Boost Revenues with Online Ordering

(Excerpts from a National Restaurant Association press release and Cornell University studies)

According to the National Restaurant Association "research shows that consumers have a strong interest in restaurant online services. Forty-eight percent of adults have used the Internet to visit a restaurant’s Web site, 18 percent have placed orders online, and 17 percent have made an online reservation. In addition, 22 percent say they would choose to receive cell-phone notices if their favorite restaurant offered it."

With these kinds of numbers it's probably no secret that the Internet is replacing the telephone for many customers, especially the younger generation, who now routinely order carry-out or delivery orders using the web.

And it's no surprise, with broadband readily available, that people can order more quickly online than before and are growing more comfortable making online purchases.

What may be surprising is the additional benefits that online ordering offers the restaurant operator. According to a recent Cornell study (Sheryl E. Kimes Ph.D., Vol 11 No. 17) restaurant operators that offer online ordering reported considerable increase in order frequency. For the sample in the study (372 U.S. Restaurants), the top benefit of online ordering and online menus was a savings in labor, since employees are not tied up on the phone or at the counter. Order accuracy was another benefit cited by these restaurant operators. The average check amount was about the same or slightly higher than phone-ordering.

Also surprising is the ease at which restaurants can add the sophisticated technology of online ordering to their websites, using services such as iMenu360.com

iMenu360, founded by a restaurateur with over 18 years of food service experience, is shining example of why no restaurant need fear the technological hurdles of adding online ordering to their restaurants operations.

With a single modification to your web site - an online ordering link - iMenu360 will set up a complete online ordering system for your restaurant that mirrors your website's look and feel. You'll be provided with instant notifications of online orders via email/fax/POS or Printer applications allowing you to increase efficiency, sales, and boost customer loyalty.

To find out more this service, contact iMenu360 (if you signup for service, mention code SoftCafe360 to receive additional discounts).