Drive thru Buyer's Guide

📌 With so many options on the market, choosing the right drive-thru menu board supplier can be overwhelming. Here is a checklist of key factors to evaluate before making your decision:

1. Outdoor Reliability & Build Quality

• What is the brightness rating? (Minimum 2,000 nits recommended — we offer 2,500 nits standard)
• What is the IP rating? (Front should be IP65 for dust and water protection)
• What is the operating temperature range? (-30°C to 55°C is the standard for year-round outdoor use)
• Is there active thermal management (heating + cooling)?
• What panel brand is used? (Samsung and LG are the gold standard for commercial displays)
• How long is the warranty? (2 years minimum; beware of 1-year warranties on outdoor products)

2. Content Management Capabilities

• Is the CMS cloud​-based or on-premise?
• Can you manage multiple locations from one dashboard?
• Does it support dayparting and scheduled content changes?
• Is there an API for POS integration?
• What file formats are supported?
• Is training provided?

3. Customization & OEM Capabilities

• Can the enclosure be customized with your brand colors and logo?
• Are custom sizes available?
• Can the system integrate with your existing drive-thru equipment?
• What is the minimum order quantity for custom orders?
• Is there engineering support for custom projects?

4. Total Cost of Ownership

• What is the upfront cost per unit?
• Are there ongoing software licensing fees?
• What is the expected lifespan of the display?
• How expensive are replacement parts and repairs?
• Can components be serviced in the field?
• What is included in the warranty?

5. Support & Logistics

• Where is the manufacturer located and what are shipping times?
• Is there local support or installation partners in your region?
• What is the lead time for standard and custom orders​?
• How are warranty claims handled?
• Is technical support available in your time zone?