The demand for online food ordering has significantly increased as a result of COVID-19. Restaurants are increasingly searching for solutions that allow customers to order delivery or takeout online.
This helpful guide takes you through the steps you need to follow to set up an internet food ordering system.
What is an Internet System for Ordering Food?
An online ordering system enables a restaurant to accept and manage online orders. An online food ordering system typically consists of a website or app that customers can use to peruse the menu and place an order and an admin interface that the restaurant can use to accept and process customer orders.
The majority of online food ordering systems are comparatively simple to set up, making them an excellent choice for restaurants trying to adapt to a quickly changing operating environment. If you’ve been thinking about expanding your restaurant’s sales online but aren’t sure where to begin, keep reading for advice on how to pick the best online ordering system for your operation.
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Why Create an Internet System for Ordering Food?
Although it takes some initial work to set up an online food ordering system for your business, there are numerous long-term advantages.
Save Money: Many third-party services charge up to 30% commission on each order. After you’re up and running, you’ll simply need to pay a subscription and minor transaction fees.
Get Larger Orders: Customers feel less hurried when placing orders for food online. According to studies, orders placed using an online ordering system are likely to be larger; most of these systems also let you add upsell recommendations to the customer’s checkout process.
Appreciate Control and Flexibility: Building your own app gives you control over everything from product presentation to bundle creation and shipping options.
Maintaining a Strong Client Base: If you choose to use a third-party food delivery company, you run the danger of losing devoted clients since third-party websites feature your restaurant alongside many others serving comparable food. Your own online ordering platform will entice customers to return and keep them away from any alluring competition offers.
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How to Establish an Online Meal Ordering System
There are three main methods restaurants can set up an online ordering system:
1) Directly Through Your Restaurant’s Website
First, check to see if your current website host supports food ordering plug-ins or modules. This will be the quickest and easiest way to launch a delivery service.
2) Make Use of an Outside App
With the rise of meal delivery, third-party apps have proliferated. Although using apps like Uber Eats or Deliveroo exposes your business to a large number of potential consumers, many businesses find the fees — up to 30% of the order’s value — to be excessive. Although it’s quick and simple to get started using these apps, your team will still need to manually re-enter every order into your POS system.
3) Use an All-Encompassing Solution
Some SaaS platforms provide food delivery ordering systems that include payments, point of sale, online ordering, staff management, and a kitchen display system. These systems have often been designed exclusively for the restaurant sector and are totally customizable; as such, they can be adapted to match the demands of your venue, whether you run a tiny café or a big, full-service place.
What Factors Should I Take Into Account When Selecting a Website for Online Ordering?
With so many online buying platforms available, it can be challenging to know what to consider when choosing what system to employ. Take into account the following factors:
- A good system will make it simple to customize a solution that represents your restaurant’s operations and your brand’s colours, style, and feel.
- The Interface for Users (UI): Customers are more likely to browse your menu and make an order when the user experience is sleek, easy to use, and modern. A creative user interface can also raise the probability that your consumers will spend more money and accept upsell offers.
- Check Compatibility: A point-of-sale system that interacts with your online ordering platform will enable your restaurant to manage online orders in the same way that you manage in-person purchases, saving your staff the time and effort of manually entering these orders again into your POS. Your online ordering platform will also need to operate without any issues on computers, tablets, and other mobile devices.
- Delivery: Delivery solutions that weren’t previously used by the restaurant business have seen significantly wider customer adoption as a result of COVID-19. Verify that your online buying platform enables you to offer fulfilment options like click-and-collect.
Programs for Loyalty and Rewards: Some online ordering services offer their customers loyalty points for each purchase they make. Rewarding your consumers for their loyalty increases the likelihood that they will come back, and returning customers tend to spend more.
