vast majority of take out places (local small businesses) will simply use the number for verification purposes (call back and confirm order/match phone number) or in case of something going wrong with the order.

There are too many shops out there that still do not have the POS Software and hardware capable of what you described. It's not cheap for a small business.

 

[zerocool1]

Originally posted by: stev
So if you stumble on that question, they know that you were trying to send a bogus order to a friend (or enemy) as a joke

but are you going to leave your number on there?

 

[shortylickens]

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat

Originally posted by: kranky

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: OrganizedChaos
in case the delivery guy can't find your house he can call you and get directions

I'm suprised that it took so many replies. My old address had fucked up street numbers, and if it was the first time back there, the delivery guy always called.

I think that's because the OP said it was a take-out order.

:laugh:

I'M suprised it took so many replies to derail this thread.

 

[FeuerFrei]

So they can blacklist your number if you don't show up for the food.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: spidey07

Originally posted by: loki8481
I think a ton of the above posters didn't read the word "take out."

I'd say it's two reasons... 1: there's a question about the order or, after taking your order they find out that they're out of stock on something you asked for, and 2: if you stumble on the question, you might be someone who's just screwing with them.

Nope. It's all about customer relationship management.

The number is just an easy way to quickly confirm you are indeed the customer they think they are speaking with. That and an easy way to contact the customer.

The phone is still the most powerful tool there is in communication.

they don't do it any more, but the little mom and pop pizza shop i order from sometimes did it and i guarrantee they weren't keeping a database or anything about their customers. it was to confirm orders so that they weren't getting pranked and wasting food.

 

[postmortemIA]

Would you rather be asked for your SSN?