FAQ
Do I need a phone line to get started with Zingle?
Zingle is a wireless service, similar to your cell phone. You do NOT need to have a phone line in order to start providing this service to your customers. We will provide you with a 10-digit, dedicated text ordering number.
Can I use my restaurant's existing phone number for Zingle service?
We recommend you keep your existing phone line so that you can continue receiving phone orders from customers who do not text. In time, they will convert to the convenience of text ordering. Phone-in orders take too long and are too complicated – yuck!
Do I need a computer or internet access to set up Zingle service?
Not necessary! You can set up your service using our online web page or your own cell phone. All features of our service are configured by you, from your cell phone or our online web page. We give you the convenience to make any and all changes from wherever you are, with no need to be in front of a computer or on the internet.
What DO I need so that I can start providing my customers with the convenience of Zingle?
You just need to contact us and sign up for Zingle service! We ship you a Zingle unit to plug in at your place of business, along with some marketing materials. After that, let your customers know they can now Zingle (text in) their orders by sending a text message right from their phone!
How do I know when one of my customers sent me a Zingle text message order?
When a text message order arrives at your place of business, your Zingle unit will ring, notifying you that a new order is coming in. You can choose to have the order ticket print automatically when the order arrives, or set it to manual mode, so that the unit will stop ringing and print the ticket AFTER you press the confirmation button on the Zingle unit.
How will my customer know that I received their Zingle text message order?
When your customer's order is received by your restaurant, a confirmation text message is sent back to them. When you are set in automatic mode, the confirmation text message is automatically sent when an order arrives, and when you are set in manual mode, the confirmation text message is sent after you press the confirmation button on the Zingle unit.
What happens if I need to contact the text ordering customer (because we are out of something)?
Easy. Every Zingle order automatically includes the user’s phone number. If for any reason you contact them, their contact information is provided. In our modern era, most text ordering customers are knowledgeable customers. It’s very rare that any of our Zingle businesses ever need to contact the customer before pick-up.
What happens if someone texts in an order and doesn’t pick it up?
Much like a phone-in order, you might get stranded one time but with Zingle's you’re not going to get stranded again. Zingle ‘s service includes proprietary software that allows each business to ‘block’ or ‘black list’ any user that abuses the system. In less than 2 minutes, the business can block the user’s number from ever texting to the Zingle again.
Is there a way for my customers to re-order without re-typing the text order?
Yes. Zingle has developed a FAVORITE text ordering system that allows our users to save their 10 favorite orders to any business with Zingle service and easily re-order those items by just texting “F1” (for favorite order #1) or “F2” (for favorite order #2). Ask your Zingle sales representative about the FAVORITE ordering system.
Is there a way to include payment with the text order?
A large number of Zingle businesses incorporate their gift card programs as a super simple way to allow customers to pay for their text orders. In order to maximize ordering (which is good for sales), our merchants have found that text ordering translates into more orders (compared to other payment required services).
How will my customers know how to use the service?
Zingle is very easy to use. Zingle is based on text messaging (the exact same interface used on mobile phones for everyday text messaging), meaning customers already know how to use it. Zingle’s text messaging platform provides the ability to maximize the number of customers who can order from you. Almost everyone has a text messaging plan or access to use text messaging.
Can I send a text message out to my customers?
Yes. Zingle provides an upgraded service that allows you to send outgoing text marketing messages to your customers. We provide an easy-to-use web page with your own personal log-in to manage your customer lists and outgoing marketing messages. We are sensitive to best practices and allow all text marketing customers to opt-out if they choose to not receive messages.
What happens if we are closed and a text order is sent in?
Don’t worry. Zingle has a mode that can respond appropriately to a customer who tries to send an order when the store is closed.
