What can’t be ordered online these days? It seems that just about anything that consumers want or need can be found and ordered online. Some things need to be picked up, while others need to be delivered. Despite how much this phenomenon is continuing to increase, there are still parts of the process that are holding some companies back. Some still don’t have a smooth, streamlined process that is easy for the consumer. If your business is looking to set up an ordering system or improve the one that you already have, there are several ways that you can simplify the ordering process.
Cut Out The Unnecessary
You want your customers to have lots of options. They can order and personalize every dish in the restaurant. Why shouldn’t they be able to do the same when they order online? However, it can get tedious if you’ve got a long list of questions and each one needs to be answered before they can actually add something to the cart. Consider offering an area where customers can let you know what special instructions they have. Allow them to lead the way instead of making each and every person go through the same process that your pickiest of customers tend to go through.
Streamline the Choices
Take a look at your app or website and put yourself in the place of the customer. You can still have a long list of menu items available without overcrowding the screen. Consider creating categories that allow customers to navigate to the dish they are looking for without going through a long list of items that don’t interest them. Group similar items together and you’ll save customers some time, encouraging them to revisit the site when they are hungry and want something you’ve got. This doesn’t mean you need to shorten the menu or even avoid offering specials.
Offer Payment Choices
While credit cards are still a popular way to pay for meals, it might be time to offer some new payment options for your customers. Sometimes consumers are worried about leaving a credit card number on your website for the system to remember, but they may not mind being directed to another site to handle their online payment quickly and efficiently. Take the time to look and see if your customers have enough convenient ways to pay for the food they are ordering online or on the website.
It isn’t enough to give people the option to order online. Many companies are allowing their customers to create orders for delivery or pickup by using the website or apps. You want your ordering system to stand out from the rest. Make sure that yours is easy to use, easy to navigate and offers lots of different choices in an organized way. Remember that when you have the best app with the most convenient options, it is your company that consumers will look to when they want something to eat quickly and efficiently.