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Are you still paying a 40% commission to third-party aggregators just to list your restaurant online?

As a restaurant owner, you're well aware of the challenges and costs associated with listing your business on third-party aggregators. Paying a staggering 35%  - 40% commission just to have your restaurant listed online is undoubtedly a significant financial burden. However, there is a smarter and more cost-effective alternative: launching your own e-commerce restaurant website.

Online food ordering systems have revolutionized the restaurant industry in recent years. These SaaS platforms allow restaurants not only allow you to maximize profitability per order but also help reach a wider customer base, streamline payment processes as well as automate marketing communications. , but scaling your business to the next level becomes a challenge when you have to pay a high commission fee.

92% of restaurant operators say that the rising cost of food is an issue for them, and on top of that, if third-party ordering systems charge a hefty commission, you're barely left with anything.

That's why, switching to a commission-free platform would be a smart move. Besides cost savings, free food ordering platforms offer restaurants greater agency over their branding and customer relationships, so you can run your business on your own terms and build direct and meaningful connections with customers.

👉Also Read: 4 Things You Lose When You Decide To Use Third-Party Apps To Sell Food

In this article, we will explore 5 free food online ordering systems  that can help you solidify your restaurant’s digital presence.

Advantages of Free Food Online Ordering Systems

Before we jump into the list, let's have a quick look at the many ways your restaurant business can benefit from free online food ordering systems.

1. Increased profit margins

Commission-based ordering systems charge a fee of 15-30% of your sales proceeds, which is a huge cost to bear for both new and established restaurants. Free online ordering systems eliminate this extra cost and increase your profit margins.

2. Scalability

Using a free food online ordering system, you can reach a bigger number of customers and expand your business in new locations. If you have multiple outlets, these platforms make it easy to keep track of your operations and run the business smoothly.

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3. Seamless integrations

You can integrate the free online ordering platform with popular POS systems or restaurant management software. This integration will ensure seamless order processing, inventory management, sales tracking, error-free data entry, and improve your restaurant's efficiency.

4. Enhanced customer experience

With an online ordering system, you can directly ask for customer feedback and keep a record of their preferences. Based on these data, you can curate targeted offers and marketing campaigns, and work on the feedback and suggestions to improve the overall customer experience.  

5. Data-driven insights

The food online ordering system tracks your business KPIs in real time and gives you a clear picture of your expenses, ROIs of marketing campaigns, and your take-home profit. This allows you to make data-driven decisions for your business.

                                             Learn more about the advantages of food ordering systems here.

5 Free Food Online Ordering Systems in 2023

1.Restolabs

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Restolabs is a commission-free digital ordering system that stands out from competitors with its massive customization options, 24X7 tech support, and insightful analytics and reporting.  

With Restolabs, restaurants can streamline their operations, gain valuable insights from analytics, and establish direct relationships with customers. The platform is user-friendly and visually appealing, making it easy for both restaurant owners and customers to navigate.

What sets Restolabs apart is its commitment to providing personalized support to all clients. This means that restaurants can rely on dedicated assistance and guidance, ensuring they receive the necessary help and expertise throughout their interaction with the platform.

Is Restolabs Free? Not exactly free, but its 30 days free trial is as good as any other platform having a free or s starter plan. Why? Because for 30 days, the system allows users to use the complete suite of features that it has to offer, without any limitations.

Overall, Restolabs offers a robust and user-friendly solution for restaurants looking to establish a strong online presence and maximize their revenue potential.

Key Features:

• Allows customers to order up to 3 months in advance
• Supports integration with 15+ POS brands
• Offers a single dashboard to conveniently manage multiple restaurant outlets
• Allows the user to personalize, add, delete, and modify the menu
• You can send promotional push notifications to drive more sales

Try Restolabs for free!

Pros

• User-friendly interface with a minimal learning curve
• Has predesigned templates to save time and effort
• Supports web ordering and mobile ordering
• Generates reports to keep track of the investment cost and profits
• Offers personalized support for set up and management

Cons

• Doesn’t support email marketing yet

2. GloriaFood

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Looking for an absolutely Free online ordering system for your restaurant?

If so, GloriaFood might be a suitable choice for you. However, there is a catch – the free program offered by GloriaFood only provides access to a limited set of basic features in an online ordering system. While you can make your menu available online and start accepting orders, additional functionalities come at a cost.

GloriaFood serves as an excellent option for small and medium-sized businesses aiming to establish an online presence without any initial financial investment. Nevertheless, if you desire the comprehensive advantages offered by a food online ordering system, you may need to invest a few dollars in add-ons such as payment integration, loyalty programs, analytics, and more.

Key Features:

• Supports pre-ordering, takeaway ordering, food delivery, and table reservation
• Customers can check the estimated delivery time in real-time
• Integrates with your current website setup
• Offers prompt chat support
• Offers a Facebook ordering system

Pros

• Simple user interface and quick to set up
• Generates reports and heatmaps feature to keep track of your KPIs
• Lots of options to advertise promotions and discounts
• Allows you to add photos and customize the food menu.

Cons

• Limited third-party integration
• Can get expensive with add-ons

3. Ordering Co

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Not just a free online ordering system, Ordering Co is much more. It is an all-in-one online ordering and delivery management platform that caters to a wide range of businesses, including restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, and more.

The website provides a robust suite of features designed to streamline the ordering process and enhance customer experience. With Ordering Co, businesses can create their own branded online store, manage menus, accept online payments, and track orders in real time. The platform also offers options for delivery management, marketing tools, and integrations with popular third-party services.

Key Features:

• Designed for restaurants, SMBs, startups, and big enterprises
• Delivery automation with real-time tracking
• Supports integrations with WhatsApp, third-party POS, and logistics solutions
• Offers the option to add your logo and background on the login window for a branded experience
• Live chat and ticketing system for tech support

Pros

• Suitable for different types of businesses
• Great post-purchase experience
• Resources available to learn about the platform in details
• Seamless customization.

Cons

• The software has a learning curve.

4. Ontabee

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This all-in-one online ordering software is designed for both single-outlet restaurants and food chains. However, if you plan to opt for the Free Plan, remember that it is only available for single-outlet restaurants.

The website offers a range of features designed to simplify the online ordering process and enhance operational efficiency. With Ontabee, restaurants can easily create their own branded online ordering system, customize menus, manage orders, and track deliveries in real-time. The platform also provides convenient features such as multiple payment options, customer feedback management, and integration with popular third-party services - all at an added cost.

Key Features:

• Integrates with your restaurant website and offers a branded mobile app for customers
• Allows unlimited orders and categories
• User-friendly checkout
• Personalized feedback on orders
• Allows conversion of loyalty points into normal money

Pros

• Beginner-friendly interface
• Customizations available for the food menu, pricing, and order settings
• Seamless customer panel for browsing menus, placing orders, and tracking delivery status
• Loyalty programs help in incentivizing customers.

Cons

• Free plan is available only for single outlet
• Reporting tools may need an overhaul
• Does not offer customer support in Free plan

5. Cloudwaitress

While Cloudwaitress is highly regarded as an online ordering system in the industry, we have ranked it at number 5 due to its limited features in the free online ordering system category compared to other platforms above.

At the outset, CloudWaitress distinguishes itself from other online ordering platforms by providing a comprehensive solution tailored to the unique needs of the restaurant industry. The platform offers a range of features, including branded online ordering systems, delivery management tools, and table reservation capabilities, all in one place. It prioritizes customizable branding, allowing restaurants to maintain a consistent and personalized experience for their customers.

With its user-friendly interface, Cloudwaitress ensures ease of use for both restaurant owners and staff. The platform excels in delivery management with real-time order tracking, driver assignment, and route optimization. It also offers flexible integration options with various POS systems, payment gateways, and third-party services. Cloudwaitress empowers restaurants with data-driven insights through detailed analytics and reporting. Finally, the platform provides responsive customer support, ensuring assistance throughout the process.

Key Features:

• Allows you to set up a customized ordering website connected to your restaurant's website
• Convenient admin dashboard
• Supports integration with popular online payment platforms and social platforms
• Can be used worldwide in multiple currencies
• Provides new updates based on user feedback

Pros

• Easy to get started with
• You can suggest a feature on the software and track the progress of its development
• Quick and efficient customer support
• Simple to set up the menu and organize meal groups.

Cons

• Limited design features
• Requires some time to learn to use the platform.

Final Thoughts

At a time when inflation, labor shortage, and economic downturns are posing a threat to the global business environment, having a strong foothold in the online ordering space could set you up for success.

Why Restolabs is the Best Free Online Ordering System?

With Restolabs, a commission-free and feature-packed online food ordering system, your restaurant can significantly reduce third-party fees, establish a strong digital presence without any upfront investments, and boost sales by scaling up your operations. What sets Restolabs apart as the ultimate choice is that it offers a comprehensive range of features, including a QR system, takeaway options, and advanced ordering, all available during its 30-day free trial. During this trial period, there are no limitations, making it the ideal solution in today's competitive landscape. Start using Restolabs today and experience the benefits firsthand, completely free of charge!

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