5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Up an Online Ordering System

| 23 Views

Setting up an online ordering system for your restaurant or business is a smart move — it can streamline operations, improve customer satisfaction, and increase sales. However, implementing the right system is not without its challenges. Mistakes in the setup phase can lead to frustration, lost sales, and operational inefficiencies. To help ensure your transition to online ordering is smooth and successful, we’ve outlined five common mistakes to avoid when setting up your system.

1. Choosing the Wrong Online Ordering Platform

Not all online ordering systems are created equal. It’s tempting to choose the cheapest or most basic platform, but selecting the wrong system can cause headaches down the line. Different platforms offer varying features, integrations, and capabilities, and choosing one that doesn’t align with your specific needs can result in operational inefficiencies, poor customer experience, and even lost sales.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

Assess Your Needs: Consider the specific needs of your business. Do you only need a basic online ordering system, or do you require advanced features like delivery management, loyalty programs, or POS integration?
Check Integrations: Make sure the platform integrates seamlessly with your existing POS system, kitchen display system, and any third-party delivery services you use.
Scalability: Choose a system that can grow with your business. If you plan to expand to multiple locations or scale up your online presence, make sure the system can handle increased demand.

Why It Matters:
Choosing the right platform ensures that you’re not investing in a solution that will be limiting or inefficient as your business grows. It also prevents the frustration of dealing with multiple systems and workarounds.

2. Not Optimizing for Mobile Devices

A significant portion of online orders comes from mobile devices. If your online ordering system isn’t optimized for smartphones and tablets, you could be missing out on valuable sales opportunities. A system that’s difficult to navigate on mobile can lead to frustrated customers and abandoned carts.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

Mobile-First Design: Ensure that the platform is mobile-responsive and that the ordering experience is intuitive, fast, and easy to use on any screen size.
Test Across Devices: Regularly test the mobile experience on various devices (iPhones, Androids, tablets) to ensure everything functions as expected.
Simple Checkout Process: Make sure the checkout process is streamlined for mobile users. Long forms or difficult-to-navigate pages can cause frustration and lost sales.

Why It Matters:
With mobile orders making up the majority of online transactions, optimizing for mobile devices is essential for meeting customer expectations and maximizing revenue. A seamless mobile experience improves customer satisfaction and drives repeat business.

3. Overlooking Delivery Logistics and Integration

Many businesses focus on setting up the online ordering platform itself but overlook the critical aspect of managing deliveries. Delivery logistics — from tracking orders to managing multiple delivery services or in-house drivers — can be complex. If not properly integrated, this can lead to delays, miscommunication, and poor customer experiences.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

Integrate Delivery Management: Choose an online ordering system that integrates with your delivery service (whether in-house or third-party services like Uber Eats or DoorDash). This ensures that all orders are tracked in real-time and efficiently routed.
Set Clear Delivery Times: Make sure the system allows for realistic delivery time estimations and notifies customers of any delays or changes in real-time.
Optimize Delivery Routes: If you’re handling delivery in-house, ensure that the system provides tools for route optimization to reduce delivery times and improve efficiency.

Why It Matters:
A seamless delivery experience is crucial for customer satisfaction. Mismanaged deliveries can lead to late or incorrect orders, causing frustration and damaging your reputation. By integrating delivery logistics with your ordering system, you ensure that your customers receive their orders quickly and accurately.

4. Failing to Train Staff Properly

A great online ordering system is only as good as the people managing it. If your restaurant staff or employees are not fully trained on the new system, it can lead to mistakes, inefficiencies, and frustration. This includes everything from entering orders to handling special requests, or managing customer feedback.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

Provide Comprehensive Training: Make sure all employees involved in order processing, cooking, and delivery are properly trained on how the system works, including handling customer orders, modifying items, processing payments, and communicating with customers.
Test the System Before Going Live: Run a few test orders to ensure that everyone is familiar with the platform and knows how to troubleshoot issues quickly.
Ongoing Support and Training: Periodically offer refresher training and have a support system in place to answer questions or address problems as they arise.

Why It Matters:
Properly trained staff ensures smoother operations and reduces the likelihood of mistakes. It also helps maintain a positive experience for customers, who are more likely to return if they receive efficient, accurate service.

5. Neglecting to Optimize the Menu for Online Ordering

A menu that works well in a physical restaurant might not translate well to an online ordering platform. Long descriptions, complicated options, and unclear pricing can lead to confusion and abandoned orders. Optimizing your menu for online ordering is essential for a seamless customer experience.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

Simplify the Menu for Online Ordering: Streamline the menu by removing unnecessary items or offering only the most popular choices. If you have a large menu, consider creating categories to make browsing easier (e.g., “Pizzas,” “Salads,” “Desserts”).
Use High-Quality Photos: Visual appeal plays a big role in online ordering, so make sure each menu item is accompanied by a high-quality photo. This can entice customers to make an order they might not have considered otherwise.
Be Clear with Pricing and Customization: Avoid complicated add-ons or unclear pricing. Make sure customers can easily customize their orders (e.g., add toppings, request no cheese) and understand the cost of those changes.

Why It Matters:
An optimized, visually appealing menu not only makes it easier for customers to order, but it also boosts conversion rates. When customers can easily find what they want and understand their options, they’re more likely to complete their purchase.

Final Thoughts

Setting up an online ordering system is a major step toward enhancing your restaurant’s efficiency and expanding its reach. However, it’s important to approach the process with careful planning to avoid common mistakes that can hinder your success. By choosing the right platform, optimizing the experience for mobile users, managing deliveries effectively, training your staff, and streamlining your menu, you can set your business up for smooth operations and increased sales.

Ready to Get Started with Ordefy?
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use online ordering system that can help your business avoid these common pitfalls, Ordefy offers a powerful solution that integrates seamlessly with your operations. Contact us today to learn how we can help you enhance your online ordering system and deliver a better experience for your customers.