Advantages of an In-House Online Ordering System for Restaurants
Did you know 70% of consumers prefer to order directly
from restaurant ordering systems rather than third-party services? Also, 60% of US public order
food online be it home delivery or takeout, at least once a week.
So, owning an online ordering system for restaurants is no
longer a choice but a necessity. Restaurants can sign up on third-party food
delivery platforms, but then they will have to share their profits
with them.
On the other hand, an in-house online ordering system
for restaurants has several advantages. Let us look at the top benefits.
Advantages of Online Ordering Systems for Restaurants
The global online food delivery market is expected to reach
$192.16 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 11%.
Online ordering systems boost sales and productivity for
restaurants. Look at the major benefits of setting up an online ordering
system.
You Keep All the Profits
One of the major advantages of an online ordering system is
to run a restaurant without paying any commissions. Third-party delivery apps
like Doordash, Postmates, and GrubHub take between 15 to 30% commission on each
sale you make. With an online ordering system, restaurants can cut this
commission and keep all the profits with them.
Since restaurants don't have to pay commissions, they can
lower their service costs to boost sales and attract more customers. Thus, you
get complete control over your restaurant business.
Increased Sales
People love ordering online because they don't need to rush.
At restaurants, they feel the pressure to place the order quickly. On the other
hand, ordering online through their smartphones can take all the time they
need.
There is no pressure of more guests waiting in line and
thus, they can linger on the menu for hours. Thus, they explore the entire menu
options, ordering more than they would spend while ordering over the phone or
in the restaurant.
Enhanced customer experience
The way the online ordering system works surely enhances
customer experiences. On-demand ordering is highly convenient as people can
order food as and when needed. They can explore cuisines from hundreds of
restaurants, compare prices, discounts, and offers and get hot and delicious
food delivered to their homes.
When the ordering process is so easy and convenient, they
like to order more and return for repeat orders. They appreciate not having to
wait in long queues for their turn, misinterpreted orders, and the safety of
home.
Streamlined restaurant operations
With an in-house online ordering system, restaurants can streamline their daily restaurant
operations. They receive the orders directly on the ordering software, saving
staff time who otherwise spend taking orders on the phone. Secondly, since the
customers place orders digitally, the chances of manual errors or
misunderstanding of orders decrease significantly.
If restaurants integrate their online food ordering system
with the kitchen display system, the kitchen directly receives the order
details. They can immediately start preparing the order, speeding up the entire
process. Thus, it helps in quick and timely delivery.
Vital Customer Data
When restaurants partner with third-party delivery apps,
these apps keep all the customer information with them. On the other hand, when
you have your in-house online ordering system, restaurants can gather vital
customer data.
They can use this data to know their target audience well,
including their meal preferences. Restaurants can use this data to personalize
their marketing campaigns. For instance, send customized messages on their
special days (birthdays and anniversaries), create custom menus based on your
audience choices, etc.
All these efforts help boost sales and retain existing
customers. Restaurants can also run several promotional programs like loyalty
or referral programs.
Build Brand Image
Having your online food ordering system means selling
your food and services under your brand name. Customers see your restaurant
website and mobile app directly; thus, they know your brand well.
Did you know 76% of customers blame restaurants for the errors or
issues in food deliveries made through third-party delivery apps? It means you
risk the reputation of your restaurant brand while dissatisfying your
customers.
If customers have any queries or issues, they can directly
reach out to you, which is impossible with third-party delivery apps. You can't
hear or solve their queries or complaints and thus can't solve them
either.
Monitor Expenses in real-time
One of the best benefits of an online ordering system is
cash flow management. Restaurants need to keep track of the costs they incur to
prepare orders each day while comparing them to the profits earned. An online
ordering system offers accurate information, whether you receive hundreds of
orders in a day.
Easy Customizations
Another advantage of an in-house online ordering system is
quick and real-time customizations. Restaurants can make real-time changes or
additions to the menu based on customer demands and preferences.
For instance, if restaurants run out of any ingredient, they
can quickly remove the dishes related to that ingredient instead of
disappointing customers.
In addition, it is also possible to customize the ordering
website or mobile based on your restaurant branding. Thus, it is a great way to
boost your restaurant's visibility among customers.
For instance, restaurants can add high-quality photos of the
meals they serve and adjust menu offerings to appeal to more customers.
Cost-effective Promotions
The Internet is free and also a great means for businesses
to promote their services to customers. If you have a website or mobile app for
your restaurant, you can be available or in front of your customers 24/7.
In addition, presence on social media helps boost promotions
and sales significantly. Restaurants can create their profiles on platforms
like Instagram and Facebook to promote their products and services for free.
They can also create a strong profile for their restaurant
on Google My Business. It helps people looking out to order food in your
locality find you quickly.
Conclusion
Restaurants using in-house delivery apps see many
advantages. With an Online food ordering system, restaurants get complete
control over their services.
They can collect valuable data about their customers and
deliver personalized experiences. In addition, they can keep all the profits
with them and avoid paying 15-30% commissions to third-party aggregators.
So, if you are still deciding whether or not to set up an
online food ordering system, now you are well aware of its benefits for your
restaurant.
Commission-Free Online Ordering System
You may have decided to use an in-house online food ordering
system. So, the next big question is what's the best online ordering system for
your restaurant?
We recommend trying Foodiv as an alternative to third-party food
delivery portals. The Saas-based food ordering system is ideal for small
business owners who prefer to implement online ordering within their limited
budget. Here are the key features the Foodiv system offers-
No Commission
Insights into Customer data
Free QR Code Menu
Phone call Ordering
Mobile App Ordering
Website Ordering
Interactive UI for best UX
Contactless Orders
