Online Ordering Platforms

Online Ordering Platforms: Benefits and How to Choose the Best One

60% of consumers now prefer ordering food online. This presents a huge opportunity for restaurants that are looking to increase their sales and improve customer satisfaction.

Continue reading to learn about the benefits of online ordering platforms and how to choose the best one for your business.

What Are Online Ordering Platforms?

Online ordering platforms are websites or apps that allow customers to order food from restaurants. Customers can browse menus, select items, and pay for their orders online. Once the order is placed, the restaurant will receive a notification and can begin preparing the food.

Most online ordering platforms also offer delivery service, which means that the restaurant will deliver the food to the customer’s doorstep. This is a great option for customers who cannot pick up their orders in person.

The Benefits of Using Online Ordering Platforms

Online ordering platforms allow restaurants to reach a wider audience. Customers who may not have known about your restaurant can now find you online and order from you.

They also make it easier for customers to order from your restaurant. They can browse your menu and place their order at any time, from anywhere.

In addition, online ordering platforms allow businesses to track customer behavior and learn more about their preferences to develop better products. This knowledge can help businesses create unique offerings that will appeal to their customers.

Many of these platforms offer discounts and free shipping on orders over a certain amount, which can reduce the overall cost of purchasing an item. These deals provide an incentive for customers to continue using the platform and ordering from you restaurant.

The speed of order processing is critical for a restaurant that depends on online orders for revenue. The faster an order is processed, the sooner it can be delivered to the customer.

A good online ordering platform tracks orders accurately and provides notifications when an order ships or is in the process of being shipped. This information is invaluable for managing inventory and ensuring that each order is handled properly.

Many restaurants offer customers the ability to contact them by phone or email with questions about their order. Online ordering platforms that offer this functionality are more efficient and customer-friendly.

Finally, online ordering platforms offer a great way to improve customer satisfaction. Customers can leave reviews and ratings on your page, which can help you attract more customers.

Other Considerations

Make sure the platform is compatible with your POS system. This way, you can easily track orders and keep track of customers.

Choose a platform that offers reporting tools. You can see which items are selling well and make changes to your menu accordingly.

Make sure the platform offers a mobile app. This makes it easier for customers to order from your restaurant on their smartphones.

Use an Online Ordering Platform for Your Restaurant

Online ordering platforms for restaurants are becoming increasingly popular because of the many benefits they offer.

When choosing an online ordering platform for your restaurant, it is important to consider the features that are important to you and how easy it will be to use.

Book a demo to see how an online ordering platform can benefit your business.

Setting up and Using the Platform

Most online ordering platforms are very easy to set up and use. You can usually create an account and start taking orders within a few minutes.

However, some platforms may require you to download software or make changes to your website. If you’re not comfortable with making these changes, look for a platform that offers tech support or has an easy-to-use interface.

Also keep in mind, you will need to maintain the platform, which may require updating the restaurant or menu information as they continue to evolve. Additionally, as new technology comes out, there may be updates to the software that would required.

Choosing the Best Platform for Your Business

First, think about your budget. Online ordering platforms can range in price from free to several hundred dollars per month. Choose one that fits within your budget and offers the features you need.

Second, consider your restaurant’s needs. Do you need an online ordering platform that offers delivery service, like a pizzeria? Are you looking for one with a built-in POS system? Make sure to choose a platform that meets your specific needs.

Another key consideration when selecting an online ordering platform is platform scalability. Will the platform be able to support the growth your restaurant needs? Many platforms offer customizability options so you can expand as your business grows.

The order process is another important factor to consider when selecting an online ordering platform. Do you want to be able to manage all order placement and delivery yourself, or do you prefer a platform that will take care of everything for you?

Key Features to Look for

The platform should be easy to use, both for you and your customers. It should have a user-friendly interface and offer clear instructions on how to place an order.

Another key feature the platform should offer are various payment options, such as credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. This will make it easy for customers to pay for their orders.

The platform should have excellent customer support in case you have any questions or problems. Look for a platform that offers 24/seven support.

Check out our features page to see the services we offer that can benefit your business.