7 Reasons Why Your Restaurant Needs an Online Ordering System
Staying ahead in the restaurant industry means embracing change and meeting customers where they are—online. Consumers now demand convenience, and one of the most effective ways to offer that is through an online ordering system.
In 2020 alone, over 760 million people used online platforms to place takeout and delivery orders—a 20% jump from the previous year, according to Statista. With online orders growing 300% faster than dine-in traffic, it’s clear that takeout is booming. While many restaurants turn to third-party services like Grubhub and UberEats, these platforms often come with hefty fees and high commissions, benefiting your profits.
That’s why having your own in-house online ordering system is crucial. Not only can it save your business money, but it also gives customers the direct, seamless experience they prefer. 70% of consumers say they would rather order directly from the restaurant, according to Hospitality Technology.
Essential Reasons Your Restaurant Needs Its Own In-House Online Ordering System
Having an in-house online ordering system is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity for restaurants looking to stay competitive and enhance customer satisfaction. Here are the essential reasons why your restaurant needs its own online ordering system:
1. Drives More Revenue
Online ordering is a proven revenue booster. On average, restaurants that implement an online system see 32% more orders than those that rely solely on phone or in-person ordering. Furthermore, the average ticket size increases by 30% when customers order online.
Customers who order at their own pace tend to explore the full menu, leading to more add-ons, upgrades, and higher-value orders. In-house systems encourage this behavior, offering to upsell opportunities like combo deals, premium toppings, and dessert suggestions, increasing your bottom line.
2. Captures Valuable Customer Data
Unlike third-party platforms, an in-house online ordering system lets you own your customer data. This data is invaluable for building a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database, enabling you to create personalized marketing campaigns, reward loyal customers, and identify trends in customer behavior.
You can learn which items are most popular, tailor promotions, and send out targeted offers that drive repeat business. It’s a powerful tool that third-party systems can’t provide, helping you nurture a direct relationship with your customers and grow brand loyalty.
3. Consumers Expect It
The modern diner expects restaurants to offer online ordering. According to QSR Magazine, 70% of guests on a restaurant’s website anticipate this feature. This shift has made online ordering a necessity, not just a nice-to-have.
More than convenience, consumers also expect an easy-to-navigate menu and user-friendly checkout process. A clunky system can frustrate potential customers, leading them to abandon their orders. Make sure your online ordering system is mobile-optimized and intuitive, offering the streamlined experience customers have come to expect.
4. Increases Order Accuracy
Restaurants are busy environments where mistakes happen. Phone orders are prone to miscommunication—whether from noisy backgrounds, language barriers, or hurried staff inputting orders incorrectly into the Point of Sale (POS) system. Mistakes lead to unhappy customers, food waste, and lost profits.
With an online ordering system, the risk of error is greatly reduced. Customers control the entire process, including selecting menu items, customizing, and adding allergy notes. Orders are automatically integrated into your POS, ensuring accuracy and reducing the back-and-forth between the kitchen and the front of the house.
5. Optimizes Time & Labor
Time is money in the restaurant industry, and online ordering helps save both. Phone orders require staff to handle calls, input orders, and communicate pickup times. This is time-consuming and introduces opportunities for mistakes, such as missed calls or incorrect orders.
By implementing an in-house online system, your staff can focus more on in-person customers than juggling phone calls. With orders directly integrated into your POS, the process is faster, more efficient, and requires fewer staff members, helping you optimize labor costs.
6. Boosts Online Presence
Online ordering can significantly enhance your restaurant’s visibility. As searches for “takeout” continue to rise, having an online ordering system increases your chances of appearing in Google’s local search results, driving more traffic to your website.
There are several ways to leverage your system for increased online sales:
- Place an order button prominently on your website.
- Add an order link to your Google My Business profile.
- Use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to drive traffic to your ordering page.
- Claim your restaurant on review platforms like Yelp and add a direct order link.
An integrated system makes it easier for customers to find and order from you and strengthens your restaurant’s online presence.
7. Enhances the Customer Experience
An in-house online ordering system ultimately allows you to craft a more cohesive and personalized customer experience. From the moment customers land on your website to completing their orders, every touchpoint is under your control. You can customize the system with high-quality photos, offer special deals, and make real-time changes to your menu based on availability.
Streamlining the ordering process, ensuring accurate orders, and offering features like saved customer profiles and easy reordering make it easier for customers to order from you time and time again. Plus, you can integrate loyalty programs and offer exclusive discounts that incentivize repeat visits.
Don’t Forget About Food Safety
Food safety is a top priority with the increase in online orders and takeout. Ensuring your staff is trained in proper handling techniques is critical to maintaining quality and safety in every order. Programs like AAA Food Handler provide essential training on food safety practices, helping your restaurant meet health standards and protect customers. From kitchen hygiene to proper packaging and delivery, well-trained staff can prevent contamination and boost your restaurant’s reputation for safety and care.
Recap
An in-house online ordering system is no longer just a luxury—it’s a necessity. It helps your restaurant drive more revenue, capture valuable customer data, and meet modern consumer expectations. Additionally, it optimizes time, increases order accuracy, and boosts your online presence, all while enhancing the overall customer experience.
Investing in a streamlined, user-friendly online ordering system gives your restaurant the best chance to thrive in today’s competitive market while creating long-term customer loyalty. And don’t forget prioritizing food safety with training programs like AAA Food Handler is key to ensuring that your takeout and delivery service maintains the highest quality standards.
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