9 Ways Restaurant Order Systems Boost eCommerce Success
As the competition in the food industry gets tougher, succeeding is no longer about just preparing mouth-watering dishes. According to Statista, the online food delivery market volume is projected to reach about US$1.85 trillion by 2029.
To ensure customers keep coming back, restaurants are now selling convenience and reliability in addition to inviting signature dishes. An efficient restaurant order system can leverage this gap in the takeout space, boosting customer satisfaction and driving repeat orders.
Let’s look at nine creative ways you can use an online food ordering platform to grow your restaurant’s revenue.
Simplifies the ordering process for customers
When customers are able to place their meal orders online, the process becomes easier and more efficient for everyone. You can even simplify things further by providing a QR code menu that customers can scan to access offerings and customize their orders.
This self-service option provides more convenience for customers while making room for faster table turnovers and, hence, improved customer satisfaction.
Increased reach
A restaurant order system can help you reach a wider audience beyond the regular physical guests your restaurant receives.
The National Restaurant Association (NRA) report also found that post the pandemic, about 60% of restaurant customers in the U.S. have developed an increased preference for ordering online.
Making provision for online orders will help you attract customers who prefer takeout, drawing in additional revenue and a bigger customer base.
Efficient inventory management
Poor inventory management affects purchase decisions, and this can impact profitability. With a
digital ordering platform, orders can be tracked in real-time to update stock levels. This way, the risk of running out of popular dishes while orders are coming in will be reduced.
Also, managers will always be aware of the available stock, enabling them to make more precise purchase decisions. This cost-control approach directly benefits the bottom line while ensuring customer satisfaction.
Multichannel ordering options with QR code menus
Customers looking to dine at home or order takeout can enjoy the flexibility of the various ordering options when menus are provided via QR codes. They can easily scan these codes to see the available dishes, place their order, and pay—all from their mobile phones.
A research done by the NRA found that about 53% of people preferred using a contactless order system to place orders when they wanted to order takeout. Leveraging this preference can bring about an increase in customer satisfaction and sales.
Data-driven decision making
As customers place their orders via your platform, you will be able to get information about their preferences, the popular items on the menu, and peak ordering times. Also, using online ordering systems can give you valuable insights to improve your business strategy. This information will enable you to make strategic adjustments to your offerings, pricing, and inventory.
An assessment of order choices can also help make more targeted marketing decisions, promotions, and discounts. In addition, personalized loyalty programs can be executed easily based on the analysis of customer profiles, helping to strengthen brand loyalty.
Improved customer experience
Customers enjoy a faster and smoother experience when they place orders for takeout online. By including features like a QR code menu, you will be providing diners with a more relaxed dining experience while they enjoy the comfort of their homes.
This system also allows for personalized recommendations and promotions based on past orders, leaving customers feeling valued while driving increased orders.
Increased sales and revenue
A Deloitte report found that customers spend about 20% more when they place their orders online via a technology or ordering platform.
Another study by Toast found that restaurants that implemented online ordering saw an increase of about 15% in their average check size compared to traditional dine-in services. This is likely because these systems provide lots of opportunities for upselling and cross-selling.
Efficient delivery and tracking
Order tracking systems provide customers with real-time updates on their orders, making the delivery experience transparent at every point.
A recent DoorDash report found that 39% of consumers in the US and 22% of consumers in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand ordered food for delivery when they had guests at home.
For these customers, an efficient delivery and clear tracking system will ease the hosting experience, leading to increased trust in the brand and repeat patronage.
Higher customer retention
When people order food online, it’s rarely a one-off. DoorDash also reported that 49% of U.S. consumers and 40% of consumers in New Zealand and Australia ordered from the same restaurant at least once a week.
That means if services are satisfying and your restaurant order system runs smoothly, you will not just attract but also retain a large and loyal fan base.
Making the most of your restaurant order system
Implementing an online ordering system will not only improve your revenue but also help your brand thrive amidst the competition. However, the success of this approach is largely tied to planning and execution.
Before selecting an order system or platform, assess your restaurant’s goals, needs, and customer preferences to determine the best solution.
Diligently research solutions to ensure they will improve your customers’ experience. For instance, providing features such as QR code menus and real-time tracking can make a world of difference and solidify brand loyalty.
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