Everything is getting digital in this day and age. As technology progresses, online ordering options are becoming more and more common. This is due to the ever-increasing demand for ease of ordering and browsing through the products. The main goal of an online ordering system is to allow customers to place an order at a business via the internet.

 

So, why is this significant?

Online ordering systems are becoming more popular not only because they are easier to use but also because they offer many benefits to businesses and customers. With the inclusion of a website or app, customers can quickly browse all of the products available at the business, personalize the items to their specifications, and make an order. It can also save their favourite orders, allowing them to simply re-order them in the future.

From the business’s standpoint, they no longer waste time accepting the customer’s order, they no longer have to worry about communication problems, and they can optimize their order management workflow.

 

What is an Online Ordering System?

An online ordering system is a software/website that enables businesses to accept and manage orders sent over the internet.

Online ordering systems are often made up of two major components. The first step is to create a website or mobile app where consumers can examine the products a business has to offer and place an online order. The second component is an admin administration interface that allows businesses to receive and handle customer orders.

 

The first step is that businesses need websites or mobile apps that can either be third-party websites where you’re advertising your business or have a standalone system.

As you can see, the order journey from order placement to payment processing is cut to just minutes!

An online ordering system is secure both for the business and the customer, as both parties can keep track of orders. Everything is accessible to the customer, and they can track their orders.

Businesses can keep track of the number of orders, addresses, and everything on a single platform, which will make it easy for them to manage orders.

Now that we know what is an Online Ordering System, you must be wondering “How does it work?”

That’s what we’re going to talk about now!

 

How Does an Online Ordering System Work (Basic Level)?

We’ll try to describe how an online ordering system works without getting too technical. This is to assist you to grasp the procedure at a basic level. Of course, if you want to delve deeper into the nuances of each step, you can contact Bypasslines for Business representatives to schedule a demo!

 

This is a step-by-step process that walks you through the basics of an online ordering system!

 

• Your customers may recognize your brand by its name or may stumble upon your online ordering platform while browsing a third-party ordering site.
• Customers browse your products and add items to their virtual carts. The customer is then asked to provide delivery information at checkout, including delivery options.
• Once the customer selects the ‘Checkout’ button, they are taken to the payment page. It is here that the payment method is selected: online prepayment with debit/credit card or cash payment at delivery (*also known as COD or Cash on Delivery).
• Those who choose to use the debit/credit card payment method are taken to a payment gateway page where their information is entered.
• The business can assign their delivery partner and complete other formalities via the backend of the management system after steps 1-3 are completed and pre-payment is received (if applicable).

 

Advanced online ordering systems provide the consumer with a real-time map display of the package’s location. This allows businesses to track delivery times and provide precise predicted arrival times to their customers based on the delivery partner’s movement.

The online ordering system has its benefits too! These benefits are way beyond just customers ordering products from businesses/merchants.

 

Some of these benefits are:

• Promoting repeat purchasing with incentives and coupons is an effective way to increase sales.
• Create a profile for users so they can save their payment information for future purchases.
• Utilize advanced analytics to gain insights into how customers make purchases.
• Ensure customers can easily find business information such as your address, contact details, and opening and closing hours.
• An FAQ area and a communications centre can help lower barriers to purchase.

 

Don’t have time or staff to handle the system?

Stand-alone Online ordering systems are helpful if you have the staff/workforce to manage them. In addition, it requires financial investment from the business, which can be difficult for small businesses.

A third-party ordering system like Bypasslines’ merchant site may be a viable option if you are looking for online ordering systems.

Using third-party ordering systems gives you the same benefits, if not more, than using a stand-alone ordering system, at a fraction of the cost.

Bypass Lines is not a barrier between you and your customers, but rather a means for you to connect with your target audience. The merchant website displays your business based on the services you provide. We list all the offers that you’re providing and advertise them on our social media so customers have easy access to your business.

Not only Bypasslines provides you with a platform to display your business but we also donate to charities. We always make sure that the customers’ and business’s money is being used for a viable cause!

For more information about how our process visit our website.