How to Choose the Right Online Ordering System for your Restaurant

Online ordering systems have become indispensable tools for restaurants looking to increase efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction. With the rise of technology and the growing demand for convenience, customers expect the option to order their favorite meals with just a few clicks or taps.?

However, choosing the right one for your restaurant can be a daunting task as there are numerous factors to consider.?

In this article, we will explore the key factors when selecting an ordering system that best suits your needs, helping you make an informed decision. ?

I. What is online ordering system?? ?

An online ordering system allows customers to place food orders remotely via the internet or a mobile application. It enables customers to browse a menu, select items, customize orders, or pickup preferences, and make payments online. ?

The system typically integrates with the restaurant's point-of-sale (POS) system or kitchen management software to facilitate order processing and streamline operations. Online ordering systems are commonly used by restaurants, cafes, and other food service establishments to offer convenience to customers, increase sales, and improve overall efficiency.?

II. Types of online ordering system???

1. Marketplace online ordering systems?

Marketplace online ordering system is a place where restaurant owners gather and upload their menu.?Deliveroo or Menulog can be significant examples.?Restaurant owners?also do large amounts of promotion and marketing to drive traffic to their website to generate sales for their stores. ?

These platforms act as intermediaries between customers and restaurants, facilitating the ordering process and often providing delivery services as well.?

There are several ways marketplace online ordering systems make money:??

• Commission fees: Marketplace platforms typically charge restaurants a commission fee for each order placed through their platform. This fee is usually a percentage of the total order value and can vary depending on the platform and the services provided.??
• Delivery fees: Some marketplace platforms offer delivery services and charge customers a delivery fee for each order. Additionally, they may charge restaurants a fee for using their delivery infrastructure or partnering with third-party delivery services.??
• Subscription or membership fees: Some marketplace platforms offer premium features or services to restaurants, such as advanced analytics, marketing tools, or priority placement in search results, for a subscription or membership fee.??
• Advertising revenue: Marketplace platforms may generate revenue through advertising by allowing restaurants to pay for enhanced visibility or sponsored listings within the app or website.??
• Transaction fees: In addition to commission fees, marketplace platforms may charge restaurants a small transaction fee for processing payments made through their platform.??

2. Custom self-service online ordering system?

A custom self-service online ordering system allows businesses to create their own customized online ordering solution for their products or services, similar to using e-commerce platforms like Shopify or Wix Restaurants . Unlike pre-built solutions or marketplace platforms, a custom self-service system is tailored specifically to the needs and preferences of the business.?

The popularity of self-service online ordering systems is rising because they are much cheaper than marketplace systems. Instead of paying a percentage of each order, these systems usually charge a fixed monthly fee or setup fee, which ends up being more affordable.? ?

With a custom self-service online ordering system, businesses have full control over the design, features, and functionality of their online ordering platform. They can customize everything from the user interface and branding to the ordering process and payment options.?

These systems often provide a range of features and tools to streamline the ordering process, such as menu management, order tracking, customer management, and integration with other business systems like point-of-sale (POS) or inventory management.?

III. Must-have online ordering system?features??

1. Billing system? ?

A strong transaction system is essential for an online ordering system. A quick and secure billing system guarantees customer pleasure. It needs to be secure and safe. There is no way for the system to divulge any private information. On the other hand, customers may be taken advantage of. Even legal action from customers against your restaurant is an option. It needs to be simultaneous and swift. ?

2. Record sales history??

The fact that an online ordering system keeps track of every transaction done through it is its strongest feature. You have access to the sales history, which shows you how much money your restaurant brought in each day. If the record sale history system is bad, it might cause confusing management and difficult to make decisions. ?

3. Social media integration??

In this day, when 5.04 billion people around the world have at least one social media account (according to Datareportal ), a social media integration process is really crucial for any online ordering system. When you can integrate your social media, you will be able to increase your order rate 10 times more than before. So, this factor is one of the biggest features that needed to be included in your system. ?

4. QR Scanner??

Another amazing feature of an online ordering system that you can't ignore is a QR scanner. As the world has?experienced digital transformation, customers are changing the way they charge.?With the help of a QR scanner, customers can pay the bill without any hassle quickly.?

5. Location tracking engine??

There are many people who search the map or similar things to find a restaurant that they want to go to. Besides, an online ordering system has to be equipped with a GPS tracking system in order to deliver the meal to the customer's home safely. It is an essential necessity or feature for an internet ordering system, not just a nice-to-have one.?

6. Multiple payment gateways?

Nowadays, customers expect convenience and flexibility when it comes to payment options for their restaurant bills. By offering multiple payment gateways, you allow customers to choose the payment method that best suits their needs, whether it's credit or debit cards, mobile wallets, online banking, or other digital payment options. This flexibility enhances the customer experience, as it eliminates barriers to payment and ensures a seamless checkout process.?

IV. Things to consider when choose online ordering system???

1. Cost?

Budget is a key factor that almost businesses take into consideration. First, you can evaluate the pricing structure of the online ordering system, including setup fees, monthly subscriptions, transaction fees, and any additional charges to make sure the system offers good value for money and aligns with your budget.?

2. Features options?

Another important factor is featuring options. Depending on your unique requirements, remember to assess the features and customization options offered by the online ordering system. Some features you may look for include menu management, order tracking, customer management, payment processing, and integration with other business systems. ?

3. User experience?

The system should be intuitive and easy to use, with a user-friendly interface that makes it simple for your customers to place orders and for staff to manage them. As a result, testing the system from both the customer and staff perspectives is needed to ensure it meets your usability standards.?

4. Integration and compatibility?

Integration can streamline operations and provide a cohesive experience for both customers and staff. Don’t forget to check whether the online ordering system integrates with your existing business systems, such as your point-of-sale (POS) system, inventory management software, and customer relationship management (CRM) system.? ?

5. Customer support ?

As you are finding a third-party to provide you with an online ordering system, you absolutely need their continuous support. So, remember to consider the level of customer support provided by the online ordering system vendor, including available support channels, response times, and service availability. Choose a vendor that offers reliable support to address any issues or concerns that may arise. ?

VI. Adamo help you design cutting-edge online ordering system for your restaurant? ?

At Adamo , we fully understand the situation of the emerging online ordering system. We have leveraged the market and the latest technologies to empower lucrative software development solutions in the food and beverage field. ?

Our dedicated team will be the perfect tech partner for individuals who wish to lead their business operations because of our skilled software engineers and thorough exploration of business opportunities.?

We have faith in our ability to offer software solutions that generate revenue using cutting-edge technologies. If you want to turn your business concepts into a workable business solution, don’t hesitate to reach us. ?

To sum up, selecting the right ordering system for your restaurant is a crucial decision that can greatly impact the success of your business. With careful consideration and evaluation, you can choose an ordering system that helps your restaurant thrive in today's competitive market.?