The hospitality print audit: Everything venues should check before peak season
Peak season tends to arrive quickly, one week everything feels under control and the next your venue is full; Amidst all of the chaos, you notice your signs are faded and your menus are worn.
A quick print audit before things get busy can help the peak season feel a lot less stressful. Not only does it make your venue look more professional but it helps your branding stay consistent and makes sure your staff have everything they need.
Check out our checklist to spot any gaps you might have missed.
Exterior branding
Your exterior is the first thing your customers see, which means it’s worth freshening up before peak season begins. You want to give the best first impression you can, and that starts before your customers even step through the door.
Make sure to check:
- Your main signage is clean and easy to read
- Your opening hours are correct
- Any window stickers aren’t faded or peeling
- Any promotions are updated
You should check that someone would be able to understand what you offer easily and make sure that you keep on top of refreshing any graphics with new offers.
Menus
Menus are handled every day so they don’t stay looking new and fresh for long. Constant use, spills and regular cleaning can leave them looking worn and damaged quickly and this doesn’t create a positive experience for your customers.
Make sure to check:
- Prices are up to date
- Dishes have been updated
- They aren’t stained or damaged
- Drinks and dessert menus are available
Remember to try and keep spare menus at hand in case you need replacements.
Staff materials
Newer and clearer printed resources help your staff work more efficiently during the busy periods. It can also keep them feeling calmer because you have already taken a worry away from them about anything running out or not knowing what to do.
Make sure to check:
- Order pads are fully stocked
- Kitchen checklists are easy to read
- Cleaning schedules are displayed
- Staff handbooks are up to date
Double check that every member of staff has all the information and potential equipment they need.
Guest information
Good guest information will answer any questions they may have before they’ve even asked. This helps you have more time to focus on other things because you don’t have to be answering guests’ questions all the time.
Make sure to check:
- Room information is correct
- Contact information is correct
- Visitor leaflets are stocked
- Wi-Fi details are easy to find
Ask yourself if your guests could find everything easily without needing to ask for help and make sure to replace any outdated information on display to save any confusion.
Event signage
No matter what the event, you always need to make sure you have clear signage throughout to keep everything running smoothly. And to make yours and your guests’ day move smoother.
Make sure to check:
- Welcome boards are accurate
- Table plans are correct
- Banners are clear and in good condition
- Reserved signs are available
Guests should be able to find where they’re going with no issue and anything that is being laid out should look professional and high quality to reflect your own brand.
Venue signage
From small details to emergency notices, everything should be clear, legible and up to date. Whether this is helping guests find their way or understand important information quickly, a quick check to make sure everything is up to standard will help reduce any future confusion from guests.
Make sure to check:
- Toilet signs are visible
- Accessibility signage is correct
- Fire notices are current
- Assembly points are correct
- Health and safety posters are in place
- First aid information is displayed
- Cleaning schedules are displayed
- Public parking is clearly visible
Question if your guests would be able to find your facilities easily or if they would know where to find any information in case of an emergency. If you’re struggling to find any of this yourself then it’s a sign you need to update your signage to make sure your guests feel comfortable and safe in your venue.
Promotional materials
When your venue is at its busiest is when your marketing works the hardest, there’s more people looking at your signage and more chances of them acting on any promotions you have in place.
Make sure to check:
- Leaflets are stocked
- Posters are current
- Loyalty cards are available
- Business cards haven’t ran out
Scan through everything and make sure everything is up to date to avoid upset customers over old promotions and make sure to be keeping ahead of stock to make sure you don’t run out of anything.
Overview
A small print refresh can make a big difference. Your customers will always notice the little things and keeping on top of everything prior to the busy season helps stop any confusion or questions they may have, to help your day go that little bit smoother.
Fresh menus, clear signage, and just overall well presented materials all help create a better first impression and a better guest experience.
Spending time now on a print audit will save you plenty of stress later on.
If anything needs replacing, StressFreePrint can help with everything you need. We offer fast turnarounds and friendly support for any queries or questions you may have.
