Choosing the Best Online Ordering System for Takeaway
Explore the key factors in choosing an online ordering system for takeaway. From scalability to customer experience, this guide shows how the right system can boost your business.
Disorganized takeaway orders and high error rates are clear signs that your current ordering tools are failing. These issues aren’t just inconveniences—they directly impact your bottom line and restaurant growth. An online ordering system for takeaway is what you need to streamline your ordering process, reduce mistakes, and help your staff manage orders more efficiently.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to choose the perfect system for your restaurant to boost your efficiency, keep customers happy, and drive growth.
Why Does Your Restaurant Need an Online Ordering System?
Customers expect convenience in today’s fast-paced world, and an online ordering system is the ideal way to meet that demand. The best part? It helps your restaurant run more efficiently and boosts business growth.
See how:
Increased efficiency
With an online ordering system, orders are placed directly through your website and sent straight to your POS system, reducing errors and saving time. Your staff can then focus on serving guests instead of answering calls and entering orders.
Better customer satisfaction
Online ordering has become the norm. A study shared by QSR Magazine shows that 70% of guests expect a restaurant’s website to have an online ordering option. An easy-to-use system ensures customers can place their orders quickly and easily without frustration.
Business growth
Restaurants with an online ordering system often see an compared to those that rely on phone or in-store orders. Online orders tend to be larger, resulting in higher ticket sizes.
Key Features to Look for in an Online Ordering System
When a restaurant is looking for different online ordering systems, it’s not just about scalable systems or efficiency. It’s also about ensuring your customers have a smooth, enjoyable experience from when they tap “Order Now” to when their meal arrives. If you can create that hassle-free process, they’ll likely return.
Keep these key features in mind when choosing your online ordering system:
Mobile compatibility: Make sure you select a system that works well on phones and tablets and, if possible, integrates with your social digital channels so customers can place orders wherever they are. A solution like Deliverect Direct keeps your menu accessible and straightforward on any device.
POS integration: Save your team time by automatically sending orders from your website directly to the kitchen without re-entering them manually.
Order tracking: Monitor the order's progress, whether it’s being prepared, packed, or sent for delivery.
After exploring the main features of an online ordering system, it’s time to dive into other key points that can help you make the right choice.
Business Considerations for Online Ordering Systems
Scalability and Growth
Scalability is crucial when selecting an ordering system. By making decisions based on scalability, you prepare your business for sudden surges in demand or quick pivots. In the long run, scalability becomes a cornerstone of growth, ensuring your restaurant is ready for any extra push.
A growth-friendly tech solution should seamlessly support multiple locations. Whether expanding to new branches or managing different units, the right online ordering system will help you centralize your operations and ensure smooth communication.
In other words, you’ll be able to oversee all your orders from one dashboard, no matter how many locations you have. That’s the power of multi-unit management.
Integration with Delivery and Payment
A seamless customer experience is a top priority. That’s why integrating your online ordering system with delivery tools and payment options can make all the difference.
A system that syncs with popular delivery apps—like UberEats or Deliveroo—ensures that customers can easily place their orders, no matter how they prefer.
On the other hand, integrating secure payment gateways makes offering a frictionless checkout experience easier. Remember that customers expect to pay quickly and securely using their preferred method.
Cost and ROI
It is normal to focus on costs first when choosing an online ordering system, but you should also evaluate the ROI your platform provides.
What does that mean?
ROI-focused tools can show you where your money is working hardest, track performance, and allow you to understand where your investment is making the most impact. If the system drives more sales, reduces mistakes, or cuts labor costs, you know that investment is well worth it.
Tips to Choose the Right Online Ordering System for Your Restaurant
The right online ordering system isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. It’s about finding a solution that fits your unique needs, works for your team, and supports your growth.
Fortunately, these tips can help you make the best choice:
Define your restaurant’s needs: Consider what your restaurant requires—takeaway, delivery, dine-in. Ensure the system fits your menu, order volume, and plans.
Test the system’s ease of use. A system is only good if it’s easy for your team and customers. Make sure it’s simple to navigate and efficient for everyone.
Consider future growth: Choose a system that can grow with your business. You want one that can handle more orders, locations, and features as your restaurant expands.
Do you need more tips on getting it right? Our article “Don’t Pick the Wrong Direct Online Ordering System for Your Restaurant” can help!
Conclusion
One thing is certain: the right online ordering system can set your restaurant up for long-term success. Takeaway tech helps you work smarter, not harder while giving you a competitive advantage that will make you stand out in a crowded market.
If you’re looking for a solution that truly delivers, Deliverect is a game-changer. It seamlessly integrates with your existing system and handles orders from all your delivery platforms in one place. Soon, you’ll have fewer errors, faster order processing, and more time to focus on delivering a world-class customer experience.
Stay tuned for more tips and insights on how to level up your business. We’ll continue to bring you the latest solutions, strategies, and trends to help you succeed in the ever-changing restaurant world.