In the fast-paced world of food service, offering online ordering is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. For restaurant owners, implementing a seamless online ordering system can transform your business, increase sales, and improve customer satisfaction. Toast Online Ordering, a part of the Toast POS ecosystem, is a powerful tool that helps streamline the ordering process, but like any tool, it works best when used strategically.
Here are some expert tips and tricks to help you get the most out of Toast Online Ordering for your restaurant:
1. Optimize Your Menu for Online Ordering
Your online menu is one of the first things customers will see, so make it count. Start by ensuring that it’s easy to navigate. Group menu items logically, and consider using eye-catching images for high-margin dishes. Descriptive titles and detailed descriptions help customers make informed decisions, which can lead to higher satisfaction and fewer mistakes in orders.
One pro tip is to highlight your best sellers and specialties at the top of each category. You can also take advantage of Toast’s upsell feature by suggesting add-ons or complementary items during the order process.
2. Utilize Toast’s Customization Features
Toast Online Ordering allows customers to customize their orders. This is particularly useful for accommodating dietary restrictions or preferences. To make the most of this, keep your customization options clear and straightforward. Avoid overloading customers with too many choices but provide enough flexibility to cater to various tastes. For example, offering extra protein or different spice levels can increase customer satisfaction and, in turn, loyalty.
3. Offer Promotions and Discounts
Take advantage of Toast’s built-in promotions and discount features. You can easily create discounts for specific menu items or offer deals for large orders. Promoting exclusive online-only deals, such as “10% off your first online order,” can encourage new customers to try your online ordering system. Don’t forget to promote these offers across your social media platforms and email lists to maximize visibility.
4. Leverage Data from Toast Reporting Tools
Toast’s reporting tools are a goldmine for restaurant owners. You can track which menu items are most popular in online orders, see peak ordering times, and identify repeat customers. Use this data to fine-tune your online menu, adjust your marketing strategies, and ensure that your inventory meets demand. Additionally, reviewing online ordering data can help identify bottlenecks in your kitchen that may be affecting delivery times.
5. Integrate Delivery Services
Toast integrates with several delivery services like DoorDash and UberEats, making it easier for restaurants to manage both in-house and third-party delivery orders. By using these integrations, you can expand your customer base without having to manage multiple systems. Be sure to keep an eye on delivery time performance and customer satisfaction metrics within Toast to ensure a smooth experience.
6. Promote Curbside Pickup and Contactless Payments
With the growing demand for contactless options, make sure your restaurant offers curbside pickup through Toast Online Ordering. This convenient option can attract customers who prefer not to dine in but still want to enjoy fresh food from your restaurant. You can also use Toast’s contactless payment features to ensure smooth, safe transactions.
Consider highlighting your curbside and contactless options on your website and social media to let customers know you’re catering to their convenience and safety.
7. Train Your Staff for Online Order Management
Toast Online Ordering is a powerful system, but it requires seamless coordination between your kitchen and front-of-house staff. Make sure everyone is trained on how to manage incoming online orders, prioritize them effectively, and communicate any issues or delays to customers. The more comfortable your staff is with the system, the smoother the operation will be, resulting in faster turnaround times and happier customers.
8. Regularly Update Your Online Menu
As seasons change and new items are added, it’s crucial to keep your online menu up to date. Customers appreciate seeing fresh items and seasonal specials. Regular updates also give you an opportunity to test new dishes and get real-time feedback from customers. Make use of Toast’s easy-to-update interface to ensure your menu stays relevant and exciting.
9. Provide Clear, Accurate Delivery Estimates
One of the most frustrating experiences for customers is receiving incorrect delivery estimates. Toast Online Ordering allows you to customize delivery times based on kitchen load and staff availability. Use this feature to set realistic expectations. If your kitchen is running behind, be proactive in updating wait times to avoid customer dissatisfaction.
10. Use Loyalty Programs to Boost Online Sales
Toast offers a robust loyalty program that can be integrated with online ordering. Reward your repeat customers with points for every purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts or free items. This not only boosts customer retention but also encourages customers to choose your online ordering system over third-party platforms.
By implementing these tips and tricks, restaurant owners can make the most of Toast Online Ordering and provide a seamless, enjoyable experience for their customers. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to fine-tune your current setup, these strategies will help you maximize efficiency, increase customer satisfaction, and drive revenue growth.
