Upselling and Cross-selling with AI: The Definitive Guide to Increasing Your Restaurant's Average Ticket Size in 2025
TL;DR:
- The Secret to Profitability: Increasing the average ticket is the most effective way to boost a restaurant's revenue without having to attract more customers.
- AI as a Strategic Ally: AI agents can increase the average ticket size by up to 25% through intelligent upselling and cross-selling techniques.
- Beyond Suggestive Selling: AI doesn't just suggest the most expensive wine. It analyzes customer preferences to offer personalized recommendations that truly enhance their experience.
- The Future is Smart Menus: Interactive digital menus, managed by AI agents, are the ultimate tool for implementing these techniques on a large scale.
What are Upselling and Cross-selling in Hospitality?
Upselling consists of encouraging the customer to buy a more expensive or premium version of the product they have already chosen (e.g., a premium gin instead of the standard one). Cross-selling, on the other hand, consists of offering complementary products to the one the customer has chosen (e.g., fries to go with the hamburger).
The Role of AI Agents in Increasing Revenue
An AI agent, such as those developed by tubot, can apply these techniques in a much more sophisticated and effective way than a human. How? By analyzing customer data in real time (order history, preferences, etc.) to make recommendations that not only increase the value of the order, but also improve the customer's dining experience.
Practical Strategies to Increase Average Ticket Size with AI
1. Smart Digital Menus
- Description: The customer scans a QR code and accesses an interactive menu managed by an AI agent. As the customer browses the dishes, the agent intelligently presents upselling and cross-selling options.
- Practical example: If a customer chooses a hamburger, the menu suggests adding goat cheese for an extra €1 (upselling) and recommends a craft beer that pairs perfectly with the meat (cross-selling).
- Benefits: Increased average ticket size, improved customer experience, and reduced wait times.
2. Personalized Recommendation Systems
- Description: The AI agent analyzes the customer's order history to make personalized recommendations.
- Practical example: If a customer has ordered spicy dishes several times, the agent can suggest a new dish with a touch of chili that has just been added to the menu.
- Benefits: Increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, and greater likelihood of trying new and higher-priced dishes.
3. Promotions and Dynamic Offers
- Description: The AI agent can create and deliver personalized promotions in real time.
- Practical example: If a customer orders two starters, the agent can offer them a third at a 50% discount.
- Benefits: Increased order value and perception of exclusive treatment by the customer.
Implementation: Step-by-Step Guide for Restaurants
- Menu and Process Evaluation: Identify dishes with the greatest potential for upselling and cross-selling.
- Selecting the Right AI Platform: Choose a solution such as tubot, which allows you to create smart menus and personalized recommendation systems.
- Integration with your systems: Connect the AI agent to your POS to access sales data and analyze the performance of recommendations.
- Staff Training: Teach your team to promote the smart menu and reinforce the AI agent's suggestions.
ROI and Costs of AI Implementation
| Investment | Price Range (SMEs) | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Software (SaaS) | €100 - €400 / month | 15-25% increase in average ticket size |
| Implementation | €300 - €1,500 (one-time payment) | 10% increase in table turnover |
| Maintenance | Included in SaaS | Improving customer satisfaction |
Success Stories in Spain
Hamburger and pizza chains in Spain are already using digital menus with QR codes to streamline orders. The next step, which the most innovative restaurants are already taking, is to equip these menus with intelligence so that they not only take orders, but also proactively sell. The results are clear: increased turnover and an improved customer experience.
FAQs about Upselling and Cross-selling with AI
- Will my customers feel comfortable interacting with AI to place orders?
- Yes. Most customers, especially younger ones, prefer the convenience and speed of digital menus. The key is to have an intuitive interface and relevant recommendations.
- Can the AI agent handle orders for customers with allergies?
- Yes. The agent can filter dishes based on the customer's allergies and offer safe alternatives, improving customer confidence and safety.
- What if a customer prefers to be served by a waiter?
- The smart menu does not replace the waiter, it complements them. Customers can always call on staff if they need to. In fact, by freeing waiters from the task of taking orders, they have more time to offer higher quality service.
Conclusion: The Future of Sales in Hospitality is Smart
Upselling and cross-selling have always been key techniques in the hospitality industry, but artificial intelligence has taken them to a new level of effectiveness and personalization. Restaurants that adopt AI agents to boost their sales will not only increase their revenue, but also offer a richer and more satisfying dining experience to their customers. Don't settle for taking orders; start selling smart.
Are you ready to increase your restaurant's average ticket size with the help of artificial intelligence? Request a demonstration of tubot and discover how our AI agents can start transforming your business today.
