In today’s digital world, online ordering systems for restaurants are more than a convenience—they’re essential for staying competitive. With more customers expecting fast, easy ways to order from their favorite spots, restaurants without online ordering risk missing out. Whether it’s for takeout or delivery, an effective system meets your customers where they are, streamlining orders and boosting sales.
Our blog dives deep into how online ordering systems for restaurants can transform customer experiences, increase accuracy, and enhance your restaurant’s efficiency. Ready to take your restaurant to the next level?
Why Your Restaurant Needs an Online Ordering System
Online ordering has exploded in popularity. Since 2020, online food delivery services grew by 30%, with nearly 1.5 billion users worldwide.
Online food ordering is essential for restaurants to compete in today’s market. Restaurants should implement online food ordering to remain competitive.
Boost Sales and Revenue
Restaurants using online ordering systems often see higher sales. In some U.S. areas, sales increased by as much as 800% at certain restaurants.
These systems simplify ordering for customers, often resulting in larger average order values. Customers browsing online menus are more likely to add extras and try new things.
Expand Your Reach and Customer Base
An online ordering system removes the limitations of your physical location, allowing you to reach a wider audience. It enhances accessibility and convenience for new and existing customers. Increase sales by offering convenient solutions such as direct online ordering for repeat business and increase sales.
Improve Operational Efficiency
These systems automate order taking, saving valuable staff time. Employees can then focus on food preparation and customer service. This frees up staff to focus on creating a positive dining experience.
Choosing the Right Online Ordering System
Several factors should be considered when choosing an online ordering system. Your restaurant's size and goals will influence which system and features best fit your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Consider these essential features when selecting online ordering systems for restaurants:
- Menu Management: Easily update menus with photos and descriptions.
- Order Customization: Allow customers to personalize their orders.
- Payment Integration: Offer secure and diverse payment options.
- Delivery Management: Track deliveries and dispatch drivers. Paid plans often include delivery services.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Collect customer data for loyalty programs and targeted marketing.
- Reporting and Analytics: Track sales, popular items, and customer behavior to optimize your menu.
These features improve customer service, improve customer satisfaction, and offer the best ordering experience possible. Having these advanced features also makes things much easier for restaurant owners.
Comparing Online Ordering Options for Restaurants
Here's a comparison of popular online ordering systems:
| Provider |
Monthly Cost |
Setup Fee |
Commission |
Tablet Rental |
Included Services |
| BPA EatOnTheWeb |
$50 flat rate |
$300 |
None |
None |
Menu integration, logo management, custom URL, unlimited support, orders, and bandwidth |
| DoorDash |
~$1,350* |
None |
15%-30% per order, 6% pickup |
$6 per week |
In-app marketing (optional with added fees) |
| Grubhub |
~$1,760* |
None |
15%-25% per order + 10% delivery |
None |
Additional fees for credit card processing |
| UberEats |
~$1,350* |
$500 |
15%-30% per order, 6% pickup |
$5 per week |
Self-delivery (15% fee), UberEats delivery (25%) |
| Postmates |
~$1,350* |
None |
15%-30% per order |
$5 per week |
None |
| ChowNow |
$505* |
$399 |
None |
None |
Custom online ordering features with credit card fees |
This comparison highlights how BPA’s EatOnTheWeb offers a cost-effective, flat-rate online ordering solution without additional fees or commissions. Unlike DoorDash, Grubhub, UberEats, Postmates, and ChowNow, which charge commissions on each order and often have setup or rental fees, BPA provides all services in one affordable monthly package.
With BPA, restaurants gain complete menu integration, support, and a custom URL without facing the high costs and fees that many third-party services charge per order, making it a valuable option for maximizing profit.
Integrating Your Online Ordering System
Integrating your online ordering system is a crucial step. A smooth setup depends on a few factors.
Website Integration
Basic integration involves embedding the system into your restaurant website or adding an ordering link to your homepage. QR code ordering or code ordering on your website makes website ordering simpler for customers to place orders online. Consider offering simple online ordering through a QR code to view the online ordering website from their phone, add items and pay. No coding skills required.
POS Integration
Integrating your online ordering system with your existing POS system is important for streamlined operations. This ensures online orders automatically appear in your kitchen, and your main POS system can track these food orders with ease. Many ordering solutions integrate seamlessly with Square POS.
Maximizing Your Online Ordering Success
Once your system is running, implement strategies to maximize sales. Smart promotion and excellent customer service will increase profitability.
Promote Your Online Ordering Option
Make sure your customers are aware of your online ordering option. Use various channels, like social media integration, email campaigns via email marketing, website banners, and in-store signage.
Add QR codes to your menus and receipts with your online store URL. This informs existing customers about additional ordering options. Leverage social media and other digital media.
Offer Incentives
Promotions can effectively attract customers. Offer discounts, free delivery, or loyalty programs. This can encourage repeat business and increase sales.
Provide Excellent Customer Service
Timely order confirmations, updates, and fast deliveries are essential for customer satisfaction. Responding to customer reviews is also crucial for improving your ordering experience and improving customer service.
A positive ordering experience leads to repeat business. Avoid over-reliance on third-party apps and consider offering third-party delivery services to streamline the ordering process.
How BPA Supports Your Restaurant’s Online Ordering Needs
At BPA, we know that your restaurant needs more than just an ordering platform. That’s why we’ve developed a solution that seamlessly integrates with your daily operations. Here’s how we help:
Full Integration with Your POS
Our online ordering system connects directly to your BPA POS system, ensuring that online orders go straight to your kitchen, reducing wait times and minimizing errors.
Customizable Menu and Ordering Options
We allow you to fully customize your menu to include specials, add-ons, and more. This flexibility ensures that your customers have an authentic experience whether they order online or in person.
Delivery and Payment Support
With partnerships through delivery services like DoorDash and UberEats, online orders are managed in one place, helping you track orders and streamline delivery. Our system also supports various payment methods, including digital wallets, for a convenient customer experience.
Data-Driven Insights
Through our cloud-based reporting, you can track trends in online orders, analyze peak times, and identify popular menu items. This data helps you make informed decisions to boost sales and improve customer satisfaction.
FAQs about Online Ordering Systems for Restaurants
What is an online ordering system for restaurants?
An online ordering system allows restaurants to receive orders directly from their website or app. This system lets customers browse the menu, customize their orders, and pay online. BPA's EatOnTheWeb provides restaurants with an efficient way to handle orders without high commissions, offering an all-in-one solution that integrates seamlessly with your existing POS.
How does an online ordering system benefit my restaurant?
Online ordering systems boost sales by expanding your reach, reducing order errors, and enhancing customer convenience. They also improve operational efficiency by automating order processing, allowing staff to focus on food preparation and in-house customers. BPA’s solution provides a streamlined, low-cost option that helps you maximize profits without the high fees of third-party apps.
Can an online ordering system integrate with my POS?
Yes, integration with your POS is crucial for streamlining orders from online and in-person sources. BPA’s system directly integrates with your restaurant’s POS, ensuring that orders go straight to the kitchen and eliminating the need for manual entry, which reduces errors and speeds up service.
Is it necessary for my restaurant to have its own website for online ordering?
While many restaurants use third-party platforms, having a dedicated website with online ordering is advantageous for branding and customer loyalty. BPA’s system allows you to maintain control over your customer experience with a fully customizable ordering page linked directly to your site, helping you avoid costly commissions and build your brand.
How much does it cost to implement an online ordering system?
The cost varies widely. Many third-party platforms charge commissions of 15-30% per order. BPA offers a cost-effective solution with a flat monthly rate, so you avoid per-order fees, making it an affordable choice for restaurants looking to maximize their profits.
What features should I look for in an online ordering system?
Key features to consider include menu customization, payment options, delivery integration, customer data insights, and POS compatibility. BPA’s EatOnTheWeb system includes all of these, providing a comprehensive package that covers every aspect of online ordering without additional fees.
Do online ordering systems support delivery services?
Yes, many systems support third-party delivery integration. BPA partners with delivery networks to manage all orders from a central place, making it easy to handle deliveries and track them from your POS, ensuring a smooth customer experience from start to finish.
Conclusion
In a fast-paced industry, online ordering systems for restaurants are essential to keep up with customer demands, boost revenue, and improve efficiency. At BPA, we’ve created a seamless, customizable solution that integrates directly with your POS, provides full delivery support, and offers data-driven insights—all at a cost-effective rate with no hidden fees. With decades of experience, we’re committed to supporting your restaurant’s growth and success.
Ready to upgrade your ordering system? Contact us today!
