Revamping your restaurant for 2024: Integrating online ordering – London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

As of March 2024, around a fifth of consumers in the United Kingdom prefer ordering food and drink online, a two per cent increase from December 2023.

Although the numbers fluctuate, these findings underscore the importance of having online ordering systems in restaurants.

So, how can you integrate these systems into your operations, and what are their advantages?

Read on to learn more.

How to integrate an online ordering system into your restaurant

Restaurants online ordering systems let customers browse menus, place orders, and make contactless payments at their convenience.

Here’s how to integrate one into your restaurant management system:

Set up a restaurant website and mobile app

Receiving orders through your restaurant website or mobile app is an in-house process, letting customers place orders directly from your platforms. You maintain direct contact and obtain all the profits because of autonomy.

Building a website and mobile app

If you don’t have an app or website yet, here are some tips:

• Website: Use an open-source web content management system (WCMS) like WordPress or a website builder. These platforms have pre-built website templates, letting you create a website without advanced tech skills.
• App: Use a restaurant app builder. This platform has a complete set of customisable, pre-built templates.

You must sign up for these services. Also, most of the templates are free, while others are paid.

Sign up on a third-party online ordering platform

Third-party online ordering services are another option if you can’t afford in-house management. These platforms include ChefOnline, DoorDash, Tastily, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats.

To get started, select the solution that aligns with your objectives, operations, and management. Then, go to your chosen service’s website and fill out the sign-up forms.

Once submitted, the information will be passed on to the app team for approval. You can launch your store and receive orders through the app if approved.

This option allows you to use multiple third-party online ordering platforms. However, you must be mindful of order management. Such services also take a cut of your earnings, e.g., service fees as a percentage of your orders.

Other considerations

When choosing a system, other factors to consider include:

Local market research

Online ordering systems with a significant local presence can help you strengthen your community visibility. For instance, if most of your customers use a third-party service, getting listed on that platform is lucrative because that’s where they can find and reach you.

This is why local market research is imperative. It will help you choose a system that meets your restaurant’s needs.

Moreover, local research helps tailor your offers to your local customer base’s preferences. Based on the data you gather, you can even design promotions that resonate with the local culture.

Free trials and demos

After researching, sign up for free trials or book demos on your chosen services. These evaluations will help you gauge the following features:

• Monthly rates
• Commission fees
• Customisation
• Data collection
• Ordering experience
• Delivery options

These elements can influence customers’ purchasing decisions and will help you determine whether the service can encourage repeat business.

Tech compatibility

Online ordering integration with your existing restaurant system is crucial for smooth operations.

You must ensure tech compatibility to minimise downtime, enhance accuracy, and boost efficiency. This unified process will allow your team to focus on order execution and completion rather than manual management.

Furthermore, you can maintain accurate sales records, inventory levels, and customer data, reducing the risk of miscommunication and operational hiccups.

Benefits of integrating an online ordering system

Once online ordering systems are employed, you can enjoy the following benefits:

Enhanced order and inventory management efficiency

Online ordering platforms help you receive and process multiple online orders with less staff. This efficiency helps free up employees for other operational tasks, such as food preparation, table cleaning, customer services, and inventory management.

You won’t have to worry about understaffing or overstaffing, ensuring smooth operations at all times.

Straightforward ordering processes

Online ordering systems help ensure accurate orders because customers have time to review before checkout. They can also include special instructions, such as ingredient removal or specific toppings.

This straightforward process helps your staff process orders immediately. As a result, you can minimise long wait times and keep up with the demand, particularly during peak hours.

Flexible menu changes

Online ordering systems allow adding, deleting, or updating items without reprinting menus. This advantage can help you save time, money, and resources.

Moreover, you can experiment with new dishes to determine what customers like best. You can also launch limited-time offers or special promos to create a sense of urgency and encourage repeat visits.

Real-time order monitoring

Online ordering platforms have location-based functions that let you and your customers track the real-time status of orders.

These features benefit both parties. Customers can see how long it will take for their orders to arrive, while you can notify them about delays immediately through live chat. This process can easily set realistic customer expectations.

Data collection and analysis

Online ordering platforms provide data collection and analysis to help you make informed decisions.

For example, you can use data to see your most frequently ordered items. This assessment helps ensure you have stock for the products. You can even determine the busiest times to optimise resource and staffing allocation.

Additionally, the data can help you create personalised marketing campaigns with targeted discounts or promotions based on spending behaviour and preferences.

Transform your dining experience with an online ordering system

Integrating an online ordering system is a strategic move that helps streamline operations and boost your revenue potential. Investing in this platform allows you to future-proof your restaurant for long-term and sustainable success.