Digital menu board TVs often appear simple, but the right purchasing decision depends on location, reading distance, and customer flow. For cafe franchises, the main issues are usually frequently changing menu content, promotional schedules, and easily readable screen positioning. The focus is on preparing a brief so that vendors can calculate the size, quantity, and printing needs.
When to consider other options
Not all locations need a digital menu board TV. If content changes hourly and requires video, a digital screen might be more appropriate. If a poster is only a temporary announcement without the need for light, a regular frame might suffice. A sound decision starts with usage patterns, not with the largest size that looks appealing in a photo.
In practice, the main focus is on ensuring menu and promotion content can be updated without printing new posters. Also, consider the content update workflow, electricity, screen position, and animation duration, as small details like these often determine whether the display is helpful or hinders workflow.
Location checklist before purchasing
Check the reading distance, customer arrival direction, available space, and whether the display obstructs staff activities. For order counters, an overly large display can make the area feel cramped, while one that's too small won't help visibility. Also, note power access, content format, and screen update schedule.
In practice, the main focus is on ensuring menu and promotion content can be updated without printing new posters. Also, consider the content update workflow, electricity, screen position, and animation duration, as small details like these often determine whether the display is helpful or hinders workflow.
- Primary reading distance at the order counter
- Poster size and free space around the display
- Power access, content file format, and screen update schedule
- Frequency of promotional material changes
- Number of units for one store or multiple branches
How to prepare poster content
Poster material should use one main message, one strong visual, and short supporting text. Avoid including all menus or all services if customers only have a few seconds to read. For a digital menu board TV, a simple message usually works better than an overly cluttered design.
In practice, the main focus is on ensuring menu and promotion content can be updated without printing new posters. Also, consider the content update workflow, electricity, screen position, and animation duration, as small details like these often determine whether the display is helpful or hinders workflow.
Common mistakes
The most common mistakes are choosing a size before knowing the position, using text that is too small, and using images that are not suitable for the viewing distance. Other mistakes include forgetting to prepare content formats, update schedules, or screen positions that don't reflect too strongly. Ensure the content file format, menu update schedule, power source, and display duration are clear before installation.
In practice, the main focus is on ensuring menu and promotion content can be updated without printing new posters. Also, consider the content update workflow, electricity, screen position, and animation duration, as small details like these often determine whether the display is helpful or hinders workflow.
Cost and project considerations
Pricing is usually influenced by size, material, number of units, printing needs, finishing, and shipping complexity. For branch or project needs, prepare a list of locations, estimated sizes, area photos, and deadlines. A clear brief helps vendors provide a more reasonable estimate and reduces revisions.
