Wondering which online food ordering platform restaurants prefer most? Learn about the types of restaurant ordering systems and what to look out for in a restaurant online ordering platform.
What Are Online Ordering Platforms?
An online ordering platform is a system that enables your restaurant or cafe to take orders and accept payments from a distance – both online and in-person – with the help of software designed specifically for online food ordering.
Customers just view a menu and place their orders using their mobile devices while using food ordering online platform. You can either scan a QR code or put a link into the search field to accomplish this.
After the consumer has finished making their selections, they will immediately proceed to submit their purchase and pay for it. As soon as the order is received at the restaurant’s end, all that is left to take the order to the customer’s table or box it up so it can be delivered or collected.
The time it takes to place an online order is cut down significantly. Everything is done through a smartphone rather than engaging in an ongoing conversation with staff members.
Benefits for Restaurants to Implement Food Ordering Online
There are plenty of benefits for restaurants to implement an online food ordering system; we will cover a few here:
Ease of Ordering
Previously, to place an order, one had to either pick up the phone and contact the restaurant or drive to the restaurant to get takeout.
When you place an order over the phone, there is a possibility that there will be mistakes made in the order. These options for ordering meals from restaurants are not necessarily the ideal alternatives, particularly for people with hectic schedules.
Changing over to online platforms for food ordering is the most effective course of action. Customers will have an easier time with ordering if restaurants have a website, an app, or both. This will also help owners simplify restaurant operations.
Restaurant owners may develop a website, an app, or both. A restaurant’s day-to-day operations may be made more effective with the help of a system that allows customers to place orders online.
Efficient Order Management
By offering an all-encompassing customer interaction management (CRM) system, an online ordering system for restaurants may improve the quality of the relationship between the establishment and its clientele. It offers a comprehensive sales dashboard with details about new orders, ongoing orders, cancelled orders, lifetime sales figures, and other relevant information.
It also comes with an order management system that simplifies the entire ordering process, beginning with the placement of the initial order and ending with the delivery of the completed order.
When a consumer places an order using an effective online ordering system, alerts are sent to the restaurant employees by email or text message to assist them in completing the order as quickly as possible. On the other hand, such software typically comes integrated with GPS systems, which allows you to collect the recipient’s full address more accurately.
Access to Real-Time Data
The ability to obtain accurate information on the movement of money in real time through the restaurant is one of the most important features of an online ordering system. You will be able to monitor the expenses incurred throughout the preparation of the order and compare those costs. All of this can be done while monitoring the profitability of the business.
More Customer Data
Who are some of your most frequent patrons? What are their favorite items to order when dining at your establishment? Which kinds of food are most in demand?
The analytics and insights offered by a powerful online ordering system for restaurants may provide the answers to these questions and a great number of other inquiries linked to the industry. This information is useful because it enables you to offer customized promotions to your clients, encouraging them to continue visiting your business.
When you employ in-house solutions, you can do an in-depth analysis of ordering patterns and consumer preferences, which enables you to personalize your menu, services, discounts, pricing, and other aspects to give a customized experience for each customer.
Loyalty Programs
Customers are more likely to remain loyal to a brand that offers them a variety of rewards. It is common for a reward system in the form of points and discounts to function as a catalyst for repeat orders and customer loyalty.
This may be accomplished by luring users to a website or an app, delivering a streamlined ordering experience, and finishing the transaction with a rewarding system. Usually, regular customers will develop a pattern of collecting incentives, which may encourage them to place more substantial orders.
Customers are given a strong incentive to make repeat purchases through the online platform, which serves as a tool for the company through an online ordering system and a customer loyalty program.
Profit Maximization
The average size of orders submitted online is 20 percent higher. When consumers can go through the menu at their own pace without feeling pressured, they are more likely to take their time determining what to eat.
The idea is that the longer customers have to consider their options, the greater the likelihood they will place more orders. You can draw customers’ attention to certain goods on menus and encourage them to buy them by running specials.
What to Look Out for in a Restaurant Online Food Ordering System
Wondering how to choose an online ordering platform for restaurants? Below are some important things to look out for when making your decision.
Fees and Costs
You should be able to start small with the online ordering system you choose and grow as you go. Most businesses offer free consultations, and some even offer their most basic service for free each month. You may have to pay for the hardware of some systems in addition to the software. Be wary of companies that charge a commission per order.
Ease-Of-Integration
The best online order systems are easy to set up and easy for both staff and managers to learn and use. If something goes wrong, customer service should be there to help. If possible, the system you choose should be able to work with the ones you already have.
Customer Experience
Most people prefer to order online because it is quick and easy to place an order. This is only possible if your app is made in a way that makes it easy to use. The user interface (UI) of an app that delivers food on demand must be effective.
Promotional Support
Along with their online ordering systems, some companies also offer promotional marketing and customer service. Usually, this comes at an extra cost, but some companies include it in the cost of running their online ordering system. Promotional help could include things like helping you build a website for your restaurant with an online menu, a custom web page, search engine optimization, social media, driving traffic to your website, and more.
Access to Customer Data
Data is a valuable asset. The more you know about your customers, the more you can customize their experience at your restaurant. With so many restaurants to choose from, a customer will probably choose to eat where they feel cared for and leave feeling satisfied.
Types of Restaurant Online Ordering Systems
Third-Party Delivery Apps
Many restaurants that want to offer online ordering and delivery use third-party apps like Grubhub, UberEats, and Postmates.
At first glance, these apps look like great options for restaurants. They’re incredibly convenient. They put you in touch with people who already use apps and want food delivered. They are easy to set up, so you can often start taking orders online in just a few hours.
However, these apps also take a big cut out of your profits.
Content Management Systems With Built-in Online Ordering
A content management system (CMS) is software that lets restaurant owners create, edit, and publish digital website content without having to write any code. It has important eCommerce features like managing product inventory, shopping carts, shipping, and payment gateways.
Online Ordering Integration for an Existing Website
You can combine all of your online orders and sync them with your current POS, which will improve the operational flow of your restaurant.
Website Built From Scratch With Online Ordering Needs
There are many steps involved in making a website for food delivery, such as figuring out how people will order, choosing features, and choosing a design and platform for the website. You also have to spend time maintaining and updating it.
GRUBBRR – The Best Online Ordering Platform for Restaurants
GRUBBRR offers one of the best restaurant self ordering systems, and has been trusted by thousands of the top brands throughout the nation. To learn more about how and why GRUBBRR has the best online platform to order food, visit www.grubbrr.com.
