Streamline Your Operations With An Online Ordering System: A Small Business Owner's Guide

By Author: POSApt
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COVID-19 disrupted life as we knew it. Particularly, businesses in the hospitality and retail industries took a major hit owing to lockdowns. However, one trend that emerged in response to the pandemic was the rise of online ordering systems.

This trend has tremendously helped small business owners, allowing them to offer their products and services safely and conveniently to their customers. With an online ordering system, customers can place orders from the comfort of their own homes and pick them up or have them delivered.
However, assuming online ordering systems as just pandemic-induced trends would be a mistake. They are here to stay and can be game changers for small businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and retail sectors. Small businesses can increase sales, reach new customers, and streamline their operations by implementing an online ordering system.

In this blog post, we'll go over everything you need to know about setting up an online ordering system for your small hospitality or retail business From choosing the right system to marketing and managing it effectively, we’ve got ...
... you covered!

Choosing an Online Ordering System
Alright, so you've decided to set up an online ordering system for your business. Great choice! Now comes the fun part: choosing the right system for your needs. There are several types of online ordering systems available, each with advantages and disadvantages. Let us dissect them:

Third-party platforms
Third-party platforms refer to online ordering platforms that allow customers to order from multiple restaurants or businesses. Using a third-party platform provides greater visibility and access to a big customer base. However, these platforms have some drawbacks, such as high commission fees and less influence over the customer experience.

POS-integrated systems
These are online ordering systems that integrate with your existing point-of-sale (POS) system. POSApt is one such example of a POS-integrated system. The pros of using a POS-integrated system include easy integration with your existing systems and increased control over the customer experience. However, the cons include higher upfront costs and potential technical difficulties.

Dedicated online ordering systems
These are online ordering systems that are specifically designed for your business. The pros of using a dedicated system include complete control over the customer experience and lower commission fees. However, the cons include higher upfront costs and the need for technical expertise to set up and maintain the system.

Which one should you pick now? It all relies on your specific requirements. If you're just getting started and want to boost your exposure, a third-party platform could be the way to go. If you already have a POS system, a POS-integrated system may be the best option. And if you want complete control over the customer experience and are prepared to invest in a dedicated system, that could be the route to take.

Ultimately, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that best fits your business's needs and budget.

Setting up an Online Ordering System
Now that you've chosen the right online ordering system, it's time to set it up. The following steps will help you set up an online ordering system.
Step 1: Set up your account
Step 2: Set up payment processing
Step 3: Test the system
Step 4: Launch the system
Although your service provider will walk you through the setup process, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the system to ensure its seamless operation.

Marketing the Online Ordering System
After you’ve set up your online ordering system, it's time to start promoting it to your customers. Here are some strategies for getting the word out:
-Share it on social media
-Use email marketing
-Offer incentives
-Partner with other businesses

Here, hiring a Digital Marketing Agency to promote your company is a good idea. While having an online ordering system will undoubtedly benefit your company, marketing it will propel it to new heights.

Managing the Online Ordering System
Once your online ordering system is up and running, it is critical to monitor and control its performance in order to provide the best possible experience for your customers. Here are some pointers to help you manage your internet ordering system:

Monitor and analyse the performance
Track metrics such as the number of orders made, order fulfilment times, and customer feedback to keep a watch on the performance of your online ordering system. This will assist you in identifying places for improvement and ensuring that your system runs smoothly.

Manage inventory
Keep track of your inventory to ensure that you have enough stock to fulfil orders. Use your online ordering system to manage inventory levels and set up automatic alerts when items are running low.

Fulfil orders efficiently
Develop a system for fulfilling orders that is efficient and streamlined. This could include setting up a designated area for packing and labelling orders, using a delivery service, or offering curbside pickup.
Use customer feedback to improve
Encourage your customers to leave feedback on their experience using your online ordering system. Use this feedback to identify any issues or areas for improvement, such as slow delivery times or confusing menu options.

In Conclusion…
If you own a small business and want to expand it, it's time to embrace the power of online ordering systems. They're no longer just a trendy add-on, but a necessary tool for remaining competitive in today's digital world.
By offering online ordering, you are providing your clients with the convenience and flexibility they desire while also streamlining and increasing the efficiency of your operations. You can also increase sales and expand your customer base with the proper marketing strategies and customer feedback!

So if you haven't already, take the plunge and start exploring your options for online ordering. Your customers will thank you, and your business will benefit in ways you never imagined!