6 Ways Online Ordering Will Increase Restaurant Efficiencies
by The Ottimate Editorial Team
In today’s fast-paced dining landscape, online ordering has become a game-changer for restaurants looking to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences.
When restaurants integrate digital platforms, they can reduce errors, improve order accuracy, and speed up service, resulting in increased efficiency and customer satisfaction. In this blog, we’ll explore six key ways online ordering can transform your restaurant’s efficiency, helping you stay competitive and boost profitability in an increasingly digital world.
1. Free Up Your Staff’s Time
Transitioning to online ordering relieves your team from the constant interruptions of phone calls. Instead of having to juggle multiple conversations and navigate complicated questions over the phone, you can manage orders efficiently at your convenience.
| New York City restaurant, Ollie’s, saved 2+ hours a week when they implemented online ordering for their restaurant. |
2. Boost Ticket Sizes
When customers order online, they tend to order more. Unlike rushed phone orders, your digital menu provides customers with every option, making upselling easier. Whether it’s adding extra toppings, ordering sides, or indulging in dessert, online orders are, on average, 20 percent larger than in-person transactions. Some restaurants have seen an even more impressive increase, with online orders coming in 55 percent higher than dine-in purchases.*
*ChowNow internal data
| 76 percent of operators say using technology gives them a competitive edge* *NRA Source |
3. Give Customers the Convenience They Crave
Online ordering makes it simple for customers to place orders at their convenience, whether they’re in a rush or taking their time to browse the menu. Prepaid orders eliminate the need for fumbling with cash at pick-up, allowing customers to focus on enjoying their meal. With 64 percent of consumers already preferring to order online, it’s crucial to meet this demand before they turn to a competitor who offers the option.
| Nearly two-thirds of consumers (64 percent) prefer to order their food digitally* *Deloitte Source |
4. Minimize Order Errors
One of the major benefits of online ordering is reducing errors. By having customers enter their own orders, we eliminate any confusion or miscommunication over the phone With clear documentation of each request, your kitchen can prepare every dish exactly as requested, cutting down on waste and improving customer satisfaction.
5. No More No-Shows
Prepaid online orders protect you from the frustration of no-shows. By requiring payment upfront, you ensure your restaurant gets compensated for every order. This eliminates the problem of spending time and resources preparing food that never gets picked up.
6. Gain Valuable Customer Insights
While you may know your regulars by name, online ordering allows you to gather valuable information about their preferences and habits. With access to data like email addresses and order history, you can tailor marketing efforts, increase ticket sizes, and encourage repeat business.
Make the Switch to Online Ordering
Adopting an online ordering system can make life easier for everyone—owners, staff, and customers alike. It frees up time for what truly matters, whether that’s crafting new recipes, building relationships with your patrons, or growing your business.
Choosing the right online ordering partner is key to maximizing these benefits. Our friends at ChowNow can help you elevate your takeout experience without forking over any commissions at all. ChowNow not only equips your restaurant with commission-free online ordering, but they can also help you attract new customers and increase profitability with their marketing, tablet and menu consolidation, and delivery tools. They are offering Ottimate customers up to 20 percent off their subscription, so you don’t want to miss it.
Click here to learn more.