The restaurant industry is undergoing a profound digital transformation, with online ordering at its center. The global online food delivery market has reached a staggering $450+ billion valuation, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 10.7% through 2025 and beyond. This isn't merely a passing trend but a fundamental shift in how consumers interact with restaurants.

For restaurant owners, the question is no longer whether to adopt online ordering, but how quickly they can implement an effective system. Market research shows that 67% of consumers prefer using a restaurant's own website or app for ordering rather than third-party platforms, highlighting the importance of owned digital channels.

The pandemic accelerated this digital shift, but consumer behavior continues to evolve in favor of convenience, personalization, and frictionless experiences. Restaurants without robust online ordering capabilities risk losing significant market share to competitors who have embraced this technology particularly among millennial and Gen Z demographics who prioritize digital-first experiences.

Benefits of an Online Ordering System

The food delivery market is reforming at an accelerated pace thanks to digital technologies. For restaurants wanting to survive, the online ordering system is the only way to go. The online delivery trend is proving to be beneficial to both restaurant owners and consumers.

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1. Dramatically Increased Revenue and Higher Average Order Values

Online ordering systems drive measurable revenue growth through multiple mechanisms. Restaurants implementing these systems experience immediate increases in average order value, with customers spending 15-20% more per order compared to in-person dining. This uplift occurs because:

• Strategic Upselling Opportunities: Digital menus strategically promote add-ons, premium items, and combo deals. Without time pressure, customers naturally spend more when presented with visual menu displays and complementary item suggestions.
• Increased Sales from Add-ons: Studies show that online ordering's greatest benefit is its ability to increase add-on sales as customers can browse the entire menu and effortlessly add items.
• Documented Revenue Growth: Real-world implementation shows tangible results restaurants report an average 10% increase in sales after implementing online ordering systems.

The long-term revenue impact extends beyond individual transactions. Customers who place online orders visit restaurants 67% more frequently than those who don't, transforming one-time buyers into loyal patrons. This is particularly valuable considering that 72% of satisfied customers share positive experiences with six or more people.

2. Customer Convenience and Flexibility

From a customer's perspective, online ordering systems provide unmatched convenience and flexibility that traditional ordering methods simply cannot match. The 24/7 availability allows customers to:

• Order anytime: Place orders outside business hours for future pickup or delivery
• Order from anywhere: Browse menus and place orders from home, work, or on-the-go
• Schedule precisely: Select specific pickup or delivery times that fit their schedule
• Save favorites: Store preferred orders for quick reordering
• Pay seamlessly: Use preferred payment methods without fumbling for cash or cards

This convenience directly translates to customer satisfaction and loyalty. According to recent studies, 63% of consumers agree it is more convenient to get delivery than dining out with a family. The ability to order while commuting, during office hours, or while relaxing at home seamlessly fits into busy modern routines, opening new revenue streams by capturing demand that would otherwise be lost.

3. Eliminates Errors in Order Taking

The transition from calling a restaurant to placing a quick order online, via the computer or phone have become rather quick and effortless, especially because of busy households and impatient millennials. This section of the population truly enjoys the luxury of having everything at their fingertips and the development, as well as, deployment of online ordering software has made that possible. Put simply, they can now easily and quickly place their food order whenever they want and from wherever they are.

But, that's not all.

Online ordering eliminates the misunderstandings and frustrations that sometimes accompany orders, via phone calls. One of the biggest problems with phone conversations is that there is a high chance of misunderstandings. It can be due to the noisy environment of the restaurant or network issues. All it takes for an order to be compromised and a customer to get frustrated is a simple mistake.

By eliminating verbal miscommunication, background noise, and handwriting issues inherent in phone orders, online systems significantly decrease ordering errors. Restaurants report a 23% increase in order accuracy when using online ordering systems.

4. Enhanced Safety and Contactless Experience

The pandemic accelerated the adoption of contactless technologies, but their benefits extend far beyond health concerns. Online ordering systems provide important safety advantages that many customers now expect as standard:

• Contactless payments reduce physical touchpoints
• Digital receipts eliminate paper handling
• Curbside pickup options minimize time spent in crowded spaces
• Pre-ordering reduces wait times and congregation in pickup areas
• Delivery options for immunocompromised or cautious customers

A recent survey found that 76% of consumers prefer contactless ordering options even as pandemic concerns have waned, indicating this is now a permanent expectation rather than a temporary trend. Restaurants offering these safety features report higher customer confidence and satisfaction scores.

5. More Opportunity to Profit with Definite Customers

Now, it is not all about consumer convenience and happiness. The restaurants also hugely benefit from adopting online ordering software. Having an online ordering option is a major priority when looking to increase sales. It's a fact that websites and mobile apps are very good platforms to upsell products to increase the average order value.

When it comes to food, visual imagery is a trick you definitely need to master. Adding appealing photos to your online food ordering system will make your customers want to order more. That's how to increase restaurant sales. Apart from this, cross-selling, discounts, loyalty programs, combo offers and so on are some of the few strategies that marketers can use when designing their restaurant website. Due to these factors, orders received online have a larger ticket price that eventually adds to the revenue.

6. Invaluable Customer Data and Intelligence

Online ordering systems transform how restaurants understand and engage their customer base by automatically collecting comprehensive data including:

• Order frequency and history
• Average ticket size
• Favorite menu items
• Purchase timing and day preferences
• Delivery versus pickup preferences

Restaurants utilizing customer data from online orders for personalized marketing strategies experience a 33% higher retention rate. This data enables tailored promotions based on actual customer behavior, personalized email or SMS campaigns, and menu optimization based on sales performance.

The reports that help you understand your customers who's ordering from you, what, when and from where all these details and much more can help you plan and increase the value of the food delivery orders in the restaurant. An efficient and robust food ordering system automatically generates reports that help make decisions to optimize online sales and marketing. The data collected from online ordering can be utilized to personalize consumer emails and designing promotions based on the customers' spending habits, purchases and more.

7. Substantial Cost Reduction and Labor Savings

The financial benefits of online ordering extend beyond revenue increases to encompass meaningful cost reductions:

• Labor Cost Reduction: Online ordering systems reduce the need for dedicated phone staff and minimize manual order entry errors. Real-world data shows restaurants can save up to 35% per order by using owned online ordering solutions compared to high-commission third-party platforms.
• Reduced Printing and Material Costs: The shift toward digital menus and marketing materials reduces physical printing expenses.
• Optimized Inventory Management: Data-driven insights enable precise demand forecasting, reducing food waste, preventing stockouts, and optimizing purchasing decisions.

8. Enhanced Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty

The cumulative effect of online ordering benefits translates directly into measurable customer satisfaction improvements:

• Experience-Driven Loyalty: 89% of customers who have a great online ordering experience will make another purchase from that restaurant.
• Trust Through Transparency: Real-time order tracking and clear communication about order status reduce customer anxiety and minimize inquiries.
• Word-of-Mouth Marketing: With 72% of satisfied customers sharing positive experiences with six or more people, online ordering systems generate organic marketing momentum.

Still thinking about adding online ordering software to your restaurant?

62% of diners say they usually prefer to order online at least once a week and usually end up paying anywhere between $35-$50 per order. With the average spend of $16-$30 per person, per order in a full-service restaurant, what's there really to think about?

Restolabs provides an online food ordering system tailored to your business, as well as the customer's needs. We provide convenient and effective food ordering platform to help restaurants attract and retain today's web-obsessed customers.

Try it free without obligations for the first 14 days.

Comparison: Direct/In-House vs. Third-Party Ordering Systems

When implementing online ordering, restaurants face a critical decision: should they use their own branded system or rely on third-party marketplaces? Each approach offers distinct advantages and limitations that impact profitability, customer relationships, and operational control.

The most successful restaurants often implement a hybrid approach maintaining their own direct ordering system while strategically using third-party platforms for customer acquisition. This allows them to capture new customers through marketplaces while gradually transitioning them to direct ordering for repeat business.

A strategic online ordering approach gives restaurants the best of both worlds: expanded reach and protected profits.

What Is the Future of Online Ordering?

Online ordering has already revolutionized the restaurant industry, but emerging technologies promise even greater transformation in the coming years. The global online food delivery market currently represents just 4% of food sold through restaurants, with an annual growth rate projected at 3.5% through 2025. As digital adoption accelerates, two key technologies are poised to reshape the customer experience:

Artificial Intelligence is already revolutionizing restaurant operations. These intelligent systems analyze historical ordering data to forecast demand with up to 30% better accuracy, optimizing inventory levels and reducing food waste. AI-driven loyalty programs automatically track points, suggest personalized redemption options, and create targeted promotional campaigns that convert at 20% higher rates than traditional marketing approaches.

Voice-Activated Ordering represents the next frontier, with systems like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant enabling hands-free ordering experiences. This technology is particularly valuable for repeat customers who can simply ask for "my usual order" without navigating menus. By 2025, industry analysts predict that 25% of online food orders will be initiated through voice commands.

Potential Drawbacks or Considerations

While online ordering systems offer tremendous benefits, restaurants should be aware of potential challenges that require planning and consideration:

Implementation and Training Requirements

Introducing any new technology requires staff training and adjustment periods. Restaurants should allocate sufficient time for:

• Staff training on the new system
• Kitchen workflow adjustments to handle digital tickets
• Customer education about the new ordering process

The initial learning curve can temporarily impact operational efficiency, but these challenges are typically resolved within 2-3 weeks of implementation.

Technology Dependence

Online ordering creates dependence on reliable internet connectivity and technology infrastructure. Restaurants should consider:

• Backup internet connections
• Contingency plans for system outages
• Technical support availability

Working with a reliable provider like Restolabs ensures you have access to 24/7 technical support to minimize any potential disruptions.

Balancing Digital and In-Person Experiences

As digital ordering grows, restaurants must ensure they maintain the quality of in-person dining experiences. This requires:

• Careful kitchen capacity planning
• Separate preparation areas for digital and in-person orders when possible
• Consistent food quality across all ordering channels

With proper planning, these considerations can be effectively addressed, allowing restaurants to enjoy the benefits of online ordering while minimizing potential drawbacks.

Customizable online ordering platform for your restaurant

Restolabs provides an online food ordering system tailored to your business, as well as the customer's needs. We provide convenient and effective food ordering platform to help restaurants attract and retain today's web-obsessed customers.

Unlike generic solutions, Restolabs offers:

• Commission-Free Ordering: Keep 100% of your profits with our flat-rate pricing model
• Complete Data Ownership: Maintain full control of your valuable customer information
• Seamless POS Integration: Connect with 70+ leading POS systems for streamlined operations
• Multi-Platform Ordering: Provide ordering through your website, custom mobile app, and social media
• Comprehensive Analytics: Make data-driven decisions with robust reporting tools

Ready to Transform Your Restaurant with Online Ordering?

The evidence is clear: online ordering systems deliver measurable benefits including increased revenue (15-20% higher order values), improved operational efficiency (23% better accuracy), and enhanced customer loyalty (89% repeat purchase rate). While implementation requires some initial adjustment, the long-term advantages far outweigh these temporary challenges.

Restolabs provides a complete online ordering solution that eliminates commission fees, gives you full control of your customer data, and integrates seamlessly with your existing operations. Our platform is designed specifically for restaurants seeking growth without sacrificing profitability or independence.

Book a free demo today to see how Restolabs can help your restaurant capture the full potential of online ordering while keeping 100% of your profits.