Learn how to boost your restaurant's sales by setting up an effective online ordering system, from choosing software to launching successfully.
Want to grow your restaurant's sales by up to 30%? Then set up an online ordering system. With 75% of digital natives ordering food online weekly and customers spending 20% more on digital orders, online ordering is no longer optional for restaurants. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to get started:
- Choose the Right Software: Platforms like ChowNow, Toast POS, and Square Online offer features like menu management, payment processing, and POS integration.
- Build a Digital Menu: Use clean fonts, high-quality photos, and clear categories to simplify navigation and boost orders.
- Set Up Payments & Delivery: Offer secure payment options (credit cards, digital wallets) and define delivery zones.
- Integrate with Your Systems: Link your ordering platform to your POS and kitchen display systems for seamless operations.
- Launch & Scale: Test thoroughly, train staff, and monitor key metrics like order volume and customer satisfaction.
Quick Comparison of Platforms:
| Platform | Cost | Best For | Key Benefit | Service areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChowNow | from $119/month | Small-Medium Restaurants | Built-in marketing tools | USA |
| Toast POS | $69/location/month | Any size restaurants | Strong POS integration | USA, UK, Ireland, Canada |
| Menufy | $1.75/order, 12.5% per delivery | Budget-conscious users | Low upfront cost | USA |
| Square Online | Varies | Medium-sized businesses | Easy payment processing | USA |
| Maynuu | 5%-9% per order | Small restaurants | Easy setup | Malaysia, Singapore |
Follow this guide to create a streamlined system that boosts profits, improves efficiency, and keeps customers coming back.
Picking Online Ordering Software
Recent data shows that most people now prefer ordering online rather than dining in, making your choice of software a critical decision. Knowing what features to look for can help you choose a system that supports your restaurant's success.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing an online ordering platform, prioritise these features for smooth operations:
| Feature Category | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Menu Management | Quickly update items, prices, and availability in real time. |
| POS Integration | Automatically sync orders with your existing systems. |
| Payment Processing | Secure transactions with multiple payment methods. |
| Order Tracking | Provide real-time updates for both kitchen staff and customers. |
| Customer Data | Create customer profiles and track ordering habits. |
| Mobile Optimisation | Ensure easy ordering on smartphones. |
Popular Software Options
- ChowNow: Priced at $139/month, it’s designed for small to medium restaurants, offering full control over orders. It also includes automated email marketing and a dedicated mobile app.
- Toast POS: At $69/month per location, this platform provides strong POS integration and versatile ordering features for restaurants of any size.
- Maynuu: Offers a free Essential Package with core tools like an online menu, delivery and self-pickup options, and QR code functionality. Localised for Malaysia and Singapore restaurants.
- Square Online: A great option for medium-sized businesses handling dine-in and delivery, with an easy-to-use interface and smooth payment processing.
Comparing the Options
| Platform | Monthly Cost | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maynuu | 5%-9% per order | Small restaurants | All-in-one: reservations, dine-in QR code ordering, takeaway, delivery. |
| ChowNow | $139 | Small-Medium Restaurants | Includes built-in marketing tools. |
| Menufy | $1.75/order | Budget-conscious users | Low upfront cost. |
| Owner | $499 | Sales-driven businesses | Focused on boosting conversions. |
| BentoBox | Call to find out | Upscale Dining | Offers premium customization. |
Take advantage of trial versions to test these platforms and see how they integrate with your existing systems. This hands-on approach can help you build a digital menu that meets your needs.
Setting Up Your Online Orders
Get your digital storefront ready. With 75% of digital natives ordering food online at least once a week, having a well-organised setup is key to meeting demand.
Building Your Digital Menu
Craft a digital menu that works. Use a mobile-friendly vertical layout, ideally sized at 4" x 6.5", for easy viewing on smartphones.
Here’s what to focus on:
| Element | Best Practice | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Font Selection | Use clean, modern fonts | Makes it easier to read |
| Image Quality | Include high-resolution photos | Boosts orders by 30% |
| Categories | Add clear section labels | Simplifies navigation |
| Item Descriptions | Keep details short and precise | Minimises confusion |
| Price Display | Skip currency symbols | Shifts focus away from cost |
A well-designed menu not only looks professional but also streamlines the ordering process.
Setting Up Payments and Delivery
Offer secure and convenient payment options. Ensure your system is compliant with local payment card / data security standards, and provide multiple payment methods. For delivery, define zones based on your team’s capacity.
Here’s a breakdown of essential payment methods:
| Payment Method | Benefits | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Wallets | Faster checkouts | Apple Pay/Google Pay integration |
| Credit Cards | Universally accepted | SSL encryption |
| Cash on Delivery | Familiar for many customers | Train staff for cash handling |
"Restaurants that use professional food photography see a 30% increase in online orders compared to those that don't."
– Anjali Goyal, Content Specialist at Restroworks
Integrate these systems with your current setup to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Connecting with Restaurant Systems
Link your online ordering system to your existing tools for better efficiency. Manual order entry is a major pain point for 57% of restaurants, but modern POS integration can solve that.
Here’s how POS integration helps:
| Feature | Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Automated Orders | Eliminates manual entry | Reduces errors |
| Real-time Updates | Syncs inventory | Improves stock management |
| Sales Tracking | Combines reporting | Enhances analytics |
Also, set up your kitchen display systems to organise and prioritise orders effectively.
"Integrating your POS system with other technologies - especially online menus and online ordering systems - helps ensure accuracy, save time, reduce labor stress, grow revenue, and create a seamless guest experience."
– Popmenu
Making Orders Easy for Customers
A smooth ordering process not only keeps customers happy but also helps increase conversions. Once your system is technically solid, these design tips and feedback strategies can take the customer experience to the next level.
Simple Order Interface Design
Make your interface mobile-friendly with easy-to-use buttons and straightforward navigation. A clean, responsive layout reduces ordering mistakes and makes the process quicker. Cut unnecessary steps at checkout and clearly display payment options. Be sure to test how your interface works across different devices. And don’t forget to weave your brand's identity into the ordering experience.
Adding Your Brand Elements
Turn your ordering platform into a clear representation of your brand. For instance, Starbucks integrates its signature deep green colour throughout its online ordering system, reinforcing its identity. Consider adding:
- A consistent colour palette
- Clear and visible logo placement
- Custom fonts that match your brand
- High-quality, cohesive images
"Our guests are always looking for the best loyalty and rewards, and through our branded ordering app, we have access to the tools and insights that enable us to create personalized promotional campaigns to help our guests on their health and fitness journey." – Rebecca Miller, Chief Marketing Officer at Smoothie King
Strong branding not only enhances recognition but also sets the stage for gathering valuable customer feedback.
Getting Customer Reviews
Use post-purchase emails, in-app prompts, or surveys to collect feedback. For instance, DoorDash asks for separate reviews on food quality and delivery experience, which helps them identify specific areas for improvement. Act on this feedback to fine-tune your menu, improve service, and make the ordering process even better.
Starting and Running Your System
Once your setup is complete, it's time to focus on launching, managing, and growing your online ordering system. Here's how to make it happen.
System Launch Steps
Before going live, test your system thoroughly on different devices. Check how the menu looks, ensure payments process smoothly, and confirm that orders flow correctly. Train your team to handle their new responsibilities - front-of-house staff should manage takeout traffic, while kitchen staff needs to prepare for higher order volumes.
Here's a quick pre-launch checklist:
- System Testing: Confirm that payments, order routing, and integrations all work as expected.
- Staff Training: Make sure your team understands their roles and workflows.
- Menu Setup: Use high-quality photos and detailed descriptions for your menu items.
- Marketing Materials: Get in-store signage and digital promos ready to spread the word.
Daily System Management
Start each day by checking that your system is online and your menu is accurate. Keep an eye on orders during service to quickly resolve any issues.
"Whatever problems you may face with online ordering, one of the best ways to start troubleshooting is by placing an order yourself. You'll get to experience firsthand how your prospective customer will order, which will help you take steps to rectify the problems." - Orders2me
Track these key metrics every day to stay on top of things:
- Order volume and peak times
- Average order value
- Customer satisfaction scores
- Delivery speed and accuracy
- Payment processing success rates
Once your daily operations are running smoothly, it's time to think about scaling your system.
Growing Your System
When you're ready to grow, use analytics and automation to handle higher demand without losing quality. A centralized order management system can streamline operations, while automated inventory tracking helps you avoid stock issues.
Steps to scale effectively:
- Use analytics to identify ordering trends and customer preferences.
- Adjust your menu to highlight popular and high-margin items.
- Regularly update your system to add new features and improvements.
As your order volume increases, compare your current setup with your growth goals. Tools like Maynuu can help with features such as multi-location support and live order tracking. These tools make it easier to manage more orders while maintaining great service.
Finally, keep your team updated on system changes and new procedures. Regular training and open communication can help your staff handle increased demand while continuing to deliver excellent customer service.
Key System Requirements
Setting up a restaurant's online ordering system requires meeting strict security measures and planning for future growth. Below, we break down the key security protocols and features that ensure your system is prepared for expansion.
Security Standards
Protecting customer payment data is non-negotiable. The PCI Security Standards Council outlines the necessary safeguards to keep payment information secure. Your online ordering system should include:
- SSL Encryption: Ensures all transactions are secure.
- PCI DSS Compliance: Adherence to data security standards.
- P2PE Implementation: End-to-end encryption to protect payment data.
When choosing a payment processor, confirm it meets these requirements. For example, platforms like Maynuu come with built-in payment gateways that use SSL encryption and comply with PCI standards. This setup makes it easier to meet security requirements without needing extensive technical know-how. Beyond security, your system must also be ready to grow with your business.
System Growth Options
With the online food delivery market projected to hit $353 billion by 2025, your system needs to scale effortlessly as your business expands. Here’s what to look for:
Technical Features
- APIs capable of handling high traffic during busy periods.
- Real-time inventory updates.
- Stock availability checks.
Operational Features
- Multi-location support.
- Integration with kitchen display systems (KDS).
- Automated inventory tracking.
Here’s a quick comparison of platforms designed for scalability:
| Platform Type | Monthly Cost | Scalability Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChowNow | $149 | Marketing, custom app | Full-service restaurants |
| Otter | $99 | Order aggregation, multi-location | Chain restaurants |
| Menufy | $1.75/order | Simple setup | Small restaurants |
| Maynuu | 5%-9%/order | Easy setup, unlimited orders | Small restaurants |
When assessing platforms, consider these factors:
- Order Volume Capacity: Can the system handle peak demand without delays?
- Integration: Does it work smoothly with your existing POS and inventory systems?
- Flexible Pricing: Look for pricing that adjusts with your growth without becoming overly expensive.
Conclusion
Online ordering has surged, now surpassing in-house dining by over 300%. If you're not set up yet, it's time to get your system in place. Here's a practical guide to help you launch your digital ordering platform.
Setup Checklist
Make sure you've covered these steps:
| Implementation Phase | Key Actions | Verification Points |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Setup | Choose a provider, secure the system, integrate with POS | SSL encryption enabled, PCI compliance confirmed |
| Menu Optimisation | Add items, pricing, and photos | Use high-quality images with alt text, ensure descriptions are clear |
| Payment Processing | Activate payment gateway, define delivery zones | Test transactions, configure delivery fees |
| System Testing | Train staff, verify order flow | Sync with kitchen displays, enable real-time inventory tracking |
| Launch Preparation | Prepare marketing materials, set up customer support | Activate social media links, verify support contact details |
Once your checklist is complete, focus on the final steps to ensure a smooth launch and a great customer experience.
Next Steps
Follow these actions to get your system live:
- Start on a slower day to handle initial orders without overwhelming your team.
- Add prominent "Order Online" buttons to your website header and update your Google Business profile with direct ordering links.
- Monitor key metrics like order volume and customer feedback. Fun fact: Customers who order online are 67% more likely to return to a restaurant.
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We use the term 'restaurant' throughout the article for consistency. However this guide can be generally applied to any type of food shop, including but not limited to: bakeries, bars, bistrots, boulangeries, butcheries, cafés, caterers, coffeeshops, delis, diners, eateries, food trucks, patisseries, pubs, etc.
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