Complete guide on how to create online ordering for restaurant

The pandemic has passed, yet its impact lingers. Over the past five years, the way restaurants operate has transformed tremendously. People now prefer takeout and delivery over dining-in options, and with no surprise, it's becoming the new norm. 

Currently, 60% of customers go for food delivery services weekly, with an average spend of $67 on each order. This shift pushes traditional restaurants to offer online ordering services to serve customers. So, how can we get started? In this guide, we will disclose everything about online ordering and how you can start online ordering services for free. 

What is Online Ordering, and Why is it Growing?

Online ordering is a system where customers use the Internet to order food from restaurants. It's growing because customers value convenience. They prefer browsing menus, placing orders, and paying online.

Offering online ordering opens up new sales channels and gives insights into customer preferences. It helps you stay competitive and meet the demands of today's diners. As lifestyles become busier, more customers prefer ordering online to save time. Ordering food online has outpaced dine-in and makes up 40% of restaurant sales.

And here's the kicker: customers love it. They crave the ease of getting their favorite meals to their favorite couch without the hassle.

Why is Online Ordering Growing? 

People want convenience, and online ordering delivers just that. 87% of Americans using third-party food delivery services say it simplifies their lives. And it's not about avoiding cooking. About 63% of people find ordering easier than dining out with family.  

Additionally, people value their time more than ever. They prefer clicking a few buttons over waiting in lines or dealing with traffic. 

For restaurant owners, this shift is a call to action. Online ordering is essential. It meets your customers where they are: online, looking for an easy and satisfying way to dine. 

How to Get Your Online Restaurant Ordering Started?

You’re in the right place. OneHub Online Ordering (Online store) module helps restaurant owners build their online presence and open a new revenue channel. To set up a OneHub Online store is simple. Here’s how this will look for you:

1. Let’s get on a call. Our Customer team contacts you to get all the details and configurations for the Online store. This applies to new and existing customers.

     a. We will ask for an updated menu
     b. Updated pricing
     c. Store settings for Online store

2. Our Engineering and Customer teams will work over the next 36 hours to set up your Online store as needed. 

3. Post set up, our teams will contact you with your Online store admin login details, pre-configured and ready to take orders. 

4. Now, you can manage your online store from one dashboard. 

    a. Edit or update store branding and operating hours.

   b. Simplify menu updates and pricing edits easily.

    c. Track inventory and hide unavailable items automatically from OneHub Online store dashboard.  

    d. Track orders at every phase, including future orders. 

  e. To access Settings - including delivery, taxes, promo codes set up, or edits, go to OneHub Online store > Settings

Advantages of setting up the OneHub Online store

1. Seamlessly syncs POS, KDS, and other peripheral devices.
2. Back office management, including menu and orders, is easy to use on the Online store admin portal. 
3. Set up Online store within 3 days and start being operational.
4. Centralize in-store orders, third-party orders, and Online store orders all on one dashboard to manage.
5. Seamless sync to the POS cloud dashboard will help analyze peak ordering times, popular menu items, and customer preferences, allowing restaurant owners to optimize staffing levels, inventory management, and menu offerings to meet demand and lower ops costs effectively.
6. Allow customers to personalize their orders, choose ingredients, toppings, and sides easily, providing a more engaging and custom experience. 

While initial setup costs of $100 may be associated with implementing an online store, the long-term benefits often outweigh the investment. Reduced labor costs, improved efficiency, and optimized resource allocation contribute to overall cost savings for restaurant owners.

Wrapping Up

Implementing an online ordering system is the first step towards modernizing your restaurant and meeting the changing expectations of your customers. This guide has walked you through creating an online store with OneHub, from getting online to managing orders like a pro. 

Pro tip: From choosing the right software to promoting your new service, each step builds towards a seamless customer experience. Whether you seek to broaden your menu or explore new service models, you have ample opportunities. Always aim to make the ordering process as straightforward as possible to minimize customer drop-off—more on how to do this in our upcoming blogs.