January 30, 2025

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Online Ordering Platform

What Are The Benefits of Online Ordering? Find Out Here

Hudaibia Khalid

Copywriter & Marketing Assistant

Key Takeaways

Online ordering boosts restaurant revenue and better manages operations.
Customers enjoy faster, more convenient food ordering experiences.
Digital ordering reduces wait times and enhances customer satisfaction.
Restaurants gain valuable customer information for marketing and personalization.
A strong online presence helps restaurants stay competitive in the digital era.

Are you ready to enter into a food delivery industry, projected to reach $200 billion by 2025? Now is the perfect time to implement an online ordering system and know its numerous benefits.

Online ordering technology has changed the restaurant industry, offering a fast, convenient solution for businesses and customers.

According to the NRA’s latest research, the food service industry is projected to reach $997 billion in sales in 2023, more than 70% of customers prefer to order directly from a restaurant’s website or app instead of using third-party platforms.

Let’s look below at the advantages of online food delivery and why it’s become necessary for restaurants and customers.

Benefits of Online Ordering For Restaurants

Why is online ordering good for restaurants?

One of the essential restaurant automation tools is an online ordering platform. Restaurants embracing digital transformation provide customers with the most secure option for placing orders online.

Integrating modern restaurant ordering systems marks a significant leap from traditional, manual methods.

Below, we explore some advantages of online ordering systems for restaurants.

Streamline Ordering and Delivery Operations

With the best online food ordering system, restaurants can easily streamline their food and delivery operations. These platforms automate all the manual processes, from managing finance to assigning zones to riders.

This enhances the overall efficiency of the delivery and ordering process. Also, it improves customer satisfaction by ensuring timely and reliable service.

Supercharge your deliveries with Enatega.

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Increased Sales

Increased sales are another main advantage of online food ordering. The food delivery system can boost restaurant revenue. It expands your customer base and increases sales opportunities. It makes it easier for customers to find your restaurant when looking for local places to eat.

Restaurants can see a 20% increase in sales after using an online ordering system.

Increase Order Volume

Some customers prefer to order bulk orders directly from the restaurant website rather than using third-party platforms. Therefore, restaurants should provide deals, discounts, and special offers to customers who place large orders. It can also encourage direct engagement with their online ordering system.

Online ordering can attract new customers, increasing the customer base by 25%.

Stay Ahead of the Competition

Customers who order online from the restaurant are 67% more likely to visit than those who don’t. Therefore, using the online ordering system is necessary to make your restaurants easily accessible to your consumers.

Moreover, by maintaining a strong web presence, restaurants may increase organic traffic, and more people know about your restaurant.

Faster Turnaround Times

Integrated online ordering software allows customers to browse the menu, place orders, and make payments efficiently. This reduces the time spent on phone calls and allows restaurants to process orders more quickly. Faster turnaround times contribute to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Menu Management

Setting up an online ordering system allows you to change your menu and design according to your needs. For example, you may change the color, logo, and branding that make your restaurant stand out from other businesses.

Customer Data and Insights

It is one of the main benefits of implementing an online ordering system. It collects valuable customer data, including order history and preferences. Restaurants can leverage this information to personalize promotions, create targeted marketing campaigns, and enhance customer loyalty programs, ultimately improving customer retention.

Benefits of Online Ordering System For Customers

What are the advantages of online ordering for customers?

Online ordering provides customers with numerous benefits, enhancing their overall dining experience and convenience. Here are some critical advantages of order management for customers:

Convenience and Accessibility

Online ordering allows customers to place orders from the comfort of their homes, offices, or on the go. This level of convenience eliminates the need for physical travel to the restaurant, saving time and effort.

24/7 Availability

Unlike traditional ordering methods that may be limited by business hours, online ordering platforms are accessible 24/7. Customers can place orders at any time that suits them, providing flexibility and accommodating various schedules.

Detailed Menus and Customization

It in another one of great benefits of ordering food online. Online menus often include detailed descriptions and images of dishes, helping customers make informed choices. Additionally, online ordering systems allow for easy customization of orders, accommodating specific preferences, dietary restrictions, or special requests.

Time-Saving

Customers can quickly browse menus, select items, and place orders without the need for lengthy phone calls or waiting on hold. This streamlined process saves customers and restaurant staff time, leading to faster order placement and processing.

Order Tracking

One of the main advantages of online food ordering for customers is time-saving. Many online ordering platforms offer real-time order tracking, allowing customers to monitor the status of their orders. This transparency provides a sense of control and eliminates uncertainty about when the order will be ready or delivered.

Secure Online Payments

Online ordering systems typically offer secure payment options, including credit/debit cards and digital wallets. This enhances security and convenience. Also, it eliminates the need for customers to have cash on hand and reduces transactional friction.

Special Deals and Discounts

Customers can often access exclusive deals, promotions, and discounts when ordering directly from the restaurant’s website or app. These incentives can encourage customer loyalty and contribute to cost savings.

Reduced Miscommunication

Placing orders online reduces the likelihood of miscommunication compared to phone orders. Customers can review their orders before submitting, ensuring accuracy and minimizing errors in the order-taking process.

Contactless and Safe Transactions

In light of health and safety concerns, online ordering allows for contactless transactions. Customers can order, pay, and receive food without physical interaction, providing a safer and more hygienic experience.

Repeat Order History

Online ordering systems often store order history, making it easy for customers to reorder their favorite dishes with a few clicks. This feature simplifies ordering, especially for customers with specific go-to menu items.

Difference Between Online vs. Phone Ordering for Restaurants

The table below shows the differences between online and phone ordering.

Feature	Online Ordering	Phone Ordering
Convenience	Order anytime, anywhere	Limited to business hours
Order Accuracy	Built-in checks reduce errors	Higher risk of miscommunication
Customization	Easy to customize orders	Customization may require back-and-forth
Order Tracking	Real-time tracking available	No tracking; relies on staff updates
Personal Interaction	Less personal; automated responses	Direct communication with staff
Technical Issues	Subject to website/app problems	No technical issues; relies on phone connection
Payment Security	Concerns about online payment security	Payments made over the phone can feel less secure
Waiting Time	Instant order placement	May wait on hold during busy times
Feedback	Limited to written comments	Immediate feedback and clarification are possible

Challenges of Online Ordering

Here are the challenges of online ordering for customers and restaurant owners.

Challenges	Customers	Restaurant Owners
Order Accuracy	Miscommunication can lead to incorrect orders.	Errors in order processing due to unclear specifications.
Delivery Issues	Delays or incorrect deliveries can lead to frustration.	Managing delivery logistics and ensuring timely service.
Limited Interaction	Lack of personal interaction can diminish the experience.	Difficulty in engaging with customers and addressing concerns.
Payment Security	Concerns about the safety of online transactions.	Need to invest in secure payment systems and protocols.
Menu Changes	Difficulty in accessing updated menus or specials.	Frequent updates are needed on the website/app to reflect changes.
Technical Glitches	Website/app crashes or slow loading times can deter orders.	Reliance on technology can lead to losses during outages.
Understanding Portions	Uncertainty about portion sizes when ordering online.	Need to provide clear descriptions and visuals for items.
User Experience	Complicated navigation can frustrate customers.	Must ensure a user-friendly interface for smooth ordering.
Marketing Challenges	Harder to attract customers without a physical presence.	Competing in a crowded online space requires effective marketing.
Return and Refund Policies	Confusion over return policies for wrong orders.	Need clear policies that are easy for customers to understand.
Inventory Management	Out-of-stock items can lead to disappointment.	Must maintain accurate inventory levels to avoid issues.
Customer Loyalty	Harder to build loyalty without in-person interactions.	Need strategies to encourage repeat business online.

FAQs

1. Why is ordering food online better?

Below are the reasons that show why ordering food online is better.

Get the food at your doorstep.
Order the food from any restaurant with just a few taps on the mobile phone.
Browse several restaurants on a single platform.

2. What are the benefits of using an electronic menu and ordering system?

The following are the benefits of using an electronic menu and ordering system.

Customization of menu
Fast and accurate service
Flexible payment options
Integration with food delivery apps

3. How does online ordering work?

Here are some steps that show how online ordering works.

Customers download the app.
Create an account.
Browse restaurants.
Select items.
Place an order.
Order received by the restaurant.

4. What do restaurants use for online ordering?

Below are some platforms that restaurants use for online ordering.

Bbot
Toast
ChowNow
Popmenu
Upserve

5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of online food delivery services?

Below are the advantages and disadvantages of online food delivery services.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Order from anywhere, anytime	Additional costs (delivery fees) can apply
Access to numerous cuisines and restaurants	Inconsistency in food quality
Reduces cooking and travel time	Limited Interaction
Discounts and deals available	Issues with apps or websites

6. Why do restaurants want you to order online?

Restaurants prefer online ordering for several reasons, such as:

Increased sales
Efficiency
Cost-effective:
More marketing opportunities
Easily manage operations

7. What is the purpose of the online food ordering system?

The main purpose of an online food ordering system is to:

Enable the convenient and efficient ordering of food from restaurants via the Internet.
Allowing customers to browse menus, customize orders, and make payments from their devices.

Supercharge your deliveries with Enatega.

Schedule a Call

Conclusion

Online ordering not only streamlines restaurant operational processes but also enhances the overall dining experience for customers.

They provide speed, convenience, and efficiency that traditional methods cannot match. Also, they are changing the way restaurants operate and improving the overall customer experience.

If you're a business owner and want to implement an ordering system, consult Enatega. Our experts are ready to help you build the online ordering system that meets your business needs.

So, book a free demo with us today.

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