How online food delivery works with point of sale technology

The process for learning how food delivery works starts with understanding the fundamentals. What are my online sales goals? Where does the revenue threshold lie for calling online food delivery a success? Do I need to make any internal changes to processes or technology in order for an online food delivery strategy to work?

Using online food delivery to stimulate business growth and the fast expansion in the reach of a brand voice may be simpler than you think. Modern point-of-sale technology solutions can be leveraged through the use of their ability to provide key, all-inclusive features that make your point of sale (POS) solution and internal business operations one and the same.

Online food delivery means an online presence

This may seem obvious, but taking the dive into online food delivery does mean that you must have a version of your menu online. But having this online presence isn’t as simple as throwing up a website that is updated periodically. You need it to allow customers to place orders, submit payment, and choose a delivery or pickup option while having all of this accurately tracked by your POS system.

Ideally, the online menu will be a branded website that is a direct representation of your brand. It will be built on a platform provided by the POS provider, ensuring the seamless and uninterrupted flow of data into your POS system. It will also include these fundamental technology assets:

Cloud-based data storage and report generation.Support for mobile devices, including mobile payment apps.Seamless integration of virtual terminals or kitchen display systems.The ability to utilize web-based invoicing for daily transactions or event catering.

Possessing a technology infrastructure that includes these elements will have you on the fast track for building a successful online food delivery strategy. These pieces leave you well-equipped to tackle the next task on your list—the development of your online menu.

Sales data drives the online menu experience

It will be very tempting to simply take your in-house menu and to post it online as-is, but you may want to reevaluate first. There are likely several items on your menu that, although they are customer favorites due to their presentation and superior taste, may not translate well going from a dining room plate fresh from the kitchen to a delivery box that must travel greater distances to a customer’s front door.

Some of the most likely considerations that will impact the ability to deliver a menu item are:

Containers are not sufficient to lock in heat or taste quality.Soggy bread, anyone?Drinks are especially challenging, and some delivery services may charge extra.Items that require a specific presentation or sequence to deliver on its full culinary experience.

Outside of these logistical items is one last element that will be a driving factor of your online menu: sales data. You may think you know your customers, it will be through concisely delivered sales data that you will see the exact demands and impact of your online menu. It is here that you will receive the perfect amount of guidance for making proactive changes to what you can promise via delivery.

Virtual terminals add muscle to your online menu

Online food delivery will require facilitating payment between the customer, the restaurant, and any third-party delivery partners. The common elements of the typical eCommerce website, while proven effective, can lack the speed required for handing off or splitting transaction costs between multiple parties.

The virtual terminal bridges these gaps, and provides a seamless and automated way to process and track payments for online food order deliveries. The cloud-based, mobile-friendly aspect of virtual terminals makes them an ideal choice when working for popular third-party delivery services, quickening the pace of service to both your restaurant and the customer.

Third-party delivery services pull it all together

The last step in the online food delivery process also happens to be the last piece in the puzzle for a successful delivery process. Third-party delivery services offer you more flexibility and limit the liabilities associated with hiring your own delivery drivers. Instead of screening driving records and obtaining the proper insurance, you can instead use your cloud-based POS tools.

The online menu you present to the world on your customizable web template can be used by third-party delivery apps. This further expands the audience reached by your menu and utilizes the same virtual terminal payment technology to complete transactions, including tips, while ensuring that all generated data gets safely stored in your POS system regardless of order source.

Popular third-party delivery options, such as Uber Eats and Grubhub, offer new ways to get orders into the hands of customers while using their apps as marketing tools. This helps travelers, long-time residents, and newcomers to easily discover your restaurant and to sample the cuisine you offer with the benefit of reviews and the convenience of timely delivery.

An optimal POS provider demonstrates how online food delivery works

Online delivery took on a new meaning for restaurants over the past year. It is not surprising then that so many restaurateurs are seeking better ways to establish and coordinate online food delivery options in an effort to expand their brands while catering to an expanded home dining audience.

The POS systems that we at talech provide to restaurants embrace the best of today’s cutting-edge business technologies. Our solutions use a concise blend of powerful cloud-based POS tools, mobile-friendly options, and the ability to streamline delivery options for the presentation of a better product, no matter where the customer may be. Contact us to learn more about our ePOS solutions or to take part in a free demo.