We're digital nomads, living a digital life! And one thing that we have learned over the course of this evolution is that whatever we want or need, can be obtained with just a few clicks on our beloved smart devices. Even the food - all kinds, to satiate our different cravings on different days of the week.

While there has been much speculation about whether restaurant websites and custom-made mobile apps really help businesses, recent surveys clearly show that restaurant online ordering systems are no longer just a trend—they're a necessity. As restaurant owners, you're likely seeing your competitors adopting these technologies while your customers increasingly expect the convenience of ordering from their devices. 

With online ordering companies emerging everywhere, it has become a fundamental part of the restaurant industry, gradually replacing traditional phone orders for delivery and takeout. The question is no longer if you should implement an online ordering system, but how to choose the right one that won't burden you with high commission fees while giving you complete control over your customer data. Understanding the common problems with online food ordering can help you make a more informed decision.

9 Key Benefits of Online Ordering for Restaurants

Given the changing scenarios, largely, consumers have come to expect the ability of a restaurant to allow them to place orders online. If you are in a restaurant business and yet to join the trend of the restaurant online ordering system, you're already missing out on some great opportunities to grow your business exponentially. To get started, it's essential to know why you need an online ordering system and how it can benefit your restaurant.

1. Simplified Ordering Process

Traditionally, people had to make calls to place orders or drive to the restaurants for a take-out, then wait for the food to be prepared and delivered. Sometimes, placing an order on the phone means that there could be mistakes in order. With a restaurant online ordering system, the entire process becomes streamlined—customers can browse your menu at their leisure, customize their orders precisely, and submit them without any miscommunication. 

2. Efficient Customer and Order Management

An online ordering system for restaurants helps enhance the customer-restaurant relationship by providing an end-to-end Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. You can track customer preferences, order history, and manage your operations more efficiently. This comprehensive management capability gives restaurant owners the ability to monitor and control every operational function of the business, from staff performance to inventory levels. 

3. Real-Time Expense Monitoring

This is the greatest benefit of the online ordering system, it gives precise information about the cash flow in the restaurant. With real-time data on sales, inventory usage, and operational costs, you can make informed decisions quickly. Many restaurant owners who feel overwhelmed by financial management find that a good online ordering system provides clarity and control they never had before. 

4. Cost-Effective Marketing

Having a strong online presence simply means being in front of your customers 24×7 without having to pay for expensive media advertising and billboards. Your commission-free online ordering platform becomes a marketing tool itself, allowing you to promote special offers, discounts, and new menu items directly to your customers without intermediaries taking a cut of your profits.

With the growing number of digital orders each year, keeping track of key restaurant online ordering statistics helps businesses understand shifting customer habits and optimize their strategies. By analyzing these insights, restaurants can refine promotions, enhance user experience, and ultimately drive more repeat orders.

5. Enhanced Customer Data Ownership

Who are your regular customers? What do they like ordering from your restaurant? Which food items are popular? With a direct online ordering system, all this valuable customer data belongs to you—not a third-party service. This ownership allows you to build deeper relationships with your customers, create targeted marketing campaigns, and develop loyalty programs that truly resonate with your audience.

6. Mobile Ordering Convenience

From meetings to crowded areas, there are times when one may not be able to make a phone call to order food. Online ordering allows customers to order anytime, anywhere using their mobiles, tablets or other handheld devices. A mobile ordering app provides the ultimate convenience, allowing customers to place orders with just a few taps, even when making a phone call isn't practical.

7. Competitive Advantage

Did you know there are only 2-3% of restaurants in the world that offer online ordering facilities? By implementing a robust online ordering system, you immediately position your restaurant ahead of the vast majority of competitors. This advantage is particularly valuable in today's digital-first market, where customers often choose restaurants based on convenience as much as food quality. 

8. Increased Revenue and Larger Orders

According to the survey conducted by Restolabs' research team, it was found that orders placed online are 20 percent larger on average, which means more revenue. This increase happens because customers can browse your entire menu without feeling rushed, leading to additional item selections and higher overall spending per order.

9. Expanded Reach Beyond Seating Capacity

Your restaurant seating capacity may be 100-200 at a time, or even less, but with online ordering, you can reach thousands of people at a time, and cater to a much larger number without having to make any additional investment in staff or infrastructure. This expanded reach allows you to grow your business exponentially without the traditional constraints of physical space.

Emerging Trends in Restaurant Online Ordering

The restaurant online ordering landscape is constantly evolving with new technologies and approaches. Understanding these trends can help you make informed decisions about your digital strategy.

Ghost Kitchens and Virtual Brands

Instead of operating a traditional brick-and-mortar restaurant, many food businesses are now focusing solely on online delivery and pickup through "ghost kitchens". These delivery-only operations allow restaurants to expand their reach with lower overhead costs. A single ghost kitchen can house multiple virtual restaurant concepts, which can be launched and tested at minimal cost. Existing restaurants can even use their kitchens to operate virtual brands during off-peak hours, creating new revenue streams without additional infrastructure.

AI and Personalization for Customer Retention

AI is transforming online ordering by creating a more efficient and personalized experience for both restaurants and customers. AI-powered virtual agents can answer calls, take orders, and provide customer support 24/7, freeing up human staff. Personalized recommendation engines analyze customer data to suggest appetizers, desserts, or drink pairings that can increase average order value. Machine-learning algorithms can also help with fraud detection and improve order accuracy, significantly reducing the potential for human error in order processing.

Integration with POS and Payment Systems

Modern POS and payment integrations are streamlining restaurant operations by creating a seamless flow of information between online ordering platforms and in-house systems. This integration eliminates the need for manual order entry, reduces errors, and provides real-time inventory updates. For restaurant owners who have struggled with managing multiple systems, these integrations offer a welcome solution that saves time and improves accuracy.

Contactless and Mobile Payments

The rise of contactless and mobile payment options has accelerated, with customers increasingly expecting these convenient, hygienic payment methods. Dynamic QR code menus have evolved beyond their pandemic-era adoption to offer full-service ordering capabilities, allowing guests to order and pay directly from their phones. These systems can capture valuable customer data that fuels personalized marketing and loyalty programs while providing the convenience that today's diners demand.

Overcoming Challenges in Online Ordering

While the benefits of online ordering are clear, many restaurant owners face challenges in implementation and management. Understanding these challenges and their solutions can help you navigate the transition more smoothly.

Avoiding Commission Fees with Direct Ordering

One of the biggest pain points for restaurant owners is the high commission fees charged by third-party delivery platforms— reaching 20-30% of each order. By implementing a commission-free online ordering system like Restolabs, you keep 100% of your revenue while maintaining direct relationships with your customers. This approach not only improves your profit margins but also gives you complete control over the customer experience.

Streamlining Operations and Reducing Errors

Managing orders from multiple sources can lead to confusion, delays, and errors. A centralized online ordering system integrates all your orders into a single workflow, reducing the potential for mistakes and improving operational efficiency. For restaurants that have struggled with order accuracy and kitchen coordination, this streamlined approach can significantly improve customer satisfaction and reduce waste.

Maintaining Data Ownership and Customer Relationships

When you rely on third-party platforms, you lose access to valuable customer data and the ability to build direct relationships. With your own online ordering system, you retain ownership of all customer information, allowing you to create personalized marketing campaigns, loyalty programs, and promotions. This data ownership is increasingly critical as restaurants compete for customer loyalty in a crowded marketplace.

Best Practices for Implementing an Online Ordering System

Successfully implementing an online ordering system requires careful planning and execution. These best practices can help ensure a smooth transition and maximize the benefits for your restaurant.

Choosing a User-Friendly, Scalable Platform

The right platform should be easy for both your staff and customers to use while offering the flexibility to grow with your business. Look for solutions that provide intuitive interfaces, mobile responsiveness, and the ability to handle increasing order volumes without performance issues. A scalable platform allows you to start with basic functionality and add features as your needs evolve, preventing the need for disruptive system changes in the future.

Leveraging Loyalty Programs and Marketing Automation

Integrate digital loyalty programs and marketing automation tools to encourage repeat business and build customer relationships. These systems can automatically send targeted promotions based on customer preferences and ordering history, creating a personalized experience that drives loyalty. For restaurants looking to compete with larger chains, these tools level the playing field by enabling sophisticated marketing strategies without requiring a large marketing team.

Promoting Your Online Ordering System Effectively

Even the best online ordering system won't generate results if customers don't know about it. Develop a comprehensive promotion strategy that includes social media, email marketing, in-store signage, and staff training to encourage adoption. Make sure your website prominently features your online ordering option, and consider offering special promotions to first-time online customers to drive initial usage.

Future Outlook: Innovations Shaping Online Ordering

The future of restaurant online ordering is being shaped by cutting-edge technologies that promise to further enhance convenience, efficiency, and personalization.

Autonomous Delivery and Drones

Autonomous delivery vehicles and drones are moving from experimental to practical applications, offering the potential for faster, more cost-effective delivery options. These technologies could significantly reduce delivery costs while improving speed and reliability, especially in urban areas where traditional delivery faces challenges with traffic and parking.

Voice-Activated Ordering

As voice assistants become increasingly sophisticated, voice-activated ordering is emerging as a convenient option for customers. This technology allows customers to place orders through smart speakers or voice-enabled apps, creating an even more frictionless ordering experience. For restaurants, this represents another channel to capture orders from customers who prefer the convenience of speaking rather than typing.

Blockchain for Transparency

Blockchain technology is beginning to impact the food industry by providing unprecedented transparency in supply chains. For restaurants, this can mean the ability to verify and communicate the source and journey of ingredients, appealing to increasingly conscious consumers who care about food provenance and sustainability.

Advanced AI Applications

Beyond basic chatbots and recommendation engines, advanced AI applications are emerging that can predict customer preferences, optimize menu pricing based on demand patterns, and even assist with inventory management. These sophisticated tools are making restaurant operations more efficient while creating highly personalized customer experiences that drive loyalty and increase average order values.

How Restolabs Empowers Restaurants

Restolabs provides a powerful solution designed specifically to address the challenges and opportunities of restaurant online ordering.

Commission-Free Model and Data Ownership

Unlike third-party platforms that charge high commission fees, Restolabs offers a commission-free online ordering model that allows you to keep 100% of your revenue. This approach not only improves your profit margins but also ensures that you maintain complete ownership of your valuable customer data. For restaurant owners who have felt trapped by expensive third-party services, Restolabs offers a liberating alternative that puts you back in control.

Seamless Integrations and Quick Setup

Restolabs seamlessly integrates with popular POS and payment systems, creating a unified workflow that eliminates double-entry and reduces errors. The platform is designed for quick setup, allowing you to start accepting online orders within days rather than weeks. This rapid implementation means you can start benefiting from online ordering without a lengthy or disruptive transition period.

Supporting 2000+ Restaurants Globally

With a proven track record of supporting over 2,000 restaurants across more than 10 countries, Restolabs offers the reliability and experience you need for success. The platform is constantly evolving based on feedback from this diverse customer base, ensuring that it meets the needs of restaurants of all sizes and types. This global perspective brings best practices from around the world to your restaurant, helping you implement strategies that have been proven effective across diverse markets.

Get Started with Restolabs Today

Make your restaurant future-ready now! Millions of restaurants are venturing into the digital space by launching their own in-house online ordering website or a mobile app. With Restolabs, you can join them quickly and cost-effectively, without sacrificing control or paying high commission fees.

Our team understands the challenges you face—from feeling overwhelmed by technology options to concerns about implementation costs and complexity. We've designed our platform to address these concerns with an intuitive, scalable solution that grows with your business.

Ready to take control of your online ordering and keep 100% of your profits? Book a demo today and discover how Restolabs can transform your restaurant's digital presence while boosting your bottom line.