- Why Delivery Success Is More Than Just Taking Orders?
- The Cost Of Choosing The Wrong Ordering System
- How To Create An Online Ordering System That Delivers?
- How To Evaluate Online Ordering Vendors Before You Commit
- Is Your Ordering System Helping Or Hurting Your Restaurant?
- FAQ
Running a restaurant today means more than cooking great food. Customers expect fast, easy ways to place orders online—whether they’re at home or picking up on the go.
By 2029, the online food delivery market is expected to bring in about $1.85 trillion in revenue.
If your ordering process is slow, confusing, or scattered across multiple apps, it can lead to lost sales, frustrated staff, and unhappy guests.
That’s why choosing the right restaurant online ordering system is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your delivery business. The wrong system can cause missed orders, poor reporting, and rising third-party fees. The right one can help you grow sales, save time, and take back control of your customer relationships.
In this article, we’ll show you exactly what to look for in an ordering system, how the right tools can support your team, and why hundreds of restaurants trust Orders.co to manage their online orders every day.
If you’re ready to sell more without adding more stress to your staff, this is for you.
Key Takeaways
- The right restaurant online ordering system saves time, reduces errors, and improves order accuracy.
- Direct online orders help you avoid third-party commissions and boost profit margins.
- Consolidating all third-party and direct orders into one device simplifies daily operations.
- Menu syncing across platforms cuts down on staff time and ensures consistency.
- Integrated reporting shows which channels, items, and times perform best.
- Dispute management tools help protect your revenue from chargebacks and platform errors.
Why Delivery Success Is More Than Just Taking Orders?
Adding delivery to your restaurant isn’t just about making food travel-ready. It changes how your team works, how customers interact with your brand, and how you manage each shift.
Here’s the reality: delivery can feel like chaos without the right restaurant online ordering system. Orders come in from different tablets. Menu updates take forever. Drivers show up before the food is ready—or worse, never show up at all. Your team gets distracted, and customer complaints start stacking up.
This isn’t just a headache. It’s a real risk to your revenue and your reputation.
A reliable ordering system helps you avoid those problems. It keeps your team focused and your customers happy.
Here’s how it makes a difference:
Delivery success isn’t about having the most platforms. It’s about having the right tools to manage them. That’s where Orders.co stands out. With one device, one menu, and one system to handle everything, you get back the control you need to grow delivery without growing your stress.
👉 Tired of juggling tablets and missing orders? Talk to our team and find a better way to manage online orders.
The Cost Of Choosing The Wrong Ordering System
Choosing an online ordering system isn’t just a technical decision—it’s a financial one. The wrong system doesn’t just slow you down. It chips away at your margins, creates confusion for your staff, and makes it harder to keep customers coming back.
Here’s what we see happen when restaurants choose systems that don’t fit their needs:
- ❌ Limited control – You can’t change menu items or pricing on the fly
- ❌ No customer data – You don’t know who your regulars are or how to reach them
- ❌ Clunky interfaces – Your team wastes time navigating between screens
- ❌ Inconsistent reporting – You can’t get a clear view of what’s working and what’s not
These issues don’t just create short-term stress—they hold your business back. If your ordering platform doesn’t support your workflow, your team spends more time troubleshooting than serving.
If it doesn’t help you market to your existing customers, you’re stuck relying on new traffic every day just to stay afloat.
The right restaurant online ordering system helps you keep more of your revenue, stay connected with your customers, and make better decisions faster.
How To Create An Online Ordering System That Delivers?
If you’re still relying on phone calls or multiple tablets, switching to a better system might seem overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be. Setting up the right restaurant online ordering system is simpler—and faster—than you might think.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do it right:
1. Know What You Want to Fix
Start by identifying your pain points. Are you losing time managing delivery apps? Do you need better control over your menu? Are commissions eating into your profits?
Clear goals help you choose the right solution.
2. Choose the Right Platform
Look for a provider that offers:
- Direct online ordering (commission-free)
- Menu sync across third-party apps
- POS and delivery integrations
- Built-in marketing tools
- One device for all orders
That’s what Orders.co was built for. Whether you want to take control of your brand or reduce daily chaos, it checks all the boxes.
3. Set Up Your Menu Once
With a master menu, you don’t have to update five apps every time you change a price or add a new item. Make your changes once, and they sync everywhere.
4. Launch Your Website Fast
If you’re wondering how to create an online ordering website, Orders.co’s AI-powered tool can build one in under 30 seconds. Just upload your menu, connect your payment system, and go live.
5. Add Delivery Partners or Use In-House Drivers
Whether you deliver in-house or work with platforms like Uber Eats, you can connect everything to one system for easier order handling.
6. Turn On Loyalty and Marketing Tools
This is where most systems fall short. Don’t just take orders—build relationships. Use tools to:
- Send offers to regular customers
- Recover lapsed buyers
- Reward repeat business with points or discounts
7. Use Your Data to Make Smart Decisions
Need to know your busiest hours? Which items are top sellers? Which platform brings the most revenue?
Orders.co provides these insights daily, helping you make changes that boost results.
8. Protect Your Revenue with Dispute Management
Lost money to chargebacks or unfair platform fees? You’re not alone. Orders.co’s built-in dispute management helps you catch errors, submit claims, and recover revenue automatically.
- Real-time alerts for new disputes
- AI-based suggestions for the best dispute reasons
- Full tracking of dispute status and outcomes
- Up to 90% dispute success rate reported by clients
This is one of the easiest ways to stop silent revenue leaks.
Setting up your system doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, most Orders.co partners are up and running within a day.
Real-World Results: How Restaurants Are Winning With Orders.co
It’s easy to talk about features, but what really matters is what they do for you in the real world.
These restaurant owners made the switch to the right restaurant online ordering system—Orders.co—and saw measurable improvements in sales, operations, and customer satisfaction.
Slash Pizza – Glendale, CA
Before Orders.co:
Owner Armond Zarookian was offering dine-in, takeout, and delivery, but revenue wasn’t growing. Managing multiple tablets for each delivery platform was overwhelming his staff, and the customer experience suffered.
What Changed:
Orders.co helped Slash Pizza build a custom, commission-free ordering site. With consolidated tablets and simplified reporting, the team could focus more on preparing food and less on tracking orders.
Results:
- 73% total increase in online revenue
- Direct ordering site became their top channel in just 3 months
- Armond now uses delivery apps for visibility, but promotes his own site for sales
“I increased my sales by 33% in the first month alone.”
Pop’s Creamery – Los Angeles, CA
Before Orders.co:
Marthin Ken had three locations and was offering unique, small-batch ice cream flavors. But frequent sellouts were causing order cancellations, and updating each delivery app was taking too long.
What Changed:
Orders.co allowed Marthin’s staff to make real-time updates across all platforms using a single master menu. He also launched a loyalty program to reward repeat customers.
Results:
- Saved hours each week on menu management
- No more lost revenue from sold-out flavors
- More time for Marthin to focus on product creation
“Now I just focus on creating new flavors. The system does the rest.”
Jonah’s Kabob – CA
Before Orders.co:
As a new restaurant, the team needed a system that would support growth without overcomplicating their workflow. Their manager had used Orders.co at a previous job and knew it could help from day one.
What Changed:
Jonah’s Kabob launched with Orders.co from the start. They expanded their reach by connecting to four delivery platforms and used one interface to manage everything from menus to tickets.
Results:
- 40% revenue boost in the first month
- No need to switch between tablets or dashboards
- Menu edits and reporting are handled in minutes
“It’s so easy to use. Everything’s in one place.”
These restaurants didn’t just get a system—they got real results. And they’re not alone. If you’re ready to save time, boost delivery revenue, and gain control over your operations, Orders.co is ready to help.
👉 Want to find out how it could work for your restaurant? Schedule a free demo today.
How To Evaluate Online Ordering Vendors Before You Commit
Choosing the right restaurant online ordering system isn’t just about picking the one with the most features—it’s about finding a solution that truly fits your restaurant’s day-to-day needs.
Here’s how to evaluate your options before committing to a provider.
- Start by getting a clear understanding of the actual costs. Many providers promote low monthly fees, but it’s not uncommon to find hidden charges for essentials like menu edits, customer data access, or order reporting. Ask directly if there are setup fees, commissions per order, cancellation penalties, or required contracts. If you’re managing a restaurant with online orders, every dollar counts—and unexpected fees add up quickly.
- Next, assess how easy it is to set up an online ordering system. Some providers offer free demos or trial accounts. Use this opportunity to test how long it takes to upload your menu, make edits, and launch a functional ordering page. If you’re wondering how to create an online ordering website without technical help, the platform should provide clear tools, templates, or even automated setup assistance to simplify the process.
- Integration is another major factor. A strong system should allow you to connect with all the major third-party apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. It should also integrate with your current POS setup, so you’re not manually re-entering orders or printing tickets by hand. If you’re evaluating how to create an online ordering system that saves time daily, these connections are critical.
- Support is also a make-or-break issue. Look for vendors that offer real-time customer support during the hours your kitchen is busiest, not just email ticketing systems. You’ll want to know that someone is available if you hit a snag during peak service on a Friday night.
- Data and reporting should be easy to access and interpret. Ask to see a sample dashboard so you can confirm it provides actionable insights like best-selling items, platform-specific revenue, and peak ordering times. If the right restaurant online ordering system doesn’t offer clear reporting tools, you won’t be able to make informed decisions.
- Another often overlooked area is chargeback and dispute management. If your restaurant has lost money to unfair platform fees or incorrect deductions, find out what tools the provider offers to help you track, submit, and win disputes. Not all platforms will assist with this, but it’s a must-have feature if you’re serious about protecting your revenue.
- Lastly, ask to see customer reviews or case studies from restaurants like yours. Look for testimonials from businesses that operate on a similar scale or offer comparable services, such as delivery-heavy restaurants or multi-location operators. Their experience can give you a clearer idea of how well the system performs in the real world.
Choosing the right restaurant online ordering system isn’t just about getting more online sales—it’s about building something reliable and efficient that works for your team and your customers.
By taking time to evaluate the essentials, you’ll set your restaurant up for long-term success.
Also, read:
- Discover the Best Online Ordering Systems for Seamless Restaurant Operations
- 5 Reasons Why Online Food Ordering is the Future
- How to Increase Restaurant Sales With Online Ordering
- 17 Tips to Take Your Restaurant Delivery to the Next Level
- How To Get More Online Orders & Manage Them Efficiently For Restaurants
Is Your Ordering System Helping Or Hurting Your Restaurant?
Your online ordering setup should be making your life easier, not more complicated. If you’re constantly switching between devices, dealing with avoidable mistakes, or paying high fees to third-party apps, it might be time for a better solution.
The right restaurant online ordering system should help you simplify operations, handle all your incoming orders—whether from Uber Eats, Grubhub, DoorDash, or your website—on a single tablet.
With fewer devices and no need to train staff on multiple apps, it’s easier to stay focused during busy shifts and reduce missed or delayed tickets.
Custom Ordering Website
Create your own commission-free, direct ordering website in less than 30 seconds. This gives you full control over your customer experience, menu layout, and pricing strategy. You can even customize promo banners or loyalty rewards to turn occasional visitors into loyal customers.
Menu Management
Sync your menu across all platforms with one update. Whether you’re adjusting pricing, 86’ing an item, or uploading new photos, changes reflect within an hour—no need to log into each third-party dashboard. This menu management feature saves your staff time and ensures consistency for customers.
Local Business Optimization (SEO)
We help list and optimize your restaurant on 80+ business directories, including Google, Yelp, and Apple Maps. This local business optimization improves your local search visibility, drives organic traffic to your site, and increases direct order volume without paying extra for ads.
Guest Feedback Monitoring
Monitor customer reviews from every order in one place—whether they’re sent through your website or emailed post-delivery. Use this insight to quickly spot service issues, reward loyal customers, and protect your online reputation from negative trends.
Integrations
Orders.co connects with 30+ POS systems and every major delivery app. Orders are integrated directly into your POS, tickets are printed automatically, and you can view orders, inventory, and sales from one clean interface—without disrupting your existing setup.
Automated Reporting
Access reports on revenue by channel, item popularity, peak hours, and fulfillment times—all without jumping between spreadsheets or platforms. Use saved filters to monitor trends over time and guide your menu, marketing, or staffing decisions.
Dispute Management
A dispute management assistant will notify you immediately when a chargeback is filed or a delivery fee looks incorrect. You’ll receive data-driven recommendations and tools to submit disputes fast, helping you recover lost revenue and avoid manual claim tracking.
Want to see how these tools work in your restaurant? Book your free demo and get set up in just 15 minutes.
FAQ
How do I know if it’s time to upgrade my current online ordering system?
If you’re juggling multiple tablets, struggling with menu updates, missing orders, or losing revenue to high commissions, it’s a clear sign your system is holding you back. A modern ordering system should simplify daily tasks and support both direct and third-party orders efficiently.
Can I use an online ordering system if I already work with delivery apps?
Yes. In fact, the best systems consolidate all incoming orders—from your website and delivery apps—into one dashboard. This helps avoid confusion, reduces order errors, and makes it easier to manage everything during service.
What should I prioritize when setting up an online ordering system?
Start with the essentials: a clean, mobile-friendly menu, accurate prep times, and real-time notifications for both staff and customers. Then focus on syncing with your POS and enabling easy menu updates. If you’re learning how to set up an online ordering system, these basics will give you a strong foundation.
How do I make sure my online ordering website is visible on Google?
A system that offers local business optimization or SEO tools can help. Orders.co, for example, submits your restaurant to 80+ online directories and ensures consistent information across platforms. This improves visibility for local food searches like “best tacos near me.”
What if my staff isn’t tech-savvy?
Choose a provider that offers an intuitive interface and hands-on onboarding. Systems like Orders.co offer a 15-minute setup call and 24/7 support to walk your team through everything. Simplicity and training support are key to adoption.
Can I run loyalty programs with my online ordering system?
Yes—some platforms include built-in tools for loyalty rewards, digital coupons, or automated SMS/email campaigns. These help convert third-party customers into repeat direct-order customers while increasing average order value.
What happens if a customer disputes a charge or claims a missing item?
A strong system will include dispute management tools that notify you of chargebacks, help you respond quickly, and even offer automated responses with supporting data. This can significantly reduce lost revenue.
How can I compare performance between different platforms I use?
Look for systems with automated reporting and channel filters. You should be able to compare revenue from your website, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and more—all in one place. These reports help you see which platforms drive the most profit.
Will I need to change my current POS system?
Not necessarily. Many systems, including Orders.co, integrate with 30+ POS providers. This means your current setup can stay in place while orders are routed directly into it.
How fast can I get started with a new system?
Depending on the platform, you could be up and running in as little as a few hours. Some systems offer AI-powered website builders, menu syncing, and full setup support to get you live quickly—even the same day.
