We're digital nomads, living in an increasingly connected world where convenience is king. One thing we've learned through this digital evolution is that whatever we want or need can be obtained with just a few clicks on our smart devices—including food to satisfy our diverse cravings throughout the week.

As a restaurant owner, you've likely noticed how customer expectations have shifted dramatically. Today's diners expect the ability to place orders online without hassle. If you haven't yet implemented an online food ordering system for your restaurant, you're missing significant opportunities to grow your business in today's digital marketplace.

Why Online Ordering is Essential for Modern Restaurants

The restaurant landscape has transformed dramatically in recent years. With the rise of digital technology, customers now expect seamless online ordering experiences as a standard service. This shift isn't just a passing trend—it represents a fundamental change in how people interact with restaurants.

Many restaurant owners feel overwhelmed by the array of technology options available, wondering if the investment will truly pay off. You might see competitors adopting online ordering systems while hearing mixed messages about costs, complexity, and commission fees that eat into your profits.

The truth is that online food ordering systems offer numerous advantages for both restaurants and customers. While the initial setup might seem daunting, the long-term benefits—increased revenue, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced customer relationships—make it an essential investment for restaurants looking to thrive in today's market. Discover the advantages of a food ordering system for restaurants and how it can transform your business.

9 Advantages of Online Ordering

Implementing a commission-free online ordering system offers numerous benefits that can transform your restaurant operations and boost your bottom line. Here's a comprehensive look at the nine key advantages:

1. Simplifies the Ordering Process and Reduces Errors

Traditionally, customers had to make phone calls to place orders or drive to restaurants for takeout, then wait for food preparation and delivery. Phone orders often resulted in miscommunications and errors, creating frustration for both customers and staff. These methods aren't ideal for today's busy consumers who value efficiency and accuracy.

Online ordering systems eliminate these pain points by providing a clear, visual menu where customers can browse at their leisure, select exactly what they want, and specify special instructions without the pressure of a phone conversation. This digital approach significantly reduces order errors while giving customers the time to explore your full menu, including add-ons and special offers.

2. Efficient Customer and Order Management with CRM Integration

An online ordering system enhances the customer-restaurant relationship by providing end-to-end Customer Relationship Management (CRM) capabilities. The system offers a complete sales dashboard with information about new, active, and canceled orders, lifetime sales details, and customer history—all accessible in one centralized location.

3. Real-Time Expense and Profit Monitoring

One of the most significant benefits of an online ordering system is the ability to monitor your restaurant's financial performance in real-time. The system provides precise information about cash flow, allowing you to track costs incurred during order preparation and compare them to customer pricing—all while maintaining visibility into profitability.

4. Cost-Effective Digital Marketing & Social Media Engagement

Having a strong online presence means being visible to your customers 24/7 without investing in expensive traditional advertising like media campaigns and billboards. The internet provides a cost-effective marketing channel through your website and social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, allowing you to reach your target audience at a fraction of traditional marketing costs.

5. Access to Rich Customer Data and Analytics for Personalization

Who are your regular customers? What do they prefer ordering from your restaurant? Which menu items are most popular? Are customers aware of your promotions and offers? Do they prefer ordering via website or mobile app? A robust online ordering system answers these questions through comprehensive analytics and insights.

6. Convenience of Mobile and Multi-Device Ordering

From business meetings to crowded venues, there are many situations where customers can't easily make phone calls to order food. Online ordering systems allow customers to place orders anytime, anywhere using their smartphones, tablets, or other devices without disrupting their activities or compromising their privacy.

7. Gain Competitive Advantage with Commission-Free Technology

Did you know only 2-3% of restaurants worldwide currently offer online ordering capabilities? This presents a tremendous opportunity to differentiate your business from competitors who haven't yet embraced digital ordering technology.

8. Increase Average Order Value and Grow Revenue

According to research conducted by Restolabs, online orders are 20% larger on average than traditional orders, directly translating to increased revenue. When customers can browse your menu without feeling rushed by phone operators or long lines, they spend more time exploring options and are more likely to add appetizers, sides, or desserts to their orders.

9. Expand Customer Reach Beyond Physical Capacity

Your restaurant's physical seating capacity might be limited to 100-200 customers at a time, but with online ordering, you can simultaneously reach thousands of potential customers without additional infrastructure investments. A well-integrated online ordering system allows you to serve a virtually unlimited number of customers for takeout and delivery orders.

How to Set Up Your Online Ordering System Quickly

Implementing an online ordering system might seem daunting, especially if you've been telling yourself it's too complicated or expensive for your restaurant. However, modern platforms make the process straightforward, allowing you to get up and running quickly with minimal technical expertise.

Choosing the Right Commission-Free Platform

The first step in setting up your online ordering system is selecting the right platform for your restaurant's specific needs. When evaluating options, consider these key factors:

• Commission structure: Many third-party platforms charge commissions of 15-30% per order, significantly impacting your profitability. Commission-free platforms like Restolabs offer flat-rate pricing models that allow you to keep more of your hard-earned revenue.
• Customer data ownership: Ensure the platform gives you complete access to and ownership of your customer data, enabling personalized marketing and relationship building.
• Ease of setup and use: Look for intuitive interfaces that your staff can quickly learn without extensive training.
• Customization options: Your online ordering system should reflect your brand identity and accommodate your unique menu structure.
• Mobile compatibility: Verify that the platform works seamlessly across all devices, particularly smartphones.
• Support services: Choose a provider that offers reliable customer support to address any issues that arise.

Restolabs offers a commission-free online ordering platform specifically designed for restaurants of all sizes. With customizable menus, seamless POS integration, and comprehensive analytics, the system provides everything needed to launch your online ordering service quickly while maintaining control of your customer relationships and data.

Integrations with POS, Delivery, and Payment Systems

For maximum efficiency, your online ordering system should integrate seamlessly with your existing restaurant technology stack. Key integrations to consider include:

• Point of Sale (POS) systems: Integration with your existing POS system ensures orders flow directly into your kitchen workflow without manual re-entry, reducing errors and saving time.
• Payment processors: Secure, reliable payment processing is essential for online transactions. Look for platforms that support multiple payment methods including credit cards, digital wallets, and contactless options.
• Delivery management: Whether you manage your own delivery fleet or partner with third-party services, your online ordering system should facilitate smooth handoffs and delivery tracking.
• Inventory management: Real-time inventory updates help prevent selling items that are out of stock, avoiding customer disappointment.
• Marketing automation: Integration with email marketing platforms and CRM systems enables targeted promotional campaigns based on customer ordering history.

‍Restolabs offers comprehensive integration capabilities with leading POS systems, payment processors, and delivery services, creating a unified technology ecosystem that streamlines operations and enhances the customer experience.

Tips for Launching and Marketing Your Online Ordering

Once your online ordering system is set up, follow these strategies to ensure a successful launch and ongoing growth:

1. Train your staff thoroughly: Ensure all team members understand how the system works and can answer customer questions confidently.
2. Test extensively before launch: Place test orders to identify and resolve any issues before going live with customers.
3. Create launch promotions: Offer special discounts or incentives for first-time online orders to encourage customers to try the new system.
4. Promote across all channels: Announce your online ordering capability through in-store signage, social media, email newsletters, and your Google Business profile.
5. Gather and implement feedback: Actively solicit customer input about their online ordering experience and make improvements accordingly.
6. Implement a loyalty program: Reward repeat customers with special offers or points systems to encourage continued online ordering.
7. Optimize for local search: Ensure your website and Google listing clearly indicate that you offer online ordering to improve visibility in local search results.

Remember that launching your online ordering system is just the beginning. Continuous refinement based on customer feedback and ordering data will help you maximize the system's potential and keep customers coming back.

Make Your Restaurant Future-Ready Now!

Millions of restaurants are venturing into the digital space by launching their own in-house online ordering websites or mobile apps. Restaurant owners have recognized that investing a relatively small amount monthly in these technological solutions ensures they can meet the evolving demands of today's tech-savvy consumers.

Customers have grown accustomed to the convenience and safety that online ordering provides and prefer engaging with restaurant brands that offer digital ordering and doorstep delivery options. This shift in consumer behavior isn't temporary—it represents a fundamental change in how people interact with restaurants.

Furthermore, establishing an additional revenue stream through online ordering helps your business remain resilient during uncertain situations, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether facing a crisis or operating under normal conditions, your restaurant will be equipped to handle changing circumstances, fulfill customer needs, and provide financial security for your staff.

👉 Read how Online Ordering and Delivery can help your business see the other side of adversity

Setting up an online ordering system positions your restaurant for efficiency, growth, and steady revenue increases.

Most people spend hours online daily. By implementing a commission-free online ordering system coupled with effective marketing strategies, you'll not only meet your customers where they already are but also distinguish yourself as an innovative business that values customer convenience.

If you're new to online ordering, consider encouraging customers to try your platform by offering special discounts or promotions for first-time online orders. This approach helps build momentum and familiarizes your customer base with the new ordering process.

Want to learn more about how a commission-free online ordering system can transform your restaurant business? Book a live demo with one of our online ordering specialists today and claim your 30-day free trial!