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When running a food business, time management is crucial. One key factor in delivering a smooth customer experience is setting an accurate order advance notice time—the minimum time a customer must place an order before it’s ready.
If your advance notice time is too short, you might struggle to prepare orders efficiently. If it’s too long, you could lose customers who need food sooner. So how do you set the right balance? Let’s break it down.
1. What Is Order Advance Notice Time (or Order Lead Time)?
Advance notice time is the minimum time required before an order can be fulfilled. It ensures you have enough time to:
✅ Source and prepare fresh ingredients
✅ Cook the meal properly without rushing
✅ Handle multiple orders efficiently
✅ Package the food beautifully for pickup or delivery
💡 Example: If you need at least 3 hours to prepare a large catering tray of Jollof Rice, you should set your advance notice time to 3 hours.
2. Why Advance Notice Time Matters
- ⏳ Prevents last-minute stress – You won’t have to scramble to fulfill an order.
- ✅ Keeps customers happy – They know exactly when to place their order.
- 🏆 Ensures food quality – No rushed, undercooked, or poorly packaged meals.
- 📊 Helps you plan ahead – You can optimize your kitchen workflow.
Without the right notice time, you risk delays, rushed meals, or even the need to cancel an order—hurting both your reputation and profits.
3. How to Accurately Set Your Advance Notice Time
A. Consider the Dish Type
Different meals require different preparation times. Categorize your menu based on how much advance notice is needed:
- Quick meals: Sandwiches, salads (30 min – 1 hour)
- Standard dishes: Pasta, rice meals, grilled meat (2–3 hours)
- Slow-cooked or special meals: Stews, roasts, large catering trays (4–24 hours)
👨🍳 Tip: If you make meals that require overnight marination or special ingredients, set a 24-hour notice time for those dishes.
B. Account for Bulk and Catering Orders
Large orders require more preparation. If a single tray of food takes 2 hours, a bulk order might take double or triple the time.
💡 Example:
- 1 tray of Fried Rice = 2-hour notice
- 5 trays of Fried Rice = 6-hour notice
👀 Pro Tip: Consider separate lead times for regular and bulk orders to manage expectations properly.
C. Factor in Ingredient Availability
Some dishes require ingredients that aren’t always readily available. If you need to go to the market for fresh seafood or special spices, add extra time to your notice period.
🚨 Example: If you prepare a dish that requires fresh fish from the market, set a 6+ hour notice time to allow time for shopping.
D. Adjust for Peak Hours and Workload
During busy periods, food preparation naturally takes longer. If your business is packed with orders during lunch or dinner rush hours, extend your notice time slightly to prevent delays.
📊 How to Manage Peak Hours:
- During quiet times → Keep notice time as usual
- During rush hours → Extend notice time by 30 min – 1 hour
E. Test and Update Your Notice Time Regularly
Review past orders to see if your advance notice time is working well. If you find yourself finishing early or struggling to keep up, adjust accordingly.
💡 Example: If you consistently complete orders before the notice time, you may reduce it to attract more last-minute orders. If you often run late, extend it slightly.
4. Communicate Clearly with Customers
Set clear expectations on your Keeor Food menu by accurately updating your advance notice time. If any delays occur, always inform the customer early.
By setting the right advance notice time, you can work smoothly, deliver high-quality meals, and build strong customer trust. 🎯🔥
