Free SMS package launched to help cafes and restaurants pivot to takeaway during COVID-19 shutdown

27 March 2020, Melbourne: Australia’s largest specialist messaging provider MessageMedia has today launched a free assistance package to support Australian cafes and restaurants switch to a takeaway and “text-in” operating model during the government enforced COVID-19 shutdown.

On the eve of #thegreataussietakeaway this Saturday March 28th, the package includes free messaging credits, a dedicated phone number to promote to customers and support from the MessageMedia team to redirect dine-in services to new takeaway and delivery options – all via SMS.

CEO of MessageMedia, Paul Perrett, said the business has a long association with this sector and is helping a number of restaurants, cafes and other hospitality venues transition to a text-in ordering model and wanted to offer their support in this time of need.

“As this crisis worsens and businesses across the globe face temporary closure, we want to do our part to help our customers and others in the hospitality industry who are doing it so tough right now,” Perrett said.

“So many restaurants and cafes are scrambling to shift from a dine-in to a take-away business model and we know that the quicker that happens the more people’s jobs and livelihoods can be saved. That’s why MessageMedia is offering this free package for those impacted, so they can quickly provide a convenient method for customers to order pick-up or delivery without having to pay a third party.”

“It can be done without requiring someone to man a phone line, which we know is crucial at a time when many are so busy re-rostering staff, automating old processes and streamlining new sources of revenue.”

“We’re seeing tremendous resilience and ingenuity across many of the small businesses that have been hit so hard during this crisis, and it’s never been more important for the business community to work collaboratively and support each other to get through this.”

With so many businesses relying on SMS as an essential service, MessageMedia has released a dedicated COVID-19 customer resources hub, designed to help businesses adapt and ensure business continuity, whether it’s for emergency alerts, appointment reminders or other essential services.

Kara Bobbera, Assistant Manager at Albert Park Hotel who has worked in the hospitality industry for over a decade, said: “It has been a devastating couple of weeks for so many restaurateurs, cafe owners and workers across the whole hospitality sector. But for those that can, now is the time to band together and innovate, which is why it’s so great to see MessageMedia and others throw their support and resources behind the industry in its time of need.”

What the SMS ‘text-in’ package includes for your hospitality businesses

• Free use of MessageMedia SMS services for the government shutdown period* in a package that includes free messaging credits, plus a dedicated phone number to promote to your customers.
• Assistance with getting up and running with one of our messaging experts.
• Access to advice and tools via our customer resources hub, such as high-performing messaging templates we’re seeing used by the food and beverage space right now. To take advantage, businesses are asked to contact the MessageMedia team today and reference this offer.