As COVID-19 continues to impact the restaurant industry, brands have to do whatever it takes to stay afloat. In most cases, this means refining options for handling online orders through a mobile app or an online order system. Some restaurants even have to consider downsizing to reassess spatial needs and provide better customer service.

Whether you’re looking for a platform that can integrate with your POS system or you want one that offers delivery drivers added commission, here’s what you need to know about starting up your restaurant’s delivery service.

Start with the right platform.

Not every online order system is created equally. When you’re perusing online ordering software for restaurants, you might only be looking at the monthly fee. While this is helpful, it won’t necessarily assist you if you need to turn a profit. Instead, you want to find an online order system that has a few key features. First, you’ll want one that can automatically update menu items as needed. Since your menu is the primary draw for any new customer, you want it to reflect dish availability. Your menu should be easy-to-read, especially on a mobile app.

Also, you’ll want to be able to take online orders through a mobile app yourself. While some customers will still use desktop online order sites, many individuals want the convenience of iPhone and Android apps like Grubhub, Uber Eats, Chownow, and Doordash. The right online order system will offer a good level of compatibility. However, it should also make it easier to consolidate your online orders. Instead of using a different tablet for Uber Eats and Doordash, the right online order platform allows you to wield one tablet to send orders to your POS system. Mobile device integration is critical, as is POS integration. Some platforms for delivery orders can also store customer data which benefits a restaurant owner in many ways.

Make sure the delivery platform pops.

Simply put, a great way to boost online food orders through your restaurant website or another online ordering platform is through store photos and menu photos. However, simply putting photos on your Facebook page isn’t enough. You’ll want a photo option with unlimited storage so you can update your food delivery menu at any time. Plus, you won’t want to deal with an external hard drive, limited Google Photos space, Dropbox, or an SD card. A smart photo storage device can help you push incoming orders from your mobile ordering and also upsell your promotional items. It’s a win for your ordering system and your customers.

Consider storage needs.

If you’re only running your takeout and delivery services, you may want to consider downsizing. Often, this means turning to a storage space or external storage unit. As a restaurant owner, considering a storage unit for your belongings has some pros and cons. However, during these times, it might be prudent to focus on your online ordering software and worry about dine-in capacity as time goes on. Plus, when you aren’t handling reservations on your own website, you can offer great deals and great customer service through your online reservations and orders. You can secure repeat customers through social media, email marketing, and internet specials.

When you’re looking for self-storage, you should consider turning to Google. Look up location-specific keywords like “cheap self storage in San Diego.” It can help you find a storage facility with the amenities you need.

Despite COVID’s impact on restaurants, you can still succeed. It’s important to leverage customer data and boost online sales now more than ever. A delivery service, and even a self-storage unit, can help. Whether you think the best way is through phone orders or a POS integration, incorporating delivery can benefit almost any restaurant vendor.