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As a restaurant owner, you're constantly seeking ways to maximize profitability and streamline operations without incurring exorbitant costs. The digital landscape has revolutionized how customers interact with restaurants, making an effective online presence non-negotiable. While third-party aggregators offer visibility, the hefty commission fees can significantly erode your margins, sometimes as high as 35-40% per order.

This financial burden often leaves restaurateurs wondering if there's a more sustainable path. The answer lies in establishing your own direct online ordering channel. An online ordering system for restaurants allows customers to browse menus, place orders, and make payments through a website or mobile app, streamlining the ordering process and enhancing the customer experience. These systems can also integrate with restaurant POS systems, making order management more efficient and boosting overall business operations.

In this article, we'll explore the top 5 free online food ordering systems that empower you to take control of your sales, build direct customer relationships, and significantly reduce reliance on commission-based platforms. We'll delve into the benefits, key features to look for, and compare leading options to help you make an informed decision for your restaurant's future.

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👉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.

Why Choose a Free Online Ordering System?

The shift towards online ordering isn't just about convenience; it's a strategic move for long-term growth and profitability. Opting for a free online ordering system can be a game-changer for your restaurant.

Benefits of Commission-Free Platforms

Switching to a commission-free online ordering system offers numerous advantages that directly impact your bottom line and operational efficiency:

• Increased Profit Margins: The most significant benefit is eliminating the 15-30% commission fees charged by third-party aggregators. This directly translates to higher revenue retained per order, making every sale more profitable.
• Enhanced Customer Experience & Data Ownership: By owning your online ordering platform, you gain direct access to valuable customer data and feedback. This allows you to personalize offers, build loyalty programs, and foster stronger, direct relationships with your patrons. You can also analyze customer behavior and order patterns to improve marketing and operations.
• Scalability: A robust online ordering system for restaurants supports growth. Whether you're expanding to new locations or managing multiple outlets, these platforms provide the tools to efficiently track operations and scale your business seamlessly.
• Improved Efficiency & Reduced Errors: Automating the ordering process reduces the need for manual order taking, freeing up staff to focus on other tasks. Digital ordering minimizes errors associated with handwritten orders or miscommunication, leading to smoother operations.
• Wider Reach: Online ordering allows restaurants to reach customers beyond their immediate geographic area, expanding your potential customer base.

Key Features to Look For

When evaluating different online food ordering systems, consider these essential features that contribute to a seamless and effective solution:

• Customizable Online Menu: The ability to easily update menus, add new items, manage pricing, and showcase mouth-watering visuals is crucial for attracting and retaining customers.
• Online Payment Processing: Seamless integration with secure payment gateways ensures smooth and convenient transactions for your customers.
• Order Management: A robust system should track orders, manage fulfillment workflows, and provide real-time updates to both staff and customers.
• Mobile Ordering: With the majority of orders placed on smartphones, a responsive design or dedicated mobile app for both iOS and Android devices is essential.
• Delivery Management: Features that integrate with delivery platforms or offer in-house delivery management capabilities, including driver assignment and route optimization, are highly beneficial.
• Marketing Tools: Look for built-in features like promotional coupons, loyalty programs, and customer segmentation to help you attract and retain customers effectively. For more insights
• Integration with POS Systems: Seamless integration with your existing restaurant POS system ensures accurate order processing, inventory management, and unified reporting. Discover how Restolabs integrates with various POS systems.

Customer Support & Setup: Reliable customer support and an expert-guided setup process can significantly ease the transition and ongoing management.

Comparison of Top 5 Free Online Ordering Systems

Here's a quick overview of some leading online food ordering systems, highlighting their key aspects, especially concerning their "free" offerings:

1. Restolabs — Commission-Free with Expert Support

Restolabs is a commission-free digital ordering system that stands out for its extensive customization options, 24/7 tech support, and insightful analytics and reporting. While not perpetually "free," its 30-day free trial provides access to the complete suite of features without limitations, offering a true taste of a powerful online ordering system for restaurants.

With Restolabs, you can streamline operations, gain valuable insights from data, and establish direct relationships with customers. The platform is user-friendly and visually appealing, making navigation easy for both restaurant owners and customers. Restolabs’ commitment to personalized support ensures you receive dedicated assistance and expertise throughout your journey, from setup to ongoing management.

Key Features:

• Allows customers to order up to 3 months in advance.
• Supports integration with 15+ major POS brands, ensuring seamless order processing and inventory management.
• Offers a single dashboard to conveniently manage multiple restaurant outlets.
• Allows users to personalize, add, delete, and modify the menu with ease.
• You can send promotional push notifications to drive more sales, helping you maximize profitability per order.
• Includes features like QR code ordering for dine-in convenience.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface with a minimal learning curve.
• Offers predesigned templates to save time and effort.
• Supports web ordering and mobile ordering.
• Generates detailed reports to track investment costs and profits.
• Offers personalized support for setup and management.

Cons:

• Email marketing integration is not yet a primary feature.

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2. GloriaFood — Best for Small & Medium Businesses

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GloriaFood is a popular choice for restaurants seeking an absolutely free online ordering system, primarily due to its accessible entry point. However, the "free" program offers a limited set of basic features. While you can get your menu online and start accepting orders, additional functionalities like payment integration, loyalty programs, and advanced analytics come at an extra cost.

It's an excellent option for small and medium-sized businesses aiming to establish an online presence without any initial financial investment. But if you desire the comprehensive advantages offered by a full-fledged online food ordering system, you will likely need to invest in their paid add-ons.

Key Features:

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

Pros:

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

Cons:

• Limited third-party integration.
• Can become expensive with necessary add-ons.

3. Ordering Co — All-in-One Ordering & Delivery Management

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Ordering Co positions itself as more than just a free online ordering system; it's an all-in-one online ordering and delivery management platform catering to a wide range of businesses, including restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores. This comprehensive solution 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 extensive options for delivery management, marketing tools, and integrations with popular third-party services, making it a versatile choice for diverse needs.

Key Features:

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

Pros:

• Suitable for various types of businesses beyond just restaurants.
• Provides a great post-purchase experience with tracking.
• Ample resources available to learn about the platform in detail.
• Offers seamless customization capabilities.

Cons:

• The software can have a learning curve due to its extensive features.

4. Ontabee — Ideal for Single-Outlet Restaurants

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Ontabee offers an all-in-one online ordering software designed for both single-outlet restaurants and larger food chains. However, if you plan to opt for their Free Plan, it's exclusively available for single-outlet restaurants. This limitation means multi-location businesses will need to upgrade to a paid plan to utilize the system's full capabilities.

The platform provides a range of features aimed at simplifying the online ordering process and enhancing operational efficiency. With Ontabee, restaurants can easily create their own branded online ordering system, customize menus, manage orders, and track deliveries. It also includes convenient features such as multiple payment options, customer feedback management, and integration with third-party services—though many of these come at an added cost.

Key Features:

• Integrates with your restaurant website and offers a branded mobile app for customers.
• Allows unlimited orders and categories within the limitations of the chosen plan.
• Features a user-friendly checkout process.
• Provides personalized feedback options on orders.
• Allows conversion of loyalty points into monetary value.

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly interface for easy adoption.
• 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 incentivize and retain customers.

Cons:

• The free plan is strictly available only for single-outlet restaurants.
• Reporting tools may require further development.
• Does not offer customer support in the free plan.

5. Cloudwaitress — Comprehensive Features with Limitations

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Cloudwaitress is a highly regarded online ordering system known for its comprehensive solution tailored to the restaurant industry's unique needs. While it offers a strong feature set, its free online ordering system category has more limitations compared to others on this list, often requiring upgrades for full functionality.

Cloudwaitress distinguishes itself by providing 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. The platform features a user-friendly interface for both restaurant owners and staff, excelling 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, and provides responsive customer support.

‍Key Features:

• Allows you to set up a customized ordering website connected to your restaurant's website.
• Features a convenient admin dashboard for easy management.
• Supports integration with popular online payment platforms and social media.
• Can be used worldwide and supports multiple currencies.
• Provides new updates based on user feedback.

Pros:

• Easy to get started with for basic functionality.
• Users can suggest features and track development progress.
• Offers quick and efficient customer support.
• Simple to set up the menu and organize meal groups.

Cons:

• Limited design customization options in the free tier.
• Requires some time to learn to use the platform effectively.

How to Choose the Right Online Ordering System for Your Restaurant

Selecting the ideal online ordering system for your restaurant involves more than just looking for a "free" label. It's about finding a solution that aligns with your specific operational needs, growth aspirations, and customer expectations. Consider the following factors:

• Understand Your Needs: Are you a single-outlet cafe or a multi-location chain? Do you need integrated delivery management or just pickup options? Your operational scale and specific service offerings will dictate the complexity and features required from your online ordering system.
• Evaluate "Free" Tiers Carefully: Many platforms offer a free online ordering system, but these often come with limitations on features, transaction volume, or customer support. Understand what you truly get for free versus what will require an upgrade. Look for transparent pricing models if you anticipate needing advanced features later.
• POS Integration Capability: Seamless integration with your existing POS system is crucial for efficient order flow, accurate inventory, and unified reporting. Verify compatibility with your current setup.
• Ease of Setup and Learning Curve: A system that is intuitive for both you and your staff to set up and manage will save time and reduce frustration. Look for platforms that offer expert setup assistance and comprehensive training resources.
• Customization and Branding: Your online ordering platform should reflect your restaurant's brand identity. Look for options to customize your menu, website design, and customer communications.
• Marketing and Loyalty Features: Beyond just taking orders, a good online ordering system should help you attract and retain customers through built-in marketing tools, loyalty programs, and data analytics.
• Customer Support: Even the most user-friendly system can encounter issues. Reliable and responsive customer support is invaluable for troubleshooting and maximizing uptime.
• Scalability for Future Growth: Choose a platform that can grow with your business. If you plan to expand, ensure the system can handle increased order volumes, additional locations, and evolving feature requirements.

By carefully evaluating these points, you can select an online ordering system that not only meets your current needs but also supports your restaurant's long-term success.

Why Restolabs Stands Out as the Best Choice

In a landscape filled with options, Restolabs distinguishes itself as a premier online ordering system for restaurants. While many platforms offer basic free plans with significant limitations, Restolabs provides a comprehensive, commission-free solution designed for genuine growth.

Our unique 30-day free trial allows you to experience the full power of our platform without any feature restrictions or hidden costs. This means you can fully integrate, customize, and operate your online ordering system as if you were a long-term client, giving you a clear understanding of its value before committing.

Restolabs empowers your restaurant to:

• Eliminate Commission Fees: Take back control of your profits by selling directly to your customers.
• Gain Full Data Ownership: Understand your customers better with direct access to valuable insights.
• Simplify Operations: Our user-friendly interface, expert-supported setup process, and robust POS integrations streamline your workflow from order to delivery.
• Scale with Ease: Manage single or multiple locations from one dashboard, adapting to your business's growth.
• Benefit from Unmatched Support: Our dedicated team is available 24/7 to ensure your success.

At Restolabs, we believe that restaurants should have the freedom to grow their business without being burdened by commission fees or restrictive contracts. Our mission is to empower you with tools that are simple to use, scalable, and designed to foster direct relationships with your customers. Discover how our full-service online ordering software can transform your business.

Don't let commission fees eat into your hard-earned profits. Book a Demo and see how Restolabs can help your restaurant thrive in the digital age.

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