We’re in the digital age, it has become absolutely essential for restaurants to adapt to online- especially with restaurants re-opening after the Covid-19 aftermath. Whether it’s a website, an online ordering system, or social media, restaurants will reap major benefits. If restaurants don’t, restaurants will lose out on an opportunity to increase their customer base and earn significant profits.
Here’s a couple of reasons why restaurants must establish their online presence with an ordering system
1. Increased Staff Productivity
An online ordering system can help you run the restaurant with a small number of staff. Staff do not have to spend their time taking orders through the phone. Customers can easily order through the online ordering system which also avoids miscommunication. The staff can spend their time preparing the orders for pickup or delivery. Another great advantage is, that customers can order and set a specific pickup or delivery time. It helps restaurant staff to prepare large orders.
2. Online Presence for Growth
With more and more people adapting to technology, sometimes, people may not want to call and place their take-out or delivery orders over the phone. They would go for a restaurant that provides an online ordering system. Everyone is looking for convenience. Online ordering system gives restaurants the opportunity to serve remote customers. An easy-to-use ordering system will keep customers re-ordering due to the seamless experience. Which then results in an increase in sales.
3. Curbside Ordering and Delivery
Today curbside ordering and delivery features have become extremely important for the new normal. Customers still fear going out to dine and restaurants are only serving 50% of how much they used to, to adhere to the social distancing measures. Curbside ordering is made easy for customers to order through the online ordering system, drive to the location, notify the staff they’re at the parking lot, and then the staff puts the meal in the backseat or trunk of the car. The delivery feature is contactless delivery where customers can order in the comfort of their homes, and have the meals delivered to their doorstep. For restaurants to keep driving sales, they should adapt to these options.
4. Increasing loyalty
Due to social distancing, customers will not walk into restaurants as usual as they did. The only way to keep in touch with customers is through an online ordering system like a mobile app. Restaurateurs can communicate with customers, offer them special discounts, and build strong relationships. Interacting with customers digitally gives the brand a voice. It makes the company more human and relatable.
5. Building a database
Online ordering system lets you capture customer information such as email and phone numbers to create a database. This database can then be used to communicate with your customers and encourage them to comeback through loyalty programs or SMS marketing, email marketing. Phone orders do not give you the chance to re-engage with customers after the order transaction is completed. With an online ordering system, you build your own database and you have access to your customer information.