The business world has undergone a remarkable transformation thanks to digital technology. The restaurant industry has not been left behind, as the introduction of online food ordering systems has brought significant changes. This trend has gained immense popularity among urban dwellers due to its convenience and hassle-free customer experience.
An online ordering system is a software platform that allows customers to place orders for products or services through a website or mobile application. It enables customers to browse menus or catalogs, select items, customize their orders, make payments, and track the status of their orders online. Online ordering systems are commonly used by restaurants, retailers, and other businesses to offer convenient, seamless, and contactless ordering options. These systems can help businesses increase sales, improve customer satisfaction, and streamline operations by automating order processing and reducing errors. Online ordering systems may also include features such as order management, inventory management, customer management, and analytics, which provide businesses with valuable insights and data to optimize their operations and enhance their customer experience.
The Online Food Delivery Market comprises both Grocery Delivery and Meal Delivery services. This market has experienced significant growth, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, with expansion observed in almost every market. Moreover, with the establishment of food aggregators such as Jumia Food, Glovo, and Uber Eats, they are now branching out into the grocery delivery sector and non-food stuff such as gas cylinders.
The online food delivery market is expected to continue its impressive growth trajectory in the coming years. According to market projections, the sector's revenue is set to reach US$9.25bn by 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.86% from 2023 to 2027. This is expected to produce a market volume of US$21.76bn by 2027. These projections suggest that the online food delivery market will remain a lucrative and dynamic industry for the foreseeable future, with plenty of opportunities for growth and innovation.
While online ordering systems offer numerous benefits for restaurants, some challenges must be addressed. One of the main challenges restaurants face is integrating their online ordering system with their existing point-of-sale (POS) system. Manual entry of orders may result in errors such as missing items or incorrect order information. The lack of integration between the online ordering system and the POS system can also lead to delays in order processing, which can affect the overall customer experience. Additionally, managing online orders separately from in-house orders can lead to confusion and inefficient staff time, ultimately impacting the restaurant's bottom line.
In response to these challenges, Pesapal, through Reserveport, has integrated with popular food delivery apps; Glovo and Uber Eats to streamline the ordering process by allowing for direct ordering with the kitchen production system. The integration ensures that orders from different food delivery apps are received on one device, and the order information is forwarded to the cashier and kitchen for packaging. This reduces the likelihood of errors and delays. The integration is expected to improve the overall food delivery experience for customers and increase restaurant operational efficiency, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Customers can conveniently place orders and make payments through the app, while restaurant owners can manage orders and inventory more effectively.
Food delivery apps have become increasingly popular for several reasons. One of the primary reasons is convenience. With food delivery apps, customers can easily order food from their favorite restaurants without leaving their homes or offices, saving them time and effort. Additionally, food delivery apps provide customers with a wide range of food options from various restaurants, giving them more choices and flexibility. These apps also offer various features like real-time tracking of orders, estimated delivery times, and the ability to customize orders according to dietary preferences, which enhances the overall customer experience.
Furthermore, food delivery apps often provide customers with exclusive deals, discounts, and loyalty programs, making ordering food through the app more appealing than dining in at the restaurant. The increasing availability of mobile devices and internet connectivity has also contributed to the popularity of food delivery apps.
Reserveport for restaurants is a solution created by Pesapal that has been validated by Oracle Hospitality. This integration allows restaurants to have a branded website where customers can order directly. The Reserveport system streamlines the ordering process, saving time and making it more efficient from order placement to delivery. When a customer places an order, notifications are sent to the kitchen, the cashier, and the delivery personnel, ensuring that the restaurant can track the order and serve the customer promptly. Reserveport also enables restaurants to drive sales throughout the day without the fear of being overwhelmed since all orders are integrated into the Point of Sale system.
Below are the benefits of using Pesapal Reserveport for online ordering.
1. No Commissions to Pay
The online food ordering system has its fair share of challenges. For instance, when a restaurant seeks the service of a third-party food ordering platform, it will have to pay commissions on every order placed through its platform. However, Pesapal has come in handy for restaurants with a personalized website that allows customers to place orders directly on the website.
2. Increased Orders
Having online ordering gives restaurants a platform to generate more revenue. The online presence means that you can reach out to customers who are not ready for a dine-in experience but are craving food from your restaurant. This translates to a higher volume of orders as you will be getting orders from customers you could have missed. Another advantage of online food ordering systems for restaurants is that you can serve more customers without adding more seats and tables. If the seating capacity of your restaurant is 100 people, you can still serve another 100 customers at ago without increasing the space.
3. Stay Ahead of the Competition
According to a 2020 report by Business Insyder, only 2-3% of restaurants worldwide use online ordering platforms. This is a low number compared to the millions of restaurants that exist. Therefore, this is a great opportunity that you can have recourse to and make your restaurants available to your customers online.
Pesapal payment solutions enable customers to pay conveniently with either Mobile Money, Visa, Mastercard, or American Express and enjoy online ordering and food delivery to their doorstep.
4. Better Customer Experience
An online food ordering system provides customers with a more convenient and hassle-free experience. They can browse menus, place orders, and make payments from the comfort of their own homes or offices. This eliminates the need for them to physically visit the restaurant or grocery store, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient. With Pesapal Reserveport, customers can also track their orders in real-time and receive notifications when their food is ready for pickup or on its way for delivery. This helps to enhance their overall experience and satisfaction with your business.
5. Improved Efficiency and Accuracy
Manual order-taking and processing can be prone to errors, leading to customer dissatisfaction and lost revenue. With an online food ordering system, orders are automatically captured and sent to the kitchen or store for processing. This reduces the risk of errors and ensures that orders are fulfilled accurately and efficiently. Additionally, online orders can be easily tracked and managed, allowing you to allocate resources better and streamline operations.
6. Access to Valuable Data
Online food ordering systems provide valuable data to help businesses make informed decisions. For example, you can track sales trends, popular menu items, and customer demographics. This information can be used to tailor marketing campaigns, optimize menus, and improve overall business operations. Reserveport by Pesapal also provides detailed analytics and reporting tools, giving you real-time insights into your business performance.
7. Better Marketing Opportunities
Online food ordering systems provide businesses with a platform to promote their products and services. As a result, businesses can attract new customers and retain existing ones through targeted marketing campaigns and promotions. Additionally, with an online presence, you can easily engage with customers through social media and other digital channels, further enhancing your marketing efforts.
8. Increased Revenue
Finally, an online food ordering system can help businesses increase revenue. Businesses can attract more customers and generate more orders by providing a convenient and efficient ordering process. Additionally, businesses can optimize their operations and improve profitability by leveraging the data and insights the system offers.
In conclusion, an online food ordering system provides numerous benefits for businesses and customers. The advantages are clear, from increased efficiency and accuracy to better marketing opportunities and revenue generation. With Pesapal Reserveport, businesses can enjoy all these benefits while providing their customers with a seamless and convenient ordering experience.
