--- title: "Best Online Ordering Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing" description: "Find the best Online Ordering Systems for your organization. Compare top Online Ordering Systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos." source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/online-ordering-system-comparison/" page_type: "subcategory" language: "en" --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Online Ordering Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Online Ordering Software of 2026 Updated October 22, 2026 On this page 1. FrontRunners 2. Popular Comparisons 3. Buyers Guide 4. Related Software Filter products 228 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 228 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. ### [Clover](/retail/clover-profile/) - Overall rating: 3.8/5 - Reviews: 586 - Best for: Popular - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Clover is a POS system designed to help small businesses streamline their operations. The system offers a range of features, including payment processing, inventory management, [Read more](/retail/clover-profile/) ##### What users love - Versatile payment acceptance options - Customizable and modern interface - Simple learning and daily operation ##### To take in mind - Slow and unhelpful support experiences - Expensive hardware and add-ons - Sales tracking and limitations issues #### Features ##### Best rated features - API: 5/5 - Access Controls/Permissions: 5/5 - Sales Tax Management: 5/5 - Real-Time Reporting: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Retail POS: 1/5 - Retail Management: 1.2/5 - Returns Tracking: 1.3/5 - For Salons and Spas: 1.5/5 [See all features](/retail/clover-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/retail/clover-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Toast POS](/retail/toast-pos-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.1/5 - Reviews: 554 - Starting price: $69.00/month - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Toast POS is a cloud-based restaurant point of sale system built specifically for the food service industry. It serves restaurants of every service model — quick service, fast [Read more](/retail/toast-pos-profile/) ##### What users love - Highly customizable user experience - Quick learning and onboarding - Streamlined staff operations ##### To take in mind - Inconsistent and slow support response - Limitations for restaurant workflows - Connectivity and outage problems #### Features ##### Best rated features - Real-Time Reporting: 5/5 - Access Controls/Permissions: 5/5 - SMS Messaging: 5/5 - Real-Time Analytics: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Delivery Management: 1.7/5 - Reservations Management: 2/5 - Wait List Management: 2/5 [See all features](/retail/toast-pos-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Epos Now](/retail/epos-now-profile/) - Overall rating: 3.8/5 - Reviews: 730 - Starting price: $349.00one time - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Epos Now POS systems are an effective business management, sales, and payment solution for single-site, multi-site, and online businesses. Popular with retailers and hospitality [Read more](/retail/epos-now-profile/) ##### What users love - Intuitive interface for all users - Streamlined staff operations - Accessible training and onboarding ##### To take in mind - Slow and unresponsive service - Long waits and inconsistent help - Unexpected and recurring charges #### Features ##### Best rated features - Customer History: 5/5 - User Management: 5/5 - Time Clock: 5/5 - Reservations Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - PCI Compliance: 1/5 - Ordering Automation: 1/5 - Point of Sale (POS) Integration: 1/5 - In-Person Payments: 1/5 [See all features](/retail/epos-now-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Rezku POS](/retail/rezku-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 42 - Starting price: $49.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Rezku is the premier POS, used by successful restaurants, bars and pizzerias to compete at a higher level, earn new business and eliminate headaches. Rezku comes complete with [Read more](/retail/rezku-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Cash Management: 5/5 - Customizable Branding: 5/5 - Online Ordering: 5/5 - Loyalty Program: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Reporting & Statistics: 4/5 - Discount Management: 4/5 - Sales Trend Analysis: 4/5 [See all features](/retail/rezku-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Starter - Price: $49.00/month - Starting at just $49. Perfect for small restaurants, bars and food trucks. Rezku makes it easy to [See full pricing details](/retail/rezku-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Infor Point of Sale (POS)](/retail/infor-pos-profile/) - Overall rating: 3.9/5 - Reviews: 22 - Starting price: $99.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Infor® Point of Sale (POS) is designed for full- and quick-service restaurants chains, hotels, and managed food services in higher education, corporate, healthcare, and other [Read more](/retail/infor-pos-profile/) --- ### [LS Retail](/hotel-management/ls-central-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 125 - Best for: Features - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Running a retail or hospitality business today means balancing endless moving parts: changing customer expectations, new sales channels, growing product ranges, and pressure to [Read more](/hotel-management/ls-central-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Payment Processing: 5/5 - Gift Card Management: 5/5 - Discount Management: 5/5 - Retail Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Commission Management: 3/5 - Pricing Management: 3.5/5 - Sales Reports: 3.7/5 - Purchase Order Management: 4/5 [See all features](/hotel-management/ls-central-profile/#key-features) --- ### [HungerRush](/retail/hungerrush360-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.1/5 - Reviews: 76 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview HungerRush is a leading provider of integrated restaurant technology solutions, serving restaurants of all sizes and cuisines. The flagship POS platform is a comprehensive [Read more](/retail/hungerrush360-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Real-Time Reporting: 5/5 - Loyalty Program: 5/5 - Customizable Branding: 5/5 - Delivery Estimate: 5/5 [See all features](/retail/hungerrush360-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Restroworks](/product/77505-Restroworks/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 698 - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Restroworks is a cloud-based enterprise restaurant management platform trusted by 25,000+ restaurants across global markets. Purpose-built for multi-format restaurant [Read more](/product/77505-Restroworks/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Contact Database: 5/5 - Customizable Reports: 5/5 - Real-Time Notifications: 5/5 - Point of Sale (POS) Integration: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Time Clock: 3/5 - Activity Dashboard: 3/5 - Employee Management: 3/5 [See all features](/product/77505-Restroworks/#key-features) --- ### [Loyverse POS](/retail/loyverse-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 458 - Starting price: $0.01/month - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Loyverse POS is a cloud-based, mobile point-of-sale solution aimed at small retail, restaurant and salon establishments. With this software, users can manage inventory, visualize [Read more](/retail/loyverse-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Touch Screen: 5/5 - CRM: 5/5 - Rewards Management: 5/5 - Order Entry: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Tips Management: 1/5 - Delivery Management: 1/5 - Discount Management: 3/5 [See all features](/retail/loyverse-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $0.01/month [See full pricing details](/retail/loyverse-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [StoreKit](/retail/storekit-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 110 - Starting price: £0.00one time - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview StoreKit is a digital menu and payment technology software that helps businesses accept orders for food and drink. With click & collect, delivery, and in-store ordering modules, [Read more](/retail/storekit-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Real-Time Data: 5/5 - Contact Database: 5/5 - Electronic Payments: 5/5 - Sales Reports: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Customizable Branding: 3.8/5 - Loyalty Program: 3.8/5 [See all features](/retail/storekit-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### storekit (pay-as-you-go) - Price: £0.00one time - Our free set-up and zero commission fees model. Start taking direct orders in under 30 minutes, with ##### storekit+ - Price: £49.00/month - Our premium product. Built for brand-conscious, ambitious operators. Includes all of the features of [See full pricing details](/retail/storekit-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Square Point of Sale](/retail/square-point-of-sale-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 3,042 - Starting price: $0.00/month - Best for: Enterprise businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Square Point of Sale is a cloud-based system designed to process payments and manage business operations across various industries. It serves food and beverage establishments, [Read more](/retail/square-point-of-sale-profile/) ##### What users love - Intuitive interface and setup - Versatile payment acceptance options - Flexible sales and reporting tools ##### To take in mind - High and accumulating transaction fees - Limited and slow customer assistance - Challenges with account holds and reporting #### Features ##### Best rated features - Price/Margin Management: 5/5 - CRM: 5/5 - Transaction History: 5/5 - Separate Checks: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Delivery Management: 3/5 - Email Marketing: 3/5 [See all features](/retail/square-point-of-sale-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Square Free - Price: $0.00/month - The essentials your business needs to sell in-person, online, over the phone, or out in the field. ##### Square Plus - Price: $49.00/month - A full suite of features built specifically for food, retail, and appointment-based businesses. ##### Square Premium - Price: $149.00/month - Our most advanced capabilities backed by 24/7 support. Built to streamline operations and help you [See full pricing details](/retail/square-point-of-sale-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [CAKE POS](/retail/cake-pos-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 522 - Starting price: $69.00/month - Best for: Order Entry - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview CAKE provides a comprehensive and easy-to-use POS designed specifically for restaurants. The software benefits independent restaurant owners who want to replace their current POS [Read more](/retail/cake-pos-profile/) ##### What users love - Responsive and reliable assistance - Intuitive and user-friendly interface - Comprehensive and customizable reporting ##### To take in mind - Processing delays and limitations - Complex fees and payment restrictions #### Features ##### Best rated features - Third-Party Integrations: 5/5 - Alerts/Notifications: 5/5 - Real-Time Data: 5/5 - Real-Time Updates: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Reservations Management: 1/5 - Order Tracking: 1/5 [See all features](/retail/cake-pos-profile/#key-features) --- ### [OnnaWay](/fleet-management/onnaway-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 47 - Starting price: $197.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview OnnaWay is a delivery management solution designed to help businesses of all sizes receive online orders, track drivers’ locations, handle payment operations and more. It enables [Read more](/fleet-management/onnaway-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Delivery Tracking: 5/5 - Driver Management: 4/5 [See all features](/fleet-management/onnaway-profile/#key-features) --- ### [MYR POS](/retail/myr-pos-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 122 - Starting price: $80.00/month - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview MYR POS is a cloud-based point of sale solution and was created specifically for the quick-serve and fast-casual restaurant segments. Customers typically include coffee shops, [Read more](/retail/myr-pos-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Receipt Management: 5/5 - Real-Time Updates: 5/5 - Sales Management: 5/5 - Split Checks: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Barcode/Ticket Scanning: 1/5 - eCommerce Management: 2/5 - Pricing Management: 3/5 [See all features](/retail/myr-pos-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Flipdish](/retail/flipdish-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 113 - Starting price: $99.00/month - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Flipdish is an all-in-one restaurant POS and restaurant management system powering thousands of restaurants and takeaways around the world. Streamline operations with an intuitive [Read more](/retail/flipdish-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Multi-Location: 5/5 - Electronic Payments: 5/5 - Online Payments: 5/5 - Loyalty Program: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Restaurant POS: 1/5 - For Restaurants: 1/5 - Mobile Access: 1/5 - Forecasting: 1/5 [See all features](/retail/flipdish-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Infrasys POS](/product/95240-Infrasys-POS/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 35 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Infrasys POS is a restaurant management solution that helps hospitality businesses manage orders, menus, sitting arrangements, and other operation via a unified portal. The [Read more](/product/95240-Infrasys-POS/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Order Tracking: 5/5 - Customer Accounts: 5/5 - Employee Management: 5/5 - Retail POS: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - eCommerce Management: 4/5 - Gift Card Management: 4/5 - Table Management: 4/5 [See all features](/product/95240-Infrasys-POS/#key-features) --- ### [TastyIgniter](/retail/tastyigniter-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 59 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview TastyIgniter is an open-source online ordering and food delivery software that helps restaurants manage online reservations and streamline point-of-sale operations. Using its table [Read more](/retail/tastyigniter-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 - Customer History: 5/5 - For Restaurants: 5/5 - Stock Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Loyalty Program: 3.3/5 - Food Delivery Dispatching: 3.3/5 - Reporting & Statistics: 3.4/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 3.5/5 [See all features](/retail/tastyigniter-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Petpooja](/retail/petpooja-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 37 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Petpooja POSS is a restaurant POS software built to manage day-to-day restaurant operations with ease, speed, and accuracy. Trusted by 1,00,000+ food outlets worldwide, the [Read more](/retail/petpooja-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Employee Management: 5/5 - Customizable Reports: 5/5 - Access Controls/Permissions: 5/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Customer History: 3/5 - Electronic Payments: 3.6/5 - Loyalty Program: 3.7/5 [See all features](/retail/petpooja-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Yelp Guest Manager](/retail/yelp-reservations-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 336 - Starting price: $99.00/month - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Yelp Guest Manager helps restaurants manage all of their front-of-house operations across the entire dining experience through one fully integrated solution — by bringing together [Read more](/retail/yelp-reservations-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Online Payments: 5/5 - Multi-Location: 4.8/5 - Point of Sale (POS) Integration: 4.8/5 - SMS Messaging: 4.8/5 [See all features](/retail/yelp-reservations-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Aravenda Consignment Software](/retail/resale-global-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 19 - Starting price: $289.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Aravenda is a cloud-based consignment management software that enables resale businesses of all sizes to create, run and manage custom eCommerce stores leveraging the power of AI [Read more](/retail/resale-global-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - eCommerce Management: 5/5 - Purchase Order Management: 5/5 - Returns Management: 5/5 - Point of Sale (POS): 4.8/5 ##### Worst rated features - Data Import/Export: 2/5 - Reporting & Statistics: 3.5/5 - Credit Card Processing: 4/5 [See all features](/retail/resale-global-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $289.00/month - Take your local store local for less than $10 a day. ##### Annual - 20% off monthly - - Price: $2,775.00/year - Annual pricing is like getting 3 months free! [See full pricing details](/retail/resale-global-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Acumatica Cloud ERP](/manufacturing/acumatica-manufacturing-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 243 - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Acumatica Cloud ERP is a comprehensive business management system. It caters to a variety of industries, such as finance, manufacturing, construction, distribution, and retail, [Read more](/manufacturing/acumatica-manufacturing-profile/) ##### What users love - Flexible customization for workflows - Robust third-party integrations support - User-friendly and intuitive interface ##### To take in mind - Significant costs for small businesses #### Features ##### Best rated features - Inventory Auditing: 5/5 - Project Accounting: 5/5 - Multi-Company: 5/5 - Manufacturing Planning: 5/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/acumatica-manufacturing-profile/#key-features) --- ### [UpMenu](/retail/upmenu-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 14 - Starting price: $49.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview UpMenu is an online ordering system that allows restaurant customers to order food directly from the website. In addition, each restaurant can run its own mobile application, which [Read more](/retail/upmenu-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - For Restaurants: 5/5 - Reporting/Analytics: 5/5 - Discount Management: 5/5 - Loyalty Program: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - API: 1/5 - Customizable Reports: 2/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 3.5/5 - Employee Management: 4/5 [See all features](/retail/upmenu-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $49.00/month [See full pricing details](/retail/upmenu-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [GloriaFood](/retail/gloriafood-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 68 - Starting price: $0.00 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview GloriaFood is a powerful, user-friendly restaurant ecosystem, providing a high-end POS system that simplifies your in-store and online operations. With features like QR menu [Read more](/retail/gloriafood-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Delivery Tracking: 5/5 - Multi-Location: 5/5 - Sales Reports: 5/5 - Discount Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Table Management: 1/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 2.3/5 - API: 3/5 - Delivery Management: 3.5/5 [See all features](/retail/gloriafood-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Marketman](/scm/marketman-restaurant-management-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 114 - Starting price: $249.00/month - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview MarketMan is the AI-powered restaurant inventory management platform that equips operators with the real-time insights and automation they need to lower food costs, drive menu [Read more](/scm/marketman-restaurant-management-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Data Import/Export: 5/5 - Invoice Management: 5/5 - Sales Trend Analysis: 5/5 - Alerts/Notifications: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Vendor Managed Inventory: 3/5 - Invoice Processing: 3/5 - Nutrition & Allergen Management: 3.5/5 [See all features](/scm/marketman-restaurant-management-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Slice](/retail/slice-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 47 - Starting price: $2.50 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Slice is a first-party partner designed to help pizzeria owners streamline online ordering, marketing, and delivery operations. The platform enables managers to create discount [Read more](/retail/slice-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Order Entry: 5/5 - Sales Reports: 4.7/5 - Mobile Access: 4.7/5 - Routing: 4.7/5 ##### Worst rated features - Real-Time Reporting: 1/5 - Online Payments: 3/5 [See all features](/retail/slice-profile/#key-features) --- 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/online-ordering-system-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/online-ordering-system-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/online-ordering-system-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/online-ordering-system-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=5) ... [10](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/online-ordering-system-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=10) ## Popular Comparisons [ Epos Now vs Square Point of Sale ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/epos-now-profile/vs/square-point-of-sale/)[ Toast POS vs Restroworks ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/4997-toast-pos/vs/77505-Restroworks/)[ Clover vs CAKE POS ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/cake-pos-profile/vs/clover/)[ SpotOn vs TouchBistro ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/spoton-restaurant-profile/vs/touchbistro/)[ Lavu vs Lightspeed Restaurant ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/lavu-profile/vs/lightspeed-restaurant/) ## Your Guide to Top Online Ordering Software, April 2025 Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Online Ordering products in North America. [Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/) #### Explore FrontRunners - [CAKE POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/cake-pos-profile/) - [GrubHub](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/grubhub-profile/) - [Genius for Restaurants](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/435569-Genius-for-Restaurants/) - [HungerRush](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/hungerrush360-profile/) - [Lavu](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/lavu-profile/) - [Loyverse POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/loyverse-profile/) - [Owner.com](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/owner-com-profile/) - [Restroworks](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/restroworks-profile/) - [Square Online](https://www.softwareadvice.com/ecommerce/square-online-profile/) - [Square Point of Sale](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/square-point-of-sale-profile/) - [StoreKit](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/storekit-profile/) - [TastyIgniter](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/tastyigniter-profile/) - [Toast POS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/toast-pos-profile/) - [Weebly](https://www.softwareadvice.com/form-builder/weebly-profile/) “Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use. “Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money. Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication. ## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox ### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you. Online ordering is making a big impact on the restaurant industry. A 2017 survey conducted by [Morgan Stanley](https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/online-food-delivery-market-expands) found that 52 percent of take-out or delivery orders were made online, through a restaurant website, delivery service website or mobile app. The widespread popularity of online food ordering is nowhere more evident than in the growth of third-party apps such as GrubHub and UberEats. More than 3 million people placed an order through GrubHub in the past year alone. But the convenience these services provide do not come cheap for restaurant partners. Restaurants often pay [hefty commission fees](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/online-restaurant-ordering-system-options/)—between 15 to 35 percent—in exchange for using these third-party platforms. Budget-conscious small and midsize restaurants can choose from a variety of in-house online ordering software—most of which do not charge commission fees that eat into their bottom line. Unfortunately, choosing an online ordering software platform requires a great deal of time and research. This buyer's guide will help restaurant owners and operators get an understanding of what's out there in the online ordering software market and what common features to look out for when shopping for a system. Here's what we'll cover: [What is Online Ordering System Software?](#WhatisOnlineOrderingSystemSoftware) [Common Features of Online Ordering System Software](#CommonFeaturesofOnlineOrderingSystemSoftware) [What Type of Buyer Are You?](#WhatTypeofBuyerAreYou) [Benefits of Online Ordering System Software](#BenefitsofOnlineOrderingSystemSoftware) ## What Is Online Ordering Software? Online ordering software lets customers place an order to a restaurant through a webpage or app, with the option for [delivery](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/food-delivery-comparison/) or pick-up. **Here's a breakdown of how online ordering works:** - Your customer places an order for menu items through your website or app - You receive a notification through your online ordering software - Depending on the system, or your personal preference, the order is automatically processed or you can choose to review and approve the order - Your customer receives a confirmation of their order - Your kitchen staff starts cooking Beyond those basic ordering capabilities, online ordering software also helps restaurant operators capture valuable customer data. This gives you the ability to know who your customers are, as well as make informed decisions about what your restaurant can do to drive sales and loyalty. ## Common Features of Online Ordering Software Online ordering software will offer some, if not all, of the following features: | Feature | Description | | --- | --- | | Online menu | Displays food items on a customized website/app for customers to review. Can be easily updated in real-time to reflect promotions or specials. | | Online ordering | Enables orders to be input and sent to the kitchen for preparation. Orders can be entered by a server at a POS or by a customer using online ordering. | | Online sales reporting | Shows real-time inventory and sales data, and tracks orders, total sales, top menu items, average check amounts and delivery orders. | | Customer data capture | Collects customer data (e.g. names, emails, contact details, order history) for orders placed to give you valuable insights. | | Restaurant POS integration | Provides greater consistency and efficiency by interfacing with a restaurant's existing POS system. | | Loyalty and gift card integration | Helps restaurant operators retain and reward loyal customers based on their order history. | --- ## What Type of Buyer Are You? The target audience for online ordering software are restaurant operators and owners who are looking for a quick and efficient way for their customers to order food items online, whether via their website or through an app. **Restaurant owners seeking POS integration:** These buyers are looking for an online ordering system that will integrate with their restaurant POS. With an online ordering software that integrates with an existing POS, online orders are being sent directly into the POS system and routed to the kitchen. All orders are handled entirely via the POS system and accounted for in the restaurant's entire sales reporting. **Restaurant owners seeking a standalone platform:** These buyers are looking for a standalone online ordering platform, independent from their restaurant POS. Because standalone platforms specialize in online ordering, buyers of these platforms are typically highly focused on the online ordering and delivery aspect of their business. In most cases, online ordering and delivery consists of the majority of their business. These platforms may come with extras such as 24/7 customer support, the ability to send coupons or discounts and advanced SEO tools. They are also likely to take some form of commission or transaction fee on every order. ## Benefits of an Online Ordering Software System More than ever, restaurants are recognizing that there is a significant chunk of money to be made in the online food ordering and delivery space. Here are some of the benefits of implementing online ordering software: **Simplify the ordering process:** Phone orders can disrupt the workflow within a restaurant, keeping customers waiting on the line or causing incorrect orders. Online ordering lets customers make specific orders at their own convenience. Customers have a clear view of the menu items laid out in front of them and are able to communicate what they want, with minimal communication issues. That, in turn, frees up time for your employees to focus on running your restaurant. **Manage your online ordering system in real-time:** Things move fast in the food industry. Naturally your online ordering system should reflect the time sensitivities of the restaurant industry. Whether it's featuring a weekend special or simply removing a dish from the menu, having a white-label online ordering system enables you to make changes on the fly anytime you want. **Valuable insight into sales and customer data:** It's crucial to track and analyze how your restaurant is performing in online sales. One of the biggest advantages of having an online ordering system is the ability to have an overview of your sales reports and understand what your metrics are, at the highest level. These reports can also give you a more detailed insight into your sales such as average order, top-selling menu items and customer demographics, which you can then leverage for targeted marketing promotions. ## Market Trends to Understand As online ordering becomes the norm in the food culture, a battle for customers is heating up between third-party services such as GrubHub or Uber Eats and in-house software platforms. Here are some of the trends to watch: **Sales and customer analytics are key to remaining competitive.** Tracking customer data is crucial for restaurants in the online ordering and delivery space. Online ordering help you capture more of your customers' data, provide a more detailed understanding of what's working and what isn't, and can manage create loyalty programs for your customers. **Online ordering via mobile apps will increase.** A study of 126 restaurants by Gartner [found](https://www.l2inc.com/research/restaurants-us-2017) that 75 percent of brands offered a mobile app (content available to Gartner customers). For busy customers on the go, mobile apps provide not just a quick and convenient way to place orders, but a great way to build customer loyalty. "Mobile app customers tend to order more often and have a higher average ticket than in-store customers," Curt Garner, chief digital and information officer at Chipotle [told](https://www.adweek.com/digital/fast-food-brands-are-making-slick-mobile-apps-to-stay-ahead-of-small-fast-casual-restaurants/) Adweek. "Rapid reorder of favorite and recent orders is a great example of one of these features." ### Related Online Ordering Software - [Bakery Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/bakery-comparison/) - [Bar POS Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/bar-pos-software-comparison/) - [Brewery Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/brewery/) - [Convenience Store Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/convenience-gas-station-software-comparison/) - [Food Delivery Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/food-delivery-comparison/) - [Food Truck POS Systems Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/food-truck-pos-comparison/) - [Liquor Store POS Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/liquor-store-software-comparison/) - [Restaurant POS Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/restaurant-pos-software-comparison/) Best Online Ordering Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing