|
Article Directory
|
+ Authors
+ Articles
|
|
|
|
The Case of the Faltering Fax
Copyright (c) 2008-2012 Rudy Vener
Most of my clients get their online orders on their fax machine.
It is the simplest and most affordable option. You can get a good quality machine for about $100 and it works over a plain old telephone line.
But like any technology, a fax machine can develop problems, and sometimes it takes a little detective work to figure them out.
Giulio's Pizza of North Haven began accepting online orders through Pizza Galaxy in March 2007. For over a year everything worked flawlessly. Giulio's kept their fax machine in good condition, and Customers placed online orders which printed on the fax machine without problem.
Then suddenly, in late July,, their fax stopped working.
While fax failures happen occasionally, they are normally pretty easy to diagnose and fix. Someone has unplugged the fax machine or left it turned off. In one case, an employee kicked the telephone hand-set out of the cradle resulting in a constant busy signal.
When this happens, we call the restaurant, give them the order by voice and then ask them to check that the fax is turned on, plugged in and operating properly.
Ninety nine times out of a hundred that's all it takes. But Giulio's was definitely a one in a hundred case.
At their end everything looked fine. The fax was running, it would answer the phone and would go into receive mode. But invariably, the fax did not go through. Very odd.
Luckily, Giulio's is one of our closest clients and Gina and I decided to pay them a house call. Even more luckily, Giulio's has WIFI so we were able to bring along a notebook PC that let us place test orders at the shop.
One of the things we tell restaurant owners is to set their fax machines to answer on the first or second ring.
Fax machines often default to answer on the sixth ring. That is much too long a delay. The automatic fax system which transmits the order can decide there is no answer and gives up. I knew this wasn't the case because we had already tested Giulio's fax and found that it answered on the second or third ring.
At the restaurant we checked out the fax. It was connected properly, and had plenty of ink and paper. It appeared to b in the correct mode for receiving faxes and nothing seemed obviously wrong.
We used the notebook PC to place a test order.
That's when the fun began.
As we watched, the fax machine answered the call, went into Receive mode and began to receive the fax. So far so good. Then the machine suddenly stopped. The fax machine ended the call and went back to sleep. Uh oh.
Pizza galaxy's online ordering system automatically retries the fax in case of failure, so for the next few minutes we watched the above cycle repeat itself over and over again with nothing being printed.
At this point I decided it was time to power cycle the fax machine. That's when we discovered there was no on/off switch. There was also no way to reach the outlet to unplug the machine.
Sal, the owner crawled under the counter to reach the well hidden outlet. I don't think he trusted us not to unplug his dough mixer, but I could be wrong.
In any case, turning the machine off and on again did the trick. The next fax retry came through. Giulio's Pizza's fax machine is working again, online ordering has been re-activated and all is well.
Plus we now have a new procedure to use when troubleshooting faulty faxes.
Here are a few tips for ensuring your online ordering won't be the victim of fax failure:
1. Keep it clean.
The kitchen is a tough environment for fax machines. I know of at least one fax machine that died because it got contaminated with flour. Make sure your fax is safe from excessive heat, spills and airborne contaminants such as flour and hot oil spatter.
2. Set the fax to answer quickly
Some fax machines have default answer delays of six rings or more. This delay is supposed to let the owner pick up and answer by voice before the fax machine answers. This is not a good strategy in the restaurant since it adds needless delay. In some cases, the order sending system may quit and retry if the fax machine does not answer quickly enough.
3. Use a dedicated fax phone line.
Don't mix voice answering and fax machine calls. If a human voice answers it means the fax will have to be retried and just wastes everyone's time.
4. Make sure your fax machine is on.
You think I'm kidding? I've lost count of the number of new clients who forget to turn on their fax machines or forgot to train their staff to do so.
5. Keep spare ink and paper on hand.
One client had to de-activate online ordering because his fax machine ran out of toner and he didn't have any spares. Naturally this happened during the evening rush.
6. Location, Location, Location
Put your fax where staff members can hear it, see it and easily access the order the moment it arrives. These orders are just as important as the ones that come in by phone. Someone is going to want their food in a half hour whether they stop by for it or ask you to deliver. We were forced to shut down one online ordering system when the owner revealed that the fax machine was in a back office. And no, I am NOT going to name names.
7. Quality Counts
Don't be tempted to get a cheap machine from Vendor X. Go with a solid, high quality fax machine that will stand up to the rigors of daily use in your restaurant.
When your restaurant gets significant orders by fax it pays to keep your machine in good working order. A small amount of planning and preparation can mean years of reliable service from your online ordering system as it sends order after order to your fax.
Follow "The Phantom Writers" on Twitter
(@phantomwriters)
to be notified when new articles are made available.
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Business Offline Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Rudy Vener
Most Recent "Business Offline" Articles
How To Build a Strong and Powerful Business During a Recession
Written by: Trey McMartin |
Distributed: 2011-11-10 |
Word Count: 987 |
Page Views: 467
During a recession, most business owners pull the reins on
advertising budgets, fearful of what tomorrow might bring...
Those who remain fearful have forgotten what made them the
success they are today... They have forgotten that they have
a God-given talent to overcome the incredible obstacles in
their paths.
SEO Lessons from Local Businesses
Written by: Trey McMartin |
Distributed: 2011-11-09 |
Word Count: 945 |
Page Views: 871
More than once in the six years that I have been providing
SEO services for websites, I have had the opportunity to
discuss with individual business owners their search engine
optimization needs. Now and again, I run across an
individual business owner who is quick to say that SEO is
absolutely worthless. When confronted with such an absolute
statement, I like to press for details. It has been my
experience that people who speak in negative absolutes will
have a horror story to share.
Where Will FDA Target Next? What IVD Manufacturers Should Know Before Their Next FDA Audit
Written by: Norm Howe |
Distributed: 2011-09-12 |
Word Count: 706 |
Page Views: 353
Medical device manufacturers are always interested in knowing
what FDA's next area of focus will be. Well, if you're an In
Vitro Diagnostic manufacturer you might review your measurement
systems.
Online Fax - 10 Reasons To Get An Online Fax Service
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2011-09-12 |
Word Count: 560 |
Page Views: 366
Online faxing is the new more modern way to fax. If you or your
company is not using an online fax service, here are 10 good
reasons why you should get it.
Best Effort Essential for the Job Interview
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-30 |
Word Count: 676 |
Page Views: 446
Interviewing will determine if you are the right person for the
job. These tips will help you make the job interview a success.
Go Green With Your Career Search
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-28 |
Word Count: 636 |
Page Views: 361
Many of the qualities of green living, like recycling and
sustainability, can apply to a career search, even if the
career is not directly associated with green industries.
ReCareer in the Second-half of Life
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-26 |
Word Count: 525 |
Page Views: 424
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 3.00
Many of us worked the first half of our life to "fit" the
job description. ReCareering is about finding the right fit,
being selective, being creative, being fulfilled and being
intentional about how you spend your time.
Up in the Air
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-24 |
Word Count: 678 |
Page Views: 428
When looking for work or changing careers, go beyond researching
on the internet and reading articles. Find out how you can learn
from the art of listening and having a conversation.
Salon and Spa Owners: Which Monk Are You?
Written by: Dan Lok |
Distributed: 2011-07-05 |
Word Count: 477 |
Page Views: 465
Too many salon and spa owners are carrying around a lot
hurts, regrets, guilt, past failures and fears about the
future. But no one is forcing you to carry these emotional
rocks, so put that sack down!
The Single Most Profitable Day You Spend on Your Spa or Salon!
Written by: Dan Lok |
Distributed: 2011-06-30 |
Word Count: 470 |
Page Views: 569
Salon and spa owners need to combine their marketing plan
with marketing systems. A marketing calendar plans out
strategies for a year, and is instrumental to the success of
your spa or salon.
Most Viewed "Business Offline" Articles
How To Write A 300 Page Book In Four Months
Written by: Mark Silver |
Distributed: 2008-07-15 |
Word Count: 821 |
Page Views: 36741
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 1.83
There's a lot of hoopla about becoming an author of your very
own business book. The promise of fame and fortune is very
alluring. Yet your book remains perpetually 'about to be'
written. Meanwhile your business has ground to a halt. Hmmm...
might there be a better way to get a book written?
The Best Marketing Book I've Ever Read (You'll Be Surprised)
Written by: Judy Murdoch |
Distributed: 2007-05-09 |
Word Count: 1522 |
Page Views: 33878
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 3.60
From time to time someone asks me to recommend marketing books.
Here's one of my favorite marketing books that always surprises
people. Curious? Read on.
The Bizarre History Of The HOLLYWOOD Sign
Written by: Morris Timlen |
Distributed: 2008-11-05 |
Word Count: 1211 |
Page Views: 28590
| Votes: 22 |
Rating: 3.32
The most famous sign in the history of mankind is the one that
graces the side of the hill above Hollywood, California. As
famous a landmark as the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio De
Janeiro, the Eiffel Tower in Paris France, the Great Pyramid of
Giza in Egypt, The Church of the Savior on Blood in Saint
Petersburg Russia, and the Statue Of Liberty in New York City,
the Hollywood sign is known around the world as the symbol of the
American movie industry.
What Does It Take To Be A Successful Salesman?
Written by: Casey Moher |
Distributed: 2008-08-05 |
Word Count: 930 |
Page Views: 16097
| Votes: 68 |
Rating: 3.16
In the course of my average workweek, I meet people who tell me
that they have no sales experience, and very literally, many
will tell me that they could not sell if their lives depended on
it. Do you fit into this mold? Do you seriously believe that you
can sell me on the idea that you cannot sell things?
Selecting Between a 401(k) And 403(b) For a Nonprofit
Written by: Daniel Lamaute |
Distributed: 2007-10-11 |
Word Count: 333 |
Page Views: 6842
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 2.65
Newly released IRS regulations impose several new requirements
and fiduciary responsibilities on employers with 403(b) plans.
While the regulations generally don't take effect until January
1, 2009, there are some provisions that apply sooner.
Pitch A No-Hitter With Baseball-Themed Flower Gifts
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2007-12-25 |
Word Count: 413 |
Page Views: 6113
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 1.94
Want to send a gift to the baseball fan in your life that's sure
to knock one out of the park? Send flowers with a baseball
theme! Everyone loves flowers and when you personalize them to
include the recipient's favorite hobbies, like baseball,
they're sure to make an even greater impression.
Never Write A 'Thank You' Letter Again
Written by: Perry Maisin |
Distributed: 2008-08-12 |
Word Count: 971 |
Page Views: 5872
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 2.29
When I was in graduate school, I had a friend who interviewed at
fortune 500 companies and succeeded at landing a great job. One
day, I saw him sitting in the student union with a stack of
cards. The cards said 'thank you'. He opened each card and
signed his name. The inside of the card was blank. I asked him
what he was doing and he told me that it was important to send a
'thank you' to every person you interviewed with. He believed
that that was the difference between getting the job and being
passed over.
Conducting Effective Career Aspiration Discussions with Employees
Written by: Andria L. Corso |
Distributed: 2010-03-10 |
Word Count: 690 |
Page Views: 5333
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 1.88
Enhance your talent management and development programs
through conducting career aspiration discussions with your
employees. Find out where they want to grow their career to
determine if it matches your business needs. This will
enable you to differentiate your employee development to
grow the future leaders of your company.
The Pros And Cons Of Postcard Marketing-direct marketing offline
Written by: Cheryl Miller |
Distributed: 2006-11-29 |
Word Count: 675 |
Page Views: 4001
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 2.60
Postcard marketing is one of the oldest methods of marketing. Its
concept is simple but can be quite effective. It is just sending
out your message to your mailing list on a postcard. Postcard
marketing is a powerful and cost effective way to advertise and
will keep building in momentum when done correctly.
The Tea Room Business Plan – First Steps And Start Up Basics
Written by: Marcus Stout |
Distributed: 2007-03-22 |
Word Count: 1218 |
Page Views: 3706
| Votes: 19 |
Rating: 2.63
Every venture starts with the first steps and a business plan for
a quality tea room is no exception. Well thought out first steps,
properly implemented, will pay dividends in the business
operations of the tea room in later years.
Highest Ranked "Business Offline" Articles
Why Businesses Need Receivable Factoring In Cash Flow Management
Written by: Toby Seibert |
Distributed: 2007-08-08 |
Word Count: 866 |
Page Views: 1887
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.60
In today's business environment, many businesses need to
fine-tune the process of getting paid on invoices, in order to
improve their cash on hand. Improving cash flow can be an ongoing
challenge for businesses of all sizes, and it is an issue that
must be addressed to ensure the long-term viability of the
business.
Whose Restaurant Can You Find Online?
Written by: Rudy Vener |
Distributed: 2007-07-09 |
Word Count: 640 |
Page Views: 1550
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.40
What is so significant about Pizza Hut's latest TV commercial?
Business School for Non-Business Minds: Got a NAICS Number?
Written by: Melissa Mashtonio |
Distributed: 2008-04-15 |
Word Count: 423 |
Page Views: 1637
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.40
I’m a journalist. I spent a lot of my career in the news
business. As my career has progressed, I’ve spent time at small
and large companies, and I have sat through dozens of business
meetings wondering what the heck the “money” people are talking
about. They used acronyms as if they were a foreign language.
The Problem With Swiping Sales Copy
Written by: Scott Bywater |
Distributed: 2009-12-03 |
Word Count: 480 |
Page Views: 1062
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.40
This is what people miss when they try to simply "swipe"
sales copy from another advertisement.
Equal Opportunity Pizza Ordering
Written by: Rudy Vener |
Distributed: 2007-10-19 |
Word Count: 629 |
Page Views: 1547
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 4.38
With online ordering, your menu and restaurant suddenly become
accessible to both the deaf and blind customers in your
community.
The Secret To Making Successful Business Connections
Written by: Kate Smalley |
Distributed: 2006-10-11 |
Word Count: 672 |
Page Views: 1661
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 4.00
If you have a hard time making successful business connections,
don't despair. Anyone can be good at meeting people-if they use
the right technique. The whole secret to making a positive
connection is knowing how to attract people and inspire them to
want to give you a chance.
How to Build a Really Great Business? (Super Success Secrets from a Legendary Business Master)
Written by: Chet Holmes |
Distributed: 2007-01-15 |
Word Count: 1523 |
Page Views: 1648
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 4.00
Times are tough. The economy is in a constant state of upheaval.
Is your company doing better than most? Are you placing greater
emphasis on pure performance?
Get the Balance Right
Written by: Rich Thawley |
Distributed: 2009-01-28 |
Word Count: 638 |
Page Views: 1500
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 3.91
Do you build your business around your family or your family
around your business? The choice is yours.
Online Copywriting Makes Content as the King
Written by: Steven Gerber |
Distributed: 2006-12-11 |
Word Count: 560 |
Page Views: 1671
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.86
The inverted pyramid is basically the placing of 4 W's in the
primary sentences of the articles, supported by the other W and H
on the following discussions. Four W's consist of what, when,
where, and who. The other W which stands for why on the other
hand, follows on the succeeding paragraphs, including the
elaboration for the H which also stands for how, if necessary.
Interview Coaching: A Home-Based Business on the Cutting Edge
Written by: Carole Martin |
Distributed: 2007-08-24 |
Word Count: 1400 |
Page Views: 1416
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.86
You name it - Blackberry, Skype Connection, Cell Phone, iPhone -
these are the tools of this trade. Who would believe that someone
with a home-based business could reach out to someone in a far
away country and work with a client via a Blackberry and a cell
phone?
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|
This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 1020
Total Views: 843
Views This Month: 16
Views Last Month: 17
Article Rating: 3.00 of 5
Votes Cast: 4
Author Overall Stats:
Times Viewed Overall: 15345
Author Rating: 3.03 of 5
Votes Cast Overall: 74
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Article Title Search:
Widow Search
Right Blinker
Google
Yahoo!
Zuula
Bing
Cuil
Last Distribution Date:
2008-09-03 12:12:00
|
|
|
Home
for Writers
for Publishers
Article Directory
Article Search
Contact
Get RSS Feed
