What Is Online Ordering?
Online ordering is a process that enables customers to order food and/or items from a restaurant or cafe remotely through the internet. These orders can be made by using a website form, mobile phone app or scanning a QR code. Restaurant owners can then collect the order, prepare the food and deliver it to the customer for pick-up or delivery.
Online and mobile ordering is a fast-growing trend for many restaurants. This is because it is a convenient option for customers who are busy, or prefer not to wait in a queue. It also helps to cut down on kitchen staff workload and improves productivity. This in turn, increases customer satisfaction and can even lead to higher customer loyalty.
Some big chain restaurants have even optimized their online ordering apps and websites to allow customers to place takeout orders at any time, day or night. This is a great way to encourage repeat customers and increase sales.
When deciding on an online ordering system it is important to look for a solution that has the features that your business needs. You will want to consider the type of food you are selling, how you plan to use the system (e.g. for deliveries or pick-up) and whether you are going to create a separate app or website.
The online ordering system you choose should also be easy to set up and use, for both your employees and your customers. It should be easy to set up the menu and the products you are selling and should have options for your customers to customize their orders. This could include different sizes, substitutions or extras. It should be easy to update the menu in real-time and reflect promotions or specials that you are running.
An online ordering system should be able to integrate with your existing point of sale system (POS). This means that it can automatically send orders to the restaurant and reduces errors from mishearing or forgetting an order over the phone. It will also give you valuable insights into your customer data which can help to identify new opportunities for sales and growth.
You should also be able to customize your branded ordering widget or website to match your branding. Make sure you can upload your logo and include photos of your menu items. Finally, you should be able to link the online ordering page to your own website or WordPress site so that your clients can access it easily and quickly.
A good online ordering system will allow you to connect with your customers directly without a third party service taking a commission. This can save you thousands of dollars each year. Look for a solution that offers 24/7 support and has the ability to create a branded mobile app. It should also be simple to install and integrate with your existing POS system.