How to Create Online Ordering for Restaurants: 12 Key Steps

Struggling to keep up with customer demands for convenient ordering options? 

Learning how to create online ordering for restaurants can transform your business by enhancing customer convenience, streamlining operations, and boosting profits. Whether you’re launching your first digital ordering system or looking to refine an existing one, this guide will walk you through each essential step.

How to Create Online Ordering for Restaurant

To get started with online ordering, it’s important to have a clear plan. Below, we'll walk through each step in creating a system that makes ordering easy for your customers and efficient for your team.

Step 1: Identify Your Goals and Needs

Before you start, defining what you hope to accomplish with your online ordering system is essential. This initial step sets the foundation for a successful launch.

• Assess Your Restaurant's Needs: Consider what's most important for your business. Are you aiming to drive more sales, enhance the convenience for your customers, or perhaps make your operations more efficient?

• Determine Required Features: Think about the tools and functionalities your online system must have. Will you need integrated delivery options, seamless POS system connections, or the ability to analyze customer data?

• Set Clear Objectives: Establish concrete goals. These will act as your roadmap throughout the setup process and help keep the project on track.

By clearly defining your aims right at the outset, you create a guided path for all the decisions and actions that will follow.

Step 2: Evaluate Your Options

When setting up online ordering for your restaurant, you typically have two paths to consider: using third-party platforms or establishing a direct online ordering system on your website. For those interested in the latter, learning how to make a website with online ordering capabilities is crucial. 

Third-Party Platforms

Platforms like Uber Eats and Grubhub manage the entire ordering and delivery process. They can significantly widen your audience reach due to their established user base. However, the convenience of these services comes at a cost. They typically take a commission on each sale—ranging from 15% to 30%. While this model decreases your upfront costs in marketing and logistics, it can eat into your margins as your sales volume increases.

Direct Online Ordering

Creating your own online ordering system allows you full control over the customer experience from start to finish. This option keeps all customer data in your hands, enabling you to tailor marketing strategies directly to your consumer base and control your brand presentation completely. Direct ordering systems can be integrated with your existing website and POS system, ensuring seamless operations and data management.

Key Considerations

• Cost: Assess the impact of third-party commissions against the investment needed to set up and maintain your system. While the latter might have higher initial costs, it usually results in greater profit margins in the long run.

• Control: Consider how important it is for you to control your branding, customer interaction, and data. Direct systems give you more freedom and flexibility to customize your offerings.

• Integration: Check how well the online ordering solution integrates with your current POS system. Seamless integration can significantly streamline operations, reduce errors, and enhance the customer ordering experience.

Choosing the right path depends on your needs, resources, and long-term business goals. Both options have their merits, so weigh them carefully to decide which aligns best with your strategic plans.

Step 3: Research Available Features

When setting up online ordering for your restaurant, the range of features you select can significantly affect how smoothly everything runs and how appealing it is to your customers. Here’s a look at some essential features to consider:

1. Website Integration: Your online ordering system should fit seamlessly into your existing website, allowing customers to place orders directly. This setup not only maintains your brand's look and feel but also keeps the ordering process in-house without redirecting your customers to a third party.

2. POS Integration: Streamlining order input directly into your POS system cuts down on errors and speeds up order processing. This integration ensures that every online order reflects in real-time within your existing sales and management systems.

3. Customization: Your online menus and ordering pages should mirror your restaurant's branding. Customizable layouts and banners allow you to maintain brand consistency, which is vital for building customer trust and recognition.

4. Delivery Options: Depending on your operations, you may handle deliveries in-house or partner with third-party delivery services. Your online ordering system should support either option, providing flexibility in how you get meals to your customers.

5. Customer Data Ownership: Customer information access is critical for personalized marketing and service improvement. Ensure your system allows you to own and manage this data effectively.

Additional Abilities to Enhance User Experience

• Multiple Layout Options: Offering various layout designs for your online ordering page can help you find the perfect match for your restaurant’s aesthetic and functionality needs.

• Customized Banners: These can be tailored for promotions, events, or seasonal greetings, directly influencing the customer’s ordering experience.

• Multiple Menus and Scheduling: Whether you offer different menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner or need to adjust availability based on the day of the week, your system should accommodate these variations.

• Flexible Business Hours: Set specific times for online ordering availability, perfect for managing customer expectations and kitchen workflow.

• Preparation Time Settings: Indicate how long it takes to prepare certain dishes, which can help manage customer expectations and streamline kitchen operations.

• Pause Online Orders: This feature is invaluable when you need to temporarily halt new orders, perhaps due to a rush or closure.

• Suggested Tips Setup: Encourage and facilitate tipping by providing customers with suggested tip amounts during checkout, enhancing the overall experience for your team and your customers.

Choosing the right features for your online ordering system can significantly enhance your operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. By providing a seamless, branded online ordering experience, you ensure that your restaurant meets current customer expectations and sets the stage for future growth.

Step 4: Choose the Right Platform

Selecting the ideal platform for your online ordering system is critical to the success of your digital strategy. Here’s how to ensure the platform you choose meets your specific needs:

• Compare Providers: Start by listing out potential platforms that cater to restaurants. Chowbus POS, for example, is known for its comprehensive solutions tailored to streamline online ordering processes. Look into each platform’s features, such as user interface, payment integration options, and customer support services.

• Request Demos: Once you’ve narrowed down your list, request demos from each provider. A live demonstration allows you to see the system in action, helping you understand how it handles real-world tasks. This is your chance to explore the backend operations and assess whether the interface is intuitive and straightforward for your staff.

• Read Reviews: Pay close attention to what other restaurant owners are saying about their experiences with the platform. Online reviews and testimonials can reveal common issues, strengths, and the level of customer service provided by the company. Look for feedback on how these platforms handle peak traffic, their uptime statistics, and the quality of their customer service.

Why Choose a System Like Chowbus POS?

Chowbus POS stands out as an all-in-one solution that caters specifically to restaurants looking to expand their digital ordering capabilities. Here are a few reasons why it might be the right choice for your restaurant:

• Customizable, Commission-Free Ordering: Chowbus POS allows you to tailor your online ordering system without worrying about additional fees eating into your profits. This setup ensures that you keep more of what you make.

• Seamless POS Integration: Integration with your existing POS can streamline your operations significantly. Chowbus POS makes managing online orders simple and efficient, ensuring every order is synced directly with your kitchen workflow.

• Enhanced Customer Experience: By using a system that’s designed with both the restaurant and its customers in mind, you improve the overall customer experience. Quick, error-free ordering and payment processes make it easier for customers to return again and again.

In your quest to improve operational efficiency and boost profits through online ordering, choosing a provider like Chowbus POS can transform how you interact with your customers and manage your daily operations. Book a demo to learn more.

Step 5: Set Up Your Online Ordering System

After choosing your ideal online ordering system, it’s time to bring it to life. This phase is crucial for capturing your brand essence and ensuring operational efficiency. Here’s how you can effectively set up and customize your platform:

Customize Your Platform:

• Branding: Start by uploading your logo and applying your brand colors across the platform. This consistent visual presentation reinforces your brand identity and enhances customer trust.

• Menu Setup: Input all your menu items. Include clear, high-quality photos and engaging descriptions that capture the flavor and appeal of your dishes. Focus on prominently featuring your popular and high-margin items, as these will likely attract more orders.

• Pricing and Availability: Ensure all prices are updated and reflect current promotions or specials. Indicate the availability of items, especially those that are seasonal or in limited quantities.

• Modifiers and Add-Ons: Enable customization options such as sides, toppings, and special instructions. This flexibility allows customers to personalize their orders, leading to higher satisfaction and, often, larger order sizes.

Configure Payment and Security:

• Payment Gateways: Integrate secure payment options like credit cards, PayPal, or Apple Pay. Choosing a reliable payment processor is essential for handling transactions smoothly and securely.

• SSL Certificate: Secure your site with an SSL certificate to protect customer data and transactions. This safeguards information and boosts customer confidence in using your online ordering system.

• Compliance: Ensure your system adheres to all relevant legal requirements and best practices for online transactions. This includes privacy policies, data protection regulations, financial compliance standards, and PCI compliance to safeguard customer payment information.

Configure Delivery and Pick-Up Options:

• Define Delivery Zones and Fees: Set up clear delivery zones and associated fees. This transparency helps avoid customer confusion and disputes.

• Set Accurate Preparation and Pick-Up Times: Provide realistic time frames for order preparation and pick-up. Accurate timing ensures customer satisfaction and can help manage kitchen workflow more effectively.

By meticulously setting up your online ordering system with attention to these details, you create a smoother experience for your team and your customers. This setup streamlines operations and enhances the customer journey, encouraging repeat business and fostering loyalty.

Step 6: Ensure POS Integration

Integrating your online ordering system with your POS is a straightforward way to streamline your operations effectively. Here’s how making this move can enhance your restaurant's efficiency and accuracy:

• Sync Orders Automatically: When orders flow directly from your online platform to your POS system, the risk of errors is minimized. Your staff won’t need to manually enter data, which saves time and reduces the chances of mistakes that can occur with manual input.

• Centralize Reporting: With a fully integrated system, all your sales data—from walk-ins to online orders—gets compiled in one place. This centralization makes it easier to analyze trends, track performance, and make informed decisions about your restaurant's operations and marketing strategies.

• Real-Time Updates: Integrating your online ordering with your POS system allows for better coordination between what’s being ordered and what’s available. This helps keep your menu offerings up-to-date, ensuring that your customers always have access to their favorite dishes.

By ensuring your online ordering system and POS are integrated, you not only improve the efficiency of your operations but also enhance the customer experience by providing faster and more reliable service.

Step 7: Test Your System

Testing your online ordering system thoroughly before going live is critical to ensure a seamless launch. Here’s how to make sure everything is in top shape:

• Place Test Orders: Kick-off by running through the entire ordering process yourself. Place orders with various menu items using different payment methods and test out special instructions or customization options your customers might use. This is your chance to view the system from a customer’s perspective and make sure the ordering flow is intuitive and hassle-free. If you encounter any hiccups, note them down for fixing.

• Check Notifications: Your staff must receive immediate notifications when orders are placed. Delayed notifications can lead to slower service, decreased customer satisfaction, and a loss of sales. Verify that all alerts arrive promptly and are noticeable. If your system includes email or text notifications, test these on various devices to ensure reliability.

• Mobile Testing: Given that many customers will place orders from their phones or tablets, spend ample time testing the platform across different mobile devices and browsers. This ensures that no matter what device your customers use, they will have a smooth ordering experience. Check loading times, navigation ease, and information clarity on smaller screens.

• Check for Glitches: Finally, comb through the entire system for any technical glitches. Pay special attention to integration points like how orders populate your POS system or how payment processing occurs. If you spot any issues, work with your system provider to resolve them before you announce your online ordering to the world.

Remember, the goal is to iron out any problems before your customers encounter them. This proactive approach will save you from potential headaches during real operations and help maintain your restaurant’s reputation for quality and service right from the start.

Step 8: Train Your Staff

Training your team is critical to ensure your new online ordering system operates smoothly. Here’s how to effectively prepare your staff to handle the new system confidently and competently:

Conduct Training Sessions

Start by organizing comprehensive training sessions that cover all aspects of the new online ordering process. Demonstrate how to receive and process orders, highlight common issues that might arise, and show how to resolve them. Use real scenarios to make the training relatable and engaging. It's important that each team member understands their role in the process, from the front of the house to the kitchen staff.

Create Reference Materials

Provide your team with easy-to-understand reference materials. Manuals, quick reference guides, and FAQs can be invaluable resources for your staff. Ensure these materials are accessible in the workplace, perhaps pinned up in the staff area or available digitally through a staff portal. These resources should be clear and concise, offering step-by-step instructions and solutions to potential problems.

Encourage Feedback

Encourage your staff to provide feedback about the online ordering system once it goes live. Their insights are vital, as they are the ones using the system daily. Set up a simple method for them to report any challenges they encounter or suggestions for improvement. Regularly review this feedback and take action where necessary to refine the system. This helps iron out any kinks in the system and makes your staff feel valued and involved in the process.

A well-prepared team ensures that your online ordering system runs efficiently, leading to smoother operations and satisfied customers. The goal is to make the transition as seamless as possible, not just for your customers but also for your team, which will manage these orders daily.

Step 9: Optimize Your Menu for Online Ordering

Optimizing your menu for online ordering is about more than just listing what’s available—it’s about crafting a selection that ensures quality upon arrival, encourages additional purchases, and aligns with your operational capabilities.

Select Menu Items Wisely:

Start by reviewing your current menu to identify which dishes hold up well during transport. Items prone to sogginess or best served immediately might not be ideal for delivery. Focus on offering dishes that maintain their texture and flavor. For example, hearty pastas, burgers, and wraps often travel better than delicate salads or crispy items that may not withstand the journey.

Conversely, consider removing dishes from the online menu if they don’t meet these criteria. This ensures customer satisfaction and protects your reputation by consistently delivering dishes that meet expectations.

Adjust Pricing if Necessary:

When setting prices for your online menu, factor in the additional costs associated with packaging and delivery. Sustainable, high-quality packaging might cost more, but it’s essential for maintaining food temperature and quality, which enhances customer satisfaction. If these costs increase your expenses, adjusting your pricing slightly to compensate is reasonable. Transparently communicate these adjustments to your customers to maintain trust.

Use Upselling Techniques:

Incorporate upselling into the online ordering process to increase the average order value. This can be seamlessly integrated into your digital menu. For instance, when customers add a main dish to their cart, suggest complementary sides, drinks, or desserts. Highlight how these additions can enhance their meal, such as suggesting a specific wine that pairs well with their dinner choice or offering a discount on dessert when purchased with certain entrées.

Remember, the key to a successful online menu lies in maintaining the quality of your food, being transparent with your customers, and encouraging additional purchases in a way that feels natural and enhances their dining experience. By following these steps, you optimize your online ordering system to serve your customers better and boost your profits.

Step 10: Promote Your Online Ordering System

Once your online ordering system is up and running, it’s crucial to let your customers know they can now order their favorite meals with just a few clicks. Here’s how to effectively spread the word and encourage usage:

Update Your Website and Social Media:

Start by updating your website to feature your online ordering prominently. Make it the focal point of your homepage with a clear, eye-catching banner. Share posts on your social media channels highlighting the convenience and benefits of ordering directly from your website. Use engaging visuals and direct links that take customers straight to your menu.

In-Store Signage:

In your physical location, strategically place posters and table tents that advertise online ordering. Position these materials where they’re easily visible — like at the entrance, on dining tables, and near the cash register. Design these pieces to catch the eye and provide quick, easy instructions on how to place an order.

SMS/MMS/Email Marketing:

Leverage your existing customer database by sending an SMS or email blast announcing your new online ordering system. Include a special offer, such as a discount code or a free item on their first online order, to incentivize them to try it out. Ensure your messages are brief, friendly, and concise, with a clear call to action.

Special Promotions:

Create exclusive promotions that are only available for orders placed online. This could be a percentage off their first order, a buy-one-get-one deal, or limited-time menu items. Promotions like these drive traffic to your new online ordering system and help convert occasional diners into regular customers.

By employing these strategies, you can quickly increase awareness of your new online ordering system, which in turn can boost your sales and improve customer satisfaction. Make sure to monitor which promotional tactics work best and adjust your approach accordingly to maximize effectiveness.

Step 11: Monitor and Optimize Performance

Once your online ordering system is up and running, the real work of refining and improving begins. This continuous improvement process is key to ensuring that your system meets and exceeds customer expectations while boosting operational efficiency.

• Track Sales Data: Start by diving into the analytics your online ordering system provides. This data reveals much about customer preferences and behavior. Are certain dishes more popular when ordered online? Do promotions drive more sales on certain days of the week? By understanding these patterns, you can make informed decisions that align with customer demand.

• Collect Feedback: Next, actively seek out customer feedback. Encourage your diners to leave reviews and rate their ordering experience. This direct line of communication helps identify what's working and what isn't. It's also a chance to gauge customer satisfaction and uncover new areas for improvement that you might not have considered.

• Make Adjustments: Use the insights from sales data and customer feedback to refine your menu and streamline operations. Perhaps you’ll find that simplifying the menu reduces preparation time and errors, or maybe extending online order hours could capture more late-night sales. Continual adjustments keep your service aligned with customer needs and can lead to higher satisfaction and increased sales.

Regularly revisiting these steps ensures your online ordering system remains a valuable asset to your restaurant, helping you stay competitive and responsive to changing customer preferences.

Step 12: Expand Delivery Options (Optional)

Offering delivery services can significantly enhance the convenience for your customers and potentially increase your order volume. Here’s how you can effectively expand your delivery options:

In-House Delivery

Managing your own delivery team gives you complete control over the delivery process. This setup lets you directly train your staff, ensuring they meet your customer service and delivery times standards. Start by hiring dependable drivers, creating efficient delivery routes, and equipping them with the necessary tools, such as reliable vehicles and GPS devices. Having your own team also means you can offer personalized touches, like a thank-you note with orders, which can enhance the customer experience and foster loyalty.

Third-Party Delivery Integration

If managing a delivery team seems daunting, consider partnering with third-party services that provide delivery drivers. Choose platforms that charge lower commissions to keep costs down while still benefiting from their extensive customer base and sophisticated delivery networks. This option allows you to focus on your kitchen's operations without the overhead of running a delivery fleet. Make sure to select partners whose technology integrates well with your online ordering system to streamline operations.

Clear Policies

Whether you choose in-house or third-party delivery, set clear delivery policies. Define your delivery zones with precision to avoid confusion and ensure efficient service. It’s essential to communicate delivery fees upfront and have transparent policies regarding delivery times and what happens in case of delays or issues. Such clarity improves customer satisfaction and reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings.

By expanding your delivery options, you increase your reach and adapt to the growing demand for home delivery in the restaurant sector. Whether through an in-house team or third-party services, delivery can significantly boost your restaurant’s growth and customer base.

Conclusion

Setting up an online ordering system can significantly enhance your restaurant’s customer experience, streamline operations, and boost profits. Following these steps, you can create a seamless online ordering process that meets your customers’ needs and supports your business growth. Whether you’re starting fresh or refining your current system, the right online ordering setup can substantially impact your restaurant’s success.

Ready to transform your online ordering experience? 

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Create Online Ordering for Restaurant

If you're looking to establish an online ordering system for your restaurant, this FAQ section addresses key questions to help you get started and optimize your service. From choosing the best model to understanding the entire online ordering process, find clear insights and practical advice right here.

Do Restaurants Prefer Online Orders?

Many restaurants prefer online orders as they help streamline operations, expand customer reach, and increase order accuracy. Online ordering systems also enable restaurants to gather valuable data about customer preferences, which can inform marketing strategies and menu adjustments.

What is Online Ordering Process?

The online ordering process involves:

• Selecting items from a digital catalog on a website or app.

• Adding them to a virtual cart.

• Proceeding to checkout.

During checkout, enter your payment information, choose a delivery method, and confirm the order. Once confirmed, the order is processed, and you receive a confirmation email or notification detailing your purchase and expected delivery time.

How Does Online Ordering Work for Restaurants?

Online ordering for restaurants allows customers to select and pay for food via the restaurant's website or a mobile app. Here's how it typically works: Customers browse the menu online, choose their items, and add them to their cart. They then enter their delivery details and payment information before submitting the order. The restaurant receives the order in real time, prepares the food, and either sets it aside for pickup or dispatches it for delivery.

Which Model is Best for Online Food Ordering System?

The best online food ordering system model is the hybrid model, combining in-house and third-party solutions. This approach leverages the strengths of both systems, providing flexibility in order management and delivery while maintaining control over customer interactions and branding. This model allows for scalability and adaptability to specific business needs, making it ideal for most restaurants looking to expand their online presence.

What is the Best Online Ordering System for Restaurants?

The best online ordering system for restaurants is Chowbus POS. This platform offers a comprehensive suite of features, including a custom-designed webpage for online orders and reservations, integration with Google Search and Maps, and a direct connection to the restaurant’s point-of-sale system. Chowbus POS allows restaurants to increase their revenue by expanding order channels without incurring additional fees or commissions. The system also improves order accuracy by reducing the need for phone-based order-taking. Additionally, Chowbus supports restaurants without a website by offering a free domain purchase, webpage design, and marketing and Google listing enhancements.

Looking for more insights and updates?

Visit our blog section for the latest tips, trends, and strategies to enhance your restaurant's digital capabilities and stay ahead in the industry.

Recommended Articles:

• What is a Self Ordering Kiosk?

• QR Codes for Restaurant Menus: 12 Benefits of QR Code Menus

• Restaurant Loyalty Programs: 15 Innovative Ideas in 2024

• The Best Handheld POS System for Restaurants

• Contactless Dining: Elevate Your Restaurant's Success

• Tablet POS Systems: All About Tablet Point of Sale System

• The Best Restaurant Management Software in 2024

• What is a POS Terminal? What Does it Do? How Does it Work?

• Cloud-Based POS System for Restaurants: All About Cloud POS

• mPOS: What is a Mobile POS? (Mobile Point of Sale System)