How To Choose The Right Self-Serve Beer Tap System For Your Business
Self-pour technology is the latest in bar and restaurant industry innovation, allowing guests to pour their own perfectly-chilled drinks in a fraction of the time. No wait, no waste — only customer satisfaction.
However, no two self-pour systems work exactly the same. From fill-from-the-bottom taps to beer walls, each self-serve tap system offers unique advantages. When operational efficiency requires knowing which systems work best for your specific circumstances, GS Draft System Solutions is your comprehensive guide. We'll cover all the differences between self-pour tap systems, so you can install the best system for your business needs.
Why Self-Serve Tap Systems?
Self-serve systems are an investment, so why should you invest? Far more than just modern, aesthetic decor, these self-pour taps streamline services, optimize inventory, reduce waste, maintain beverage quality, and boost profits:
Streamlined Services: Self-serve systems are 4x more efficient than other beverage dispensing methods.
Inventory & Waste: Restaurants and bars with self-serve systems lose 1.2x less inventory to waste (3% compared to 23% for traditional taps).
Staffing Relief: Maintain operational efficiency with 20% fewer staff members.
Beverage Quality: Custom settings that maintain temperature and texture quality for a variety of beverages, from beer to wine, cocktails, cold-brew coffee, and more.
Boosted Profits: These systems can increase net profits by up to 45% or more!
Investing in a self-pour system, whether it's a sophisticated self-pour tap wall or an advanced bottom filling dispenser for other beverages, is a smart move for any establishment. The return on investment extends beyond just happier customers, you're investing in a superior customer experience that fosters loyalty, generates positive word-of-mouth, and ensures a fantastic return.
The Different Types Of Self-Serve Technology
Self-Serve Tap Walls
Otherwise known as self-serve beer walls, these systems can also self serve wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. Being attached to the wall, each glycol-cooled tap line can connect to a separate walk-in cooler, making it easy to store several beverage offerings at the perfect temperature. Personalized temperature and pressure settings make it easy to maintain high-quality beverages, while innovative usage monitoring helps reduce waste, optimize inventory, and increase beverage sales.
For patrons, the entire system is tied together via an easy-to-use touchscreen. The screen clearly displays drink details and descriptions, making navigation simple. Then, using secure RFID cards or wristbands, the drinks can easily be ordered or refilled.
Self-Serve Kiosks
Similar to self-serve tap walls, but with everything you need compacted into one streamlined unit, self-serve kiosks are another option for your business. Think of it as a self-service bar complete with direct-draw tap lines, where the cooler and everything you need is hooked up directly beneath the system. Choose from 4, 6, and 8-tap configurations.
ReverseTap Systems
ReverseTap technology isn't just for the bartender's attention. GS Draft also offers self-serve ReverseTap systems for a new and innovative way to reduce pour times and improve quality control. Patented cups and bottom-fill technology combine to accomplish the perfect pour in just 7 seconds, all while providing 99% keg yield. Different cup sizesc are available and easy-to-use, making the whole process a breeze while improving beer sales.
QuickTap Systems
The most effective automated technology for high-traffic venues, the QuickTap can pour perfectly-cooled beverages in just 5 seconds! Patrons receive the ideal beer head, and you get to enjoy nearly 100% keg yield. The system is also exceptionally easy to use, featuring a fully RFID-compatible, multifunctional keyboard.
Choosing The Best Self-Pour System For Your Business: Step By Step
1. Evaluate Your Business Needs
The first step toward choosing the best self-serve beer tap is knowing what exactly your business needs. From bar owners to stadium managers, every business will have a unique layout, branding, and customer base to cater to. For example, a compact kiosk may work best for a mom-and-pop restaurant, while QuickTaps excel in high-traffic environments.
Not sure where to start? Here are some essential tips:
- Building Layout: The shape and layout of your building impacts what kind of systems will work. Small, narrow spaces may benefit from long-draw systems that connect to a distant cooler, while an open-concept plan can be perfect for self-serve kiosks. When in doubt, we always recommend taking vital measurements before you start the design process.
- Foot Traffic: How many people need access to the self-pour tap system? Entertainment venues and other crowded spaces need maximum speed and efficiency, while more relaxed environments can focus on other priorities.
- Branding: How will you match the aesthetics of your new system with your brand's existing identity? Consider whether the system can accommodate custom design, including special finishes, cabinets, displays, and more.
- Beverage Offerings: What kinds of beverages do you offer, and how many different types? Whether you're a craft beer specialist or offer a wide variety, choose systems that can accommodate your offerings.
- Staffing: While self-serve systems are a game changer, reducing staff requirements by up to 20%, they still require regular cleaning and maintenance. Consider your current staffing needs and budget before deciding on a system.
2. Determine Your Budget & ROI Expectations
Once you've determined your business' specific needs, you'll need to choose different priorities based on a realistic budget. Always factor in any needed equipment, custom design, installation, and ongoing maintenance costs. It's also important to remember that self-serve systems can boost profits by up to 45%, so it might be worth evaluating how quickly your system will pay for itself based on typical volume and pricing.
3. Research Different Tap Systems & Providers
Always research the specific features and requirements of different tap systems, as well as the companies providing them. For example, compare pour speeds, beverage compatibility, RFID integration, and usage tracking features. A high-quality provider like GS Draft can help, offering not only the latest innovative systems, but also the expertise needed to help you make the right choice.
Plus, GS Draft goes above and beyond what you might expect from the competition. We never leave you high-and-dry with a system you don't understand. Instead, when you work with us, you get:
- Custom Design Solutions: Every system is designed to suit your needs, budget, and space while prioritizing both aesthetics and functionality.
- Installation Expertise: We install systems nationwide, bringing custom installation expertise to your location no matter where you are.
- Ongoing Maintenance Support: Never worry about cleaning or repairs again. We're always here to support you, providing regular maintenance and troubleshooting services that address issues early.
4. Consider Customization Needs
Can the tap system you prefer be customized to your business' unique goals? Whether you need walk-in cooler compatibility or custom finishes with branding elements, always choose systems that can be tailored to you.
After all, as your business grows and changes, you'll never know when and how you'll need to update a system. With GS Draft, we're on call to address your customization needs at any time. Plus, our comprehensive design process ensures you'll have the perfect installation from day one.
5. Plan for Long-Term Maintenance
Can you or your staff manage the system you want to install? From the moment guests start pouring to years down the line, you'll want a draft system that maintains its safety and operational efficiency for as long as possible. Opt for systems with a history of high-quality reviews, and always look for providers who can help with ongoing repairs and maintenance.
GS Draft Can Help You Choose The Best Self-Serve System For Your Business
Whether you're in the hospitality industry or looking for new ways to boost revenue, GS Draft's innovative self-serve beer tap systems are the perfect, customizable solution. From improving service speed to reducing costly waste, we're eager to explain how our systems can help your business. We can also help you choose the best system based on your unique goals.
Ready to start pouring?
Explore our comprehensive installation options by calling us at (949) 421-3882. You can also email us at sales@gsdraft.com. We look forward to your message!