Overview
With the ubiquity of online ordering systems, it’s no wonder that many restaurant owners are considering using them to increase their reach.
However, these third party apps come with some big problems—namely, high fees and a lack of control. To thrive in 2022, most restaurants needs to accept online orders, but how can It be done without using third party delivery apps.
Before you sign up for an online ordering system, consider making your own restaurant ordering system. This can be done through a restaurant website or mobile apps.
By doing so, you can save on fees, have more control over the online ordering process, and provide a better experience for your customers.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these benefits.
Saving on Fees
Typical Online Ordering System Fees
Online ordering systems like Uber Eats or Doordash charge high fees— both monthly fees and usually around 30% of the total order. That’s a significant chunk of change!
VS. Your Own Online Ordering System
When you make your own restaurant online ordering system, you can keep all of the money from all online orders. This means that you can reinvest it into your business or use it to cover other expenses.
Either way, you’ll be in better financial shape than if you’d used on of the online ordering systems.
More Control Over the Online Ordering Process
When you use an online delivery system, you’re essentially outsourcing the online ordering experience to someone else. This can result in
The Problem With Outsourcing Your Online Ordering System
This can lead to problems like delayed online orders or your loyal customers not getting what they wanted. When you have your own restaurant online ordering system, you have more control over the process and can ensure that online orders are fulfilled promptly and accurately.
Your Online Ordering System, Your Employees
Like any employee in a restaurant, you can vet your food delivery employees so you make the best impression on previous and new customers, further building customer loyalty.
No Upselling
Platforms like Uber Eats don’t allow restaurants to upsell customers or provide them with special offers and discounts. This means that you’re missing out on opportunities to increase your average order value and boost your profits.
Additionally, third party online ordering systems often show customers nearby restaurants even if those restaurants aren’t using their service, which means that you could be losing business to your competitors without even knowing it.
A Tailored Experience for Your Loyal Customers
Your customers are your bread and butter—without them, your business wouldn’t exist! So, it’s important to do everything you can to provide them with a good experience.
Put Your Restaurant in Control
As mentioned above, when you use an online delivery system, there’s always the potential for something to go wrong—delayed orders, incorrect orders, etc. By having your own system, you can eliminate this risk and give your customers peace of mind knowing that their online orders will be handled correctly from start to finish.
You can customize the online menu however you like, and do inventory management your way.
Build Customer Loyalty
You can even offer customer loyalty programs to incentivize using your online ordering system. Maybe even your own branded mobile app with your custom designed online menu to make mobile ordering easy!
Offer More Than Just Delivery Service
Let your hosts/hostesses focus on in-person interactions, rather than phone calls for reservations or pickup orders. With a custom online ordering system, you can also offer services like curbside pickup or table reservation.
Valuable Customer Data
When customers place online orders through a third party online delivery system, tthate company owns the customer data.
However, when customers place orders through your own online ordering system, you’ll be able to collect and analyze customer data such as online order history and contact information. This data can be used to improve your marketing tools, maybe even used to create targeted marketing campaigns and make your promotional messages much more effective.
Conclusion
If you’re considering using a third party online ordering system for your restaurant, think twice before doing so. Take a moment to consider the benefits of making your own restaurant ordering system.
By doing so, you can save on fees, have more control over the ordering process, get valuable customer data and provide a better experience.
All of these things will help you build a successful business that lasts for years to come.
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