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Often times when a client comes to us for advice on creating a streamlined business process for their online ordering software, we come to find that they’ve got 10 different irons all crowding the same small fire pit , none of which are hot enough to strike a clear brand of their own. Online ordering software for restaurants will only be as good as the underlying infrastructure in place for executing it. Meaning, if your restaurant does not have a streamlined ordering system, it leaves room for error on many fronts. For one, your customers will be scattered all over the place on various third party order systems placing orders haphazardly leaving a big disconnect in communication. Secondly, if you find yourself using multiple systems you are essentially just diluting your brand more and more with each contract you sign. So what’s the solution?
As tempting as it may be to jump on the bandwagon of the next shiny app that promises new business for your restaurant – stop and take a minute to realize what power you are giving up in return for that. Third party online ordering portals may bring some new business initially, but the gains are generally short lived and not sustainable as a means of continued business when paying unconscionable commission rates. Adding your own online ordering software to your restaurants business structure is the only way to guarantee a healthy bottom line in the long run.
If you are already using several systems, we suggest cutting back to keeping one (maybe two) of the major third party online ordering platforms as part of your online ordering portfolio while simultaneously using a direct online ordering system for your restaurant such as the flat rate 9fold system. Consumers are not particular when it comes to the third party system that they use, if they want order from your particular restaurant online, they will seek you out as the majority of consumers use several systems on a regular basis and only do so to scoop up the hottest deals. Having your own system on the table provides you with the means to capture the customers attention and build your direct relationship. As you know, third party systems are not keen on sharing customer data with you, they are afraid you might steal your business back from them. It’s a strange world.
The ultimate goal to streamlining online ordering software for restaurants is usually the same, bringing the business back direct to your restaurant and making the process easy for you AND your customers to understand and use. It may take some time and effort to wean consumers away from the third party systems, but one thing is for sure – if you don’t start, the pattern will never change. Creating a direct line of communication, offering incentives and coupons and having an easy to use direct online ordering platform in place is the surest way to an efficient system for your restaurant’s web presence.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
