Online Ordering
Online ordering lets customers place orders through your website or app for pickup or delivery. Avoid third-party fees and own your customer relationships.
Why It Matters
- •Capture takeout and delivery revenue
- •Avoid third-party platform fees
- •Own your customer data
- •Increase order accuracy
- •Reduce phone order labor
Key Capabilities
Web Ordering
Branded ordering page on your website
Mobile App
Custom app for ordering and loyalty
Menu Management
Control online menu, pricing, and availability
Order Scheduling
Let customers order ahead for pickup times
Delivery Integration
Connect with DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc.
Order Throttling
Limit orders during peak times
Provider Comparison
Excellent restaurant online ordering. Branded website, app, and delivery integration. Orders flow directly to kitchen.
Limitations: Commission on some features
Square Online for Restaurants is solid. Free tier available. Good for smaller operations.
Limitations: Less sophisticated than Toast
Clover Online Ordering available. Integrates with POS for restaurant workflows.
Limitations: May need third-party apps
Not designed for restaurant online ordering. Better for retail e-commerce.
Limitations: Wrong tool for restaurants
Lightspeed Restaurant has online ordering. Better for retail than food service.
Limitations: Restaurant features less robust
Common Questions
Should I use my own online ordering or third-party apps?
Both. Own ordering saves fees (15-30% on third-party) and gives you customer data. Third-party apps provide discovery and reach new customers. Push regulars to direct ordering.
How do I get customers to order direct?
Offer incentives: loyalty points, exclusive items, or small discounts for direct orders. Include flyers in third-party orders promoting your direct channel.
Best For
- ✓Restaurants
- ✓Cafes
- ✓Pizza shops
- ✓Quick service
- ✓Bakeries