Delivery is arguably the fastest growing market in the UK for food operators and noticeable changes in consumer behaviour make it an important commercial consideration for any business, big or small. Breaking into the delivery market doesn’t come without its challenges, however, the efforts will be worthwhile. An online ordering system for a restaurant is the best solution.

One of the best ways to tap into this dining trend is setting up an online ordering system. This can revolutionise your business and bring in an additional revenue stream, without having to compromise on other areas of the business.

Read on to find out the main reasons for setting up online ordering for your customers.

1.Market Trends & Growth

If you’re still not convinced, let’s look at the figures. In 2016 alone, the demand for home deliveries grew 10 times faster than dining out traffic[1]. That was two years ago – now experts predict the UK takeaway and food delivery market to boom to an astounding £11.2 billion over the next five years, total growth of 13% by 2021[2] according to the Takeaway Economy Report published in 2017. Currently, around 30% of delivery orders are made online and 14.7% through an app[3].

2.Appeal to a Wider Audience

Knowing your audience is essential to tap into the delivery market. If your current EPOS or CRM system allows you to record customer spending habits and demographics, you can analyse your target audiences. In addition, it’s important to consider making your business attractive and visible to new audiences.

Last year, on average 15% of UK adults ordered food delivery at least once a month and 14% on weekly basis, and 18- 34s are the largest contributors – over 25% ordering at least weekly[4]. Marketing your restaurant online will no doubt make it more appealing to a younger audience, who have big spending potential.

3.Flexible Ordering Solution to Stay Ahead

Whether or not your current operational arrangement lends itself to telephone ordering, online ordering is the next obvious step. With so many restaurants offering customers an opportunity to order food for delivery, you’ll need to keep up with the competitors. Online menus are very easy to manage and offer a flexible solution that can easily integrate with your current website and EPOS systems.

4.Increased Accuracy & Kitchen Efficiency

Taking orders online will eliminate staff errors, which is critical for giving customers the best possible service. The most efficient way of managing the process is to let the technology do the hard work for you! Integrate all your systems, so an order is placed online, received and synced with your EPOS, receipt automatically printed and order displayed on your kitchen display system.

5.Powerful Analytics

One of the key benefits of having an online ordering system is having access to the right data. A good system will come with powerful reporting tools give you the ability to create and view business report so you can make informed decisions about your menu, promotions and loyalty programmes.

6.Better Customer Service & Loyalty

Online ordering will improve customer experience as the process is much quicker than picking up the phone and placing an order. The customer will be able to see the menu at a glance on any device (you’ll need to make sure your site is responsive) and make payment securely online. As you can see your most loyal customers from the sales reports, you’ll be able to implement a loyalty programme to reward them and encourage return site visits.

7.Reduced Business Expenses

A lot of aggregate delivery companies offer ordering and delivery, in exchange for a commission per order transaction. A bespoke white-labelled online ordering platform is a better option if you want complete control over orders and zero commissions. This reduces your monthly business outgoings, thus allowing you to reinvest into other areas of the business. Find out more about the online ordering system for a restaurant.

Key ‘Takeaways’ (Excuse the Pun)

• Invest in a reliable system that allows you to track and analyse customer spending habits. The best option is a CRM module within your EPOS to keep all the data in one place and be able to implement customer loyalty programmes.
• An online ordering system will appeal to a wider audience, giving better exposure for your brand. A white-labelled system will ensure brand continuity for the user experience.
• Choose a system that will help you analyse customer behaviour through ‘back-office’ reporting.
• The best systems on the market will increase order accuracy and sync with your EPOS to give you seamless control over all stages of the delivery order process.
• Keeping costs low with a 0% commission platform allows you to invest in other areas of the business

Keeping up with the trends is important, however, it’s imperative that you do what is right for your business. If you need expert advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team on 0207 034 3030 or info@3s-pos.com

You can find out more about our award-winning online ordering system here. Make sure you choose the best online ordering system for a restaurant you own.

Sources:

[1] The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/

[2] Big Hospitality, https://www.bighospitality.co.uk/

[3] QSR Media, https://qsrmedia.co.uk/

[4] MCA Foodservice Delivery Market report 2017, https://www.mca-insight.com/