What changes for the restaurant?
The difference comes down to one question: who is the customer ordering from? On a platform, they order from the platform; on your website, they order from you.
| Criterion | Ordering platform | Your own website |
|---|---|---|
| Who brings the customer | The platform, among its users | You: your regulars, your Google listing, your social media |
| Who they order from | The platform | You, under your name |
| What they see | Your restaurant among others | Your menu, in your colours |
| Delivery | Often handled by the platform | Your team, if you deliver |
| What you pay | Usually a share of each order | Depends on the tool: subscription, payment fees, possibly a commission |
When does a platform make sense?
When you open and nobody in the neighbourhood knows you yet, or if you have no delivery riders: the platform brings customers and, often, delivery.
It does not replace your own channel, though: a customer who already knows you can order directly from you.
How do you make your ordering website known?
An ordering website does not bring in new customers by itself: you need to show it to the people who already come to you.
- A QR code on the tables, at the counter and on takeaway bags.
- The ordering link on your Google listing.
- The link on your social media and in your messaging apps.
- An up-to-date menu and pick-up slots the kitchen can handle.
What should you check before choosing a direct ordering tool?
Six questions to ask before signing with any provider.
- Is the website on your own domain name?
- Does a confirmed order print as a ticket in the kitchen, with nothing retyped?
- Can customers choose their pick-up time, and pay online or on site?
- Can you pause orders when the kitchen is swamped?
- Which fees are left for you to pay: subscription, share per order, payment fees?
- Who answers you when there is a problem, and in which language?
And at 3E Tech?
With OuiTAP, your customers order on your website, under your own domain name: takeaway, delivery by your own team, or at the table by QR code. A confirmed order prints as a ticket on your premises. OuiTAP prices are published at www.ouitap.fr/tarifs.