Want to make a great food ordering app? Hook into these inherent features
Truly, online food ordering has created its value as a separate industry segment in recent years due to the proliferation of websites and the development of mobile applications. Plus, it makes busy people’s lives so much easier, saving them time and changing the way they eat dinner. According to studies, the food delivery segment accounts for almost 40% of the restaurant industry and that sounds like a good sign for investments in food ordering apps. If business owners in the restaurant industry want to remain competitive, they obviously have to specialize and be different! Surely now, an on-demand food ordering app can be the best weapon for that. This article deliberately articulates the features that should be included in such an app that will help restaurant owners achieve maximum benefits.
Customer login or registration
Users need to enter some basic details like name, address, phone number to create an account in the app from where they can order regularly. So the food ordering app journey starts with the login feature for user registration which also helps the owners to collect the customer database. Tracking personal data helps them build a great relationship with customers by providing personalized services.
Detailed menu with customization options
The application should also include an extensive menu card that mentions the type of food, prices, portions, etc. of each item just like the way it is provided on the restaurant tables. To make food search easier, it is wiser to categorize the menu into various types of cuisine and put a search button where customers can simply type in a name and find everything about their favorite dishes. Also, if owners want their app to be better than the rest, they can include an order customization feature, meaning customers can request some additional ingredients or garnishes on their food.
Loyalty / referral program
Many restaurants omit this most important feature of a food ordering app that can help them attract more customers. By placing a rewards program that will add points to the customer’s account each time an order is placed, owners can keep customers hooked on their app for all successive orders. Those reward points after a specified period can be redeemed for great deals or free meals. Recommendation schemes can also prove equally beneficial, as it encourages existing satisfied users to refer others and earn reward points for each recommendation, increasing the chances that the restaurant will win more customers.
Payment flexibility
Once a customer is convinced with the application order, they look for an easy payment method. A must-have app with various options including cash, credit and debit cards are highly desired. Integrating other viable payment options such as internet banking, mobile wallet such as Apple Pay, or Google wallet can offer additional benefits by providing the customer with greater convenience.
Restaurant panel
Not only customers, but restaurant owners as well, will get the benefits of ordering online from the app. It has to be built with a beautiful dashboard through which the owners can manage the food list, orders and customers well. While they can add, edit or change kitchens, add descriptions or images to the menu, they can also keep track of orders until they are shipped through it. Additionally, owners can regularly check their restaurant’s ratings or reviews and work on any improvements if needed.
While many online food delivery apps are already making money and have earned a great reputation in the marketplace, restaurant owners who want to sail the same ships should get on-demand services as their priority. These features with a premium focus on convenience and high speed of delivery can help owners realize higher ROI benefits in no time.