{"id":2867,"date":"2023-05-04T11:03:20","date_gmt":"2023-05-04T11:03:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.grafterr.com\/blog\/?p=2867"},"modified":"2023-05-04T11:03:48","modified_gmt":"2023-05-04T11:03:48","slug":"the-benefits-of-online-ordering-for-restaurants-and-their-customers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.grafterr.com\/blog\/the-benefits-of-online-ordering-for-restaurants-and-their-customers\/","title":{"rendered":"The benefits of online ordering for restaurants and their customers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As technology progresses and consumer purchasing habits evolve in response, online ordering<\/a> in the restaurant industry is becoming increasingly important. What’s more, as people have grown accustomed to ordering through food delivery app<\/a>s \u2013 largely due to the pandemic \u2013 consumers are coming to expect restaurants to offer an online ordering option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This post explores the advantages of online ordering for restaurants and customers.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Convenience<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Online ordering<\/a> functionality makes it far more convenient for customers to order from your restaurant. Firstly, the fact that you offer delivery makes it more convenient for customers to make purchases – adding online ordering considerably adds to that convenience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Most notably, the ability to order online enables customers to order from wherever they are, whether at work or home, sitting in traffic, on a train or bus, etc. Plus, they can time their orders so it’s ready for collection, or about to be delivered, at the most opportune time, e.g., when they’re on their way home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, an online menu<\/a> makes it easier to present customers with customisation options for their preferred items. Not only does this make for a better customer experience, but it’s also likely to result in additional revenue as they upgrade their meal, e.g., upsizing, adding ingredients, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Better still, online ordering makes placing larger orders easier \u2013 because customers can take as long as they like. They may, for instance, tell the people around them they’re making an order \u2013 asking them if they want in \u2013 which could multiply the order value several-fold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Time-saving<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Online ordering also saves customers time, with studies revealing that restaurants can fulfill orders up to 2.4 times faster\u00a0compared with in-store ordering. However, an online menu isn’t just faster than ordering in person – but also over the phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Placing an order over the phone takes a few minutes, as the customer decides on their order \u2013 while, typically, changing their mind or speaking to other people at the same time. Plus, the customer has to convey their preferences (e.g., “add this, take away this, etc.”), before the employee on the line repeats the order back to the customer for confirmation. Online ordering, in contrast, replaces that process with a few clicks. And \u2013 let’s not forget \u2013 an employee has to be available to answer the phone in the first place\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Better still, with greater control over how they order their food, customers can better time orders for minimal wait times. Subsequently, with more online orders, they’ll be shorter queues at busier periods, like lunchtime \u2013 which is more likely to attract passersby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, however, the time-saving benefits of online ordering don’t only apply to your customers \u2013 but your business too. Online orders can be sent straight to the kitchen, resulting in a smoother workflow that enables you to serve customers faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Increased sales<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

<\/strong>Perhaps most importantly, adding an online ordering<\/a> facility can boost your restaurant’s revenue in several ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a start, your restaurant’s now faster and more convenient service will result in more sales. The ability to order from anywhere with an internet connection significantly reduces the friction in the ordering process, likely resulting in more spontaneous purchases. Just as importantly, as customers want fast, immediate service, if you have a reputation for speed, you’ll always be in consideration if they’re pressed for time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another way online ordering boosts sales is by giving your restaurant an entirely new sales channel. Online ordering<\/a> increases your web presence and makes it easier for prospective customers to find your food venue when looking for local places to eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Additionally, because customers can browse your menu at leisure, it increases their chance of ordering more items. When rushed, customers can fail to notice particular menu items that would have appealed to them. But when they can take their time, they’ll better understand and appreciate every delicious corner of your menu. Similarly, if many items on your menu whet their appetite, it gives them a reason to return and order another time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enhanced customer experience: As well the added speed and convenience, online ordering improves your customers’ experience in several areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Learn more about Grafterr\u2019s online ordering platform<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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