The food delivery industry is evolving at a breakneck speed. When it comes to expanding your present customer base and increasing your cash stream, being online is the way to go as a restaurant owner.

 

 
 
The eatery has been in a state of emergency since COVID-19’s outburst. Restaurants began seeking ways to get out of the issue. Digitalization, fortunately, was a lifesaver for restaurants. Restaurants have relied on internet ordering systems for pickup and delivery to increase their bottom lines and stay afloat in the market. Restaurants are finding it tough to stay in business as a result of third-party delivery apps. With the outbreak of the pandemic, the number of third-party delivery apps has increased.
 
Since the pandemic, everything has changed for the customers. Customers’ dining habits have evolved, and many now prefer to order food online rather than visit restaurants. According to recent data, 70% of customers prefer to order directly from a restaurant rather than using a third-party app. This not only lowers restaurant costs but also minimizes consumer costs.
 
If you own a restaurant and are looking for a way to keep your business afloat during the crisis, consider purchasing directly from the internet. Customers can place orders online and pick up their deliveries right at their doorway thanks to the direct website ordering method. This will aid in enhancing corporate productivity as well as complying with social distance and hygiene rules during the epidemic. Restaurants can simply receive orders through the website, which will be sent directly to the kitchen, making it easier for your staff and visitors to receive and place orders. What are the advantages of ordering food directly from a restaurant’s website? Let’s take a look at the benefits of using a straight online ordering system:
 

• Makes the order processing easier
• Zero commission
• Keep orders high
• Customer database
• Expense control
• Integration with POS systems
• Brand power
• Low cost marketing
• Benefit of user-friendly solutions
• Enhanced customer experience
• Stay ahead of the customers

Makes order processing easier

 
Customers previously had to place orders over the phone or travel to the restaurant for takeout, then wait for the meal to be made and delivered. Placing an order over the phone can be a stressful experience, and there is a potential that the orders will be incorrect. And these methods may not be suitable for folks who lead hectic lives. This problem can be solved by moving to a website, an app, or both. This can simplify the ordering procedure while also streamlining the restaurant’s operations. An ordering system will aid in the restaurant’s smooth and effective operation flow. Customers take their time when placing an order in order to familiarize themselves with the discounts and offers. This will assist in improving the total order value.
 

Zero commission

 
After rent, food, and labor expenditures, a restaurant’s profit margins are typically 3-5%. If the restaurant wishes to raise its profits, it must boost its sales. Giving guests online access is one of the finest ways to do so. Customers like on-demand pick-up and delivery services, thus restaurants can gain more customers and increase demand by using online technologies. This will eventually result in increased productivity and revenue. The biggest benefit is that restaurants may avoid paying the 30%+ that third-party app sellers demand. GrubHub, DoorDash, and UberEats, for example, charge a commission fee that ranges from 10-15% for basic service to 30-35% for online marketplace advertising each order. Restaurants can offer consumers the option of ordering online and having it delivered to them. This company can grow sales while lowering costs.
 

Keep orders high

 
It can be difficult for restaurants to keep track of order processing while also keeping their staff and employees safe during a pandemic. However, creating an internet ordering system can assist in achieving both requirements. Restaurants can concentrate on their orders while also ensuring the safety and health of their guests and personnel. By assisting customers in placing orders through online media, restaurants can reduce the number of individuals that visit them. Instead of curtailing orders, restaurants can use automated technologies to keep their doors open.
 

Customer database

 
Do you know who your regular customers are? What do they have on their menu? Which of your restaurant’s menu items are the most popular? Are your customers aware of your company’s special deals and discounts? Do they prefer to order from a website or an app? For some people, this may be too much information. You’ll need a good client data management system for all of this. In this technology era, data may be a valuable tool for the restaurant. It’s simple to organize targeted marketing and promotional activities when you have information like previous order history, frequency, names, email addresses, and phone numbers. This would also assist in educating clients about offers, deals, and discounts, which will aid in customer retention.
 
Third-party ordering platforms store vital information on a restaurant’s patrons and will encourage them to reorder through their platforms rather than directly with the establishment. Having your own internet ordering system allows you to eliminate third-party apps and keep control of your consumer data. To target customers, you may create effective email marketing and SMS marketing campaigns.
 

Expense control

 
One of the most significant benefits of having an online ordering system is that it provides clear and exact information regarding the restaurant’s cash flow. You can also keep track of the costs associated with order processing and compare them to the price quoted to the customer. If you receive roughly 100 orders per day, for example, the automated platform will give you accurate monetary transactions of each order without you having to look at the cash registers.
 

Integration with POS systems

 
Whatever POS system you already have in place in your restaurant, there’s a direct ordering solution that can easily and successfully interact with it. This means that once you start utilizing the system, you won’t have to worry about the onboarding procedure. You can leverage the platform right now to improve productivity and boost sales. There’s no need to be concerned about the additional costs or hassles that come with converting to a complete POS system.
 

Brand power

 
A restaurant’s power is reflected through a brand-specific website. Customers ordering on the website will have a different experience than those dining in the restaurant. Before going to the restaurant, 80% of clients look at the website. With the growing popularity of online ordering, visitors must be able to place orders directly through a restaurant’s website. Loyalty is fueled by consistent branding across the whole online experience. From the homepage to the checkout, the website plays a critical part in providing excellent service.
 
Popular brands such as GrubHub, DoorDash, and others prioritize their brand, yet this actually reduces customer loyalty and repeat business. Customer loyalty will be boosted by an online ordering system that prioritizes the restaurant’s brand. Consumers will be aware that a direct delivery service is available. Restaurants will be able to ramp up their sales volume as a result of this.
 

Low cost marketing

 
Do you have a significant internet presence among your customers? Because the internet is free and accessible from anywhere, it is preferable to have your own business website. You should also have a strong social media presence, such as on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, to assist you to reach your target audience. You may also set up a Google Business account so that customers can conduct a quick search for your company while placing orders. Having a dedicated crew that can write eye-catching content on a regular basis and communicates with customers will show to be an excellent investment in terms of increasing website traffic and revenues.
 
Customers can be retained by demonstrating the human side of the business and having a positive relationship with the local community. You should position yourself as someone who cares about their consumers and make full use of social media channels. By boosting the brand’s online presence in the market, the restaurant industry can increase revenues.
 

The benefit of user-friendly solutions

 
People are used to ordering directly from websites and apps, thus online ordering technology is a user-friendly solution. Anyone with a smartphone may quickly place items and have them delivered to their doorstep while lounging in their favorite chair. The solution may be effortlessly linked with the restaurant’s POS system, making it simple for the staff and employees to manage the restaurant’s operations. The ordering system can be customized to meet the needs, specifications, and services provided.
 

Enhanced customer experience

 
With the direct internet ordering method, the restaurant’s operations can run smoothly. This can help to broaden the brand’s appeal to a wider audience. Customers will be able to place and receive orders without having to use their hands. This will function much better if the loyalty program is linked to the restaurant’s direct online ordering system. TouchBistro’s online ordering and loyalty integration is an example of this. When clients order straight from the website, their loyalty program allows them to earn and redeem rewards. Similarly, reward programs at restaurants might encourage customers to order from them again and again. If the restaurants integrate with a third-party platform, they risk losing clients because these platforms encourage people to purchase from a variety of restaurants.
 
Customers who order directly from restaurants contribute to the restaurant’s quality control. Because the staff and employees are well-trained and knowledgeable about your brand as a whole, they will assist in maintaining a great and consistent customer experience, allowing the restaurants to retain consumers.
 

Stay ahead of the customers

 
According to statistics, only about 2-3 % of restaurants around the world provide consumers the option of purchasing food online. Restaurants should grab this opportunity and make their services available to customers at their fingertips. Restaurants have begun to invest in new online ordering systems to help them remain ahead of the competition as customer demand for faster and more convenient ordering grows. Domino’s launched its online ordering system in 2010, and the company has since evolved to become the world’s second-largest pizza chain, with a stock price of $200.
 

Enhance automation and improve the customer reach

 
Restaurants’ online ordering systems enable automation, which aids in enhancing corporate efficiency without sacrificing sales. You can ensure that your employees are instantly aware of incoming orders and that orders are tracked in a methodical manner with the help of automation. Human errors will be reduced as a result of this. When restaurants provide consumers with an in-house dining experience, there is a risk of losing customers due to seating limitations. However, when restaurants engage in innovative solutions, they might see a 20-40% increase in customer numbers.
 

Wrap up

 
Setting up an online ordering system in the restaurant will aid in increasing efficiency, increasing sales, and increasing production. You may attain your goal while also standing out in the market if you use an online ordering system along with efficient marketing methods. If you want to establish an ordering system, you should offer discounts and special offers to entice customers to order from your website.
 
Restaurants have incorporated online ordering systems into their operations. Eateries have begun to use the same technology to promote income and meet the needs of online customers as the demand for online services has grown. Restaurants gain from online ordering technologies in a variety of ways. The ELVIS ordering system offers restaurants solutions for growing sales without wasting resources, increasing revenues, improving efficiency, and driving business growth.