7 Tips for Building an Efficient Online Food Ordering System

Last updated on November 29th, 2023 at 12:14 pm

Whether you own a restaurant, a cloud kitchen, a Ghost kitchen, a cafe, or others, integrating your food and beverage business with an efficient online food ordering system is the need of the hour. But, again, when you want a system for your food ordering business, you have two options: buy a SaaS-based online food ordering system from your tech partner or get one built from scratch.

Getting one build from scratch can be costly while integrating a SaaS-based food ordering software can help you get the big bang on your bank.

Why Build an Online Food Ordering System?

Accepting orders online is a different way to increase a customer’s lifetime value (LTV), not just a simple replacement for in-person transactions. They are just numbers; you have limitless benefits when you empower your business with the latest technology. Let’s explore;

Increases Efficiency and Saves Time

Basic business math is the first step in using an online ordering system for restaurants to double profits: Your chances of making sales increase as you grow and show your availability to more locations.

Simply put, you must increase the exposure of your restaurant if you want to increase profits.

Did you know that 50.8% population worldwide is online, and empowering the tech-savvy generation with online tools simply by taking your business online is a way to go?

This is also a way to embrace the growing digital transformation and offer almost easy-to-order food from your restaurant to more than 4 billion people using smartphones.

Minimizes payroll expenses

You will need to pay less in payroll and related taxes if more of your business moves to online ordering.

Saves time spent taking orders

An efficient online food ordering system can help employees save time taking orders and spend that time on core business objectives.

Increase retention rates

The best mantra for increasing a higher retention rate is to provide more efficient tools that provide services faster and more conveniently. For example, customers will order food from you more frequently if you can make it simple for them to place their orders conveniently.

Tips to Build Online Food Ordering System

In this article, we will look at the top ways you can make the most of your online ordering software, whether you’ve already implemented one or are just getting ready to do so because of changes in diner behavior

1. Start with your budget

When you take up the task at hand, the first thing you need to have is to keep the budget in mind. You need to set a budget when developing a food delivery app, whether for restaurants or another type of food business. Never go over your budget. You will require money for daily operations, employee salaries, marketing, and promotions.

When selecting the best online ordering system for your restaurant or food business, use your instinct, and take expert advice. Most importantly, ask these questions;

• How much time will it take to recover the cost you invested in software?
• Will it produce the desired outcomes?
• How much is the anticipated ROI?

2. Use Third-Party Apps

Don’t want to bother trying to build a website yourself? Instead, you can always use independent online ordering services. Restaurants don’t necessarily need their own specialized online ordering service with platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. Instead, use an integrated third-party order aggregator to send these orders straight to their POS by piggybacking on these already well-established services.

Besides, these aggregators funnel online orders into your POS in real-time, including Foodiv, Chowly, and ItsaCheckmate. As a result, there is no longer a costly need for staff to keep an eye on multiple tablets for order re-entry.

3. Hardware Compatibility

When looking for an online ordering system, don’t forget to take this factor into account. Today’s consumers access the internet and make purchases online using a wide range of devices. Therefore, your software should work on a variety of platforms, including iOS, Android, and digital devices like tablets and smartphones.

To start, you must install the software on the computers in your company, train your staff on how to use it, and then monitor the results. Next, ensure a consistent user experience across all platforms. Finally, if you continue to experience bugs and problems, cancel your subscription.

4. Think about Features

Consider this: As a user, what features would you anticipate from an online ordering system? Restaurants’ online ordering platforms must have a few essential features to improve the customer experience.

The software must first have location navigation turned on. An efficient location navigation feature makes it simple to fulfill online orders and lets your staff know whether they can deliver to a specific location. Orders won’t be delivered on time without precise location navigation tools, harming your reputation.

When looking for an online ordering system, don’t forget to take this factor into account. Today’s consumers access the internet and make purchases online using a wide range of devices. Therefore, you should ensure that your software is compatible with digital devices, including tablets, smartphones, laptops, and other devices.

5. Use a Direct Online Ordering System, If not Third-Party Apps

On the other hand, a direct restaurant online ordering system is a solution that needs more active management but spares you the high commission costs. You can increase orders and increase revenue by using your online ordering software. Customers can browse your interactive online menu and then directly place an order for now or one that will be delivered later on your website. Additionally, if you use a service from the Online Food Ordering System, your POS receives real-time updates on both scheduled and immediate orders. Once you receive notice that a new order has been placed, you can start preparing the food.

6. Real-time analytics

Data is money in 2022/ 2023 and beyond. The more market and target audience knowledge you have, the more money you can make. For example, a restaurant’s online ordering system must give you access to customer information so you can enhance your offerings and boost sales. The data must, above all, be accurate and usable because cluttered, unprocessed data is useless.

You can conduct a SWOT analysis and reflect on your business processes with the correct data. For example, understanding consumer behavior will help you develop personalized marketing and promotion campaigns when developing ideal products or recipes. As a result, analytics can support decision-making that produces excellent outcomes.

7. Ensure adaptability and simplicity

Whether you are buying a third-party application, building a new online food ordering app, or purchasing SaaS-based food ordering software, adaptability is the first thing to watch. You need to ensure that the system easily adapts to the changing demands of devices and customers. Besides, it must be simple to integrate with your existing system. The software is useless if neither your staff nor customers can use its functions or navigate through it. Speak to various service providers, try out multiple platforms, and choose one that meets all requirements. Don’t skimp on usability and convenience.

Final Thoughts

Building an online food ordering system is all about empowering your restaurant business to compete with other competitors laden with the latest technology. However, before you take steps to build online software, connect with your tech partner or expert to help you understand the nitty-gritty of an online ordering system and how much it would cost.