How Online Ordering Systems Work

Online food ordering systems for restaurants are an indispensable driver of success. Given that the average US restaurant profit margin is between 2-9%, tapping into every profit source is a must and relying on walk-in customers simply doesn’t cut it anymore.  

There are also roughly 16 new US restaurants opened for every 100,000 people, and with 80% of restaurants failing within five years, an effective marketing and sales strategy is a given. Online ordering systems quietly revolutionized customer experiences and operational efficiency over the last few decades, propelling restaurants into the thriving digital dining era.  

From streamlining workflows to fostering loyal patrons and empowering data-driven decisions, this technology has incredible potential to house your brand’s entire digital presence. How can you ensure your restaurant navigates consumer personalization trends and economic challenges? Keep reading to find out. 

Unveiling the customer journey: How online takeaway ordering systems work

An online takeaway ordering system translates your in-person guest experience to the digital world. With a few intuitive taps, customers can personalize their order, pay securely online, and receive updates on their order fulfillment.  

But how do online takeaway ordering systems work in practice? Here's a closer look at the customer journey:  

• Seamless ordering: Customers access your online menu via website or app on their desktop or smartphone, and then place their orders 
• Payment flexibility: At checkout, they can choose to apply discounts or rewards, then pay securely online or in-person, making the process convenient and efficient  
• Order confirmation: After paying, they receive a receipt and detailed information about their order and pickup or delivery time  

Continuing the process, here’s what happens on your restaurant’s end:  

• Kitchen display: Once confirmed by the system, their order appears on your kitchen display system, ensuring swift preparation  
• Data storage: While customer payment information is always secure, their contact information and order data is also stored, allowing you to personalize future experiences  
• Inventory management: The system tracks your inventory, preventing accidental menu item shortages and allowing you to efficiently manage reorder points  
• Order ready notification: Once their order is complete, the customer receives a notification, letting them know it's ready for pickup or is on its way for delivery  

Convenience Is Key TO AN Easy Dining Experience

While online ordering streamlines the process, the benefits don’t stop at operations. Ultimately, online ordering is about crafting a satisfying dining experience for your customers, driving engagement and fostering loyalty. Here's how:  

• Personalization matters: Allow customers to customize their orders for dietary preferences, allergy information, and specific requests such as how they want side ingredients packaged 
• Remember to promote loyalty: Foster lasting relationships by integrating your loyalty program into online orders, rewarding repeat business, and building a genuine sense of community  
• Delivery done right: Streamline the delivery experience via clear communication with partners, real-time tracking, and efficient order routing, ensuring baseline customer satisfaction   

By embracing these features, you elevate your online ordering system from a technological tool to a strategic asset. Remember, convenience is normally enough to attract a guest, but driving repeat visits requires crafting a memorable, one-of-a-kind dining experience.  

Empowering Customers with Choice: Building a custom menu

Online restaurant ordering systems also let you build custom menus to showcase your latest creations, update descriptions, and adjust item availability. To make a winning custom menu, be sure to keep it fresh with seasonal ingredients, special events, and customer favorites based on zero-party (0P) and first-party (1P) data.  

Next, develop and target audience segments with promotions and discounts, like online-only deals or loyalty program rewards that boost sales and create unique experiences. Review what's popular when new orders come in, and then use those insights to personalize customer engagement campaigns to make sure every dish is a hit.  

By leveraging loyalty in combination with online ordering a large sandwich chain reported that 53% of new loyalty members came from online ordering. 

A great online ordering system showcases your offerings in the best light possible. Make your custom menu visually appealing with vibrant images that make customers want to order. Lastly, expand your menu beyond food with beverage pairings, desserts, and branded merchandise. These are your prime upsell and cross-sell opportunities. 

Unlocking the Potential of Restaurant Customer Data

In the world of online ordering, each click and order reveals valuable information that can be your guide to satisfied customers, streamlined operations, and new growth opportunities. Here are some practical ways to use restaurant data to your advantage:  

• Order history and trends: Identify popular dishes, peak order times, and preferred delivery options, allowing you to plan according to demand and optimize operations  
• Customer insights: Understand your customer base through demographic data and track order preferences, enabling you to personalize marketing efforts and create targeted promotions  
• Performance analysis and reporting: Get detailed reports on order fulfillment times, delivery efficiency, and overall system performance, letting you identify areas for improvement  

Ready to get started?

Online ordering is already 40% the restaurant industry (MadMobile), and will one day be the norm. With the right system in place, you can unlock a world of possibilities — increased sales, happier customers, and valuable data to guide your success.   

Take the next step and explore how the Paytronix cutting-edge online ordering system can transform your restaurant into a digital dining destination. Get a demo to discover the potential of online ordering for your business.