The benefits of using an online ordering system in restaurants

Who can learn more about delivery? If your business does not yet have online orders, it is time for you to include it.

Much has been said that online ordering is here to stay, it is an unstoppable trend that you have to be a part of. While it is true that each restaurant, bar or cafeteria is unique and has its own needs, it is also true to understand that the market sets the standard and you have to adapt to the needs of customers if you want to ensure the survival of the business.

According to the NRA (National Restaurant Association), three out of five US consumers order takeout at least once a week. On the other hand, a study carried out by CHD Expert concluded that the actions that restaurant consumers will take most will be:

- 89% of Internet users research a restaurant online before ordering their food.

- Take-out orders with direct delivery to the office and home will increase by 20%.

- More digital purchases of products will be made with home delivery.

What does this data mean for restaurants? That there is a great opportunity to grow if you have a good web presence, good page navigation and efficient delivery service for those who place their orders online.

It is for all the mentioned reasons we tell you what are the benefits of offering online ordering.

Gives you access to more clients

Integrating with apps like UberEats, Glovo, Orders Now, and other services will put your restaurant in front of thousands of potential customers.

Even if your place is not well located, third-party integrations make it easy for locals to offer their menu to hungry customers who are looking for options by proximity to their geographic location or by type of food.

If you integrate with third parties, you avoid hiring staff

The other advantage of integrating with applications that already offer delivery service is that you avoid hiring delivery personnel at home.

Delivery applications are associated with many delivery men who will appear at your restaurant to take the order where it belongs, while you continue with your work without worrying.

However, not everything is pink, since most applications charge a percentage of the order that can range from 20% to 35% of the cost, decreasing your profits.

If you decide to have your own online ordering system you will be able to:

Get to know your customers better

Did you know that 60% of consumers have ordered food online in the last six months? It's not only about money, but also about information.

Managing your own online ordering system will allow you to obtain information about the customer who is ordering: where he lives, what he ordered, what time to order and more.

It also ensures you provide the user experience that you have designed for him, since the person will navigate and order directly from your restaurant's website.

You will have the information you need to develop a loyalty program

If you organize well the information of those customers who place their orders online, you will have carte blanche to develop a great loyalty program.

There is a lot of competition these days, so retaining your customers is one of the most effective ways to maintain your cash flow. Having an online ordering system connected to a loyalty program means you can drive diner engagement and offer rewards or promotions to those who read your menu online.

You can enter orders online at your point of sale

Most online ordering applications work with their own systems; so if you promote yourself through different applications you will have to communicate with each of these services separately.

The advantage of managing online orders directly is that you will work with the system that you already have installed for your business. For example, with Toteat you can enter orders online to the restaurant's management system.

You already know the benefits of including an online ordering system. What other benefit would you add to the list?