Technology in Takeaways: How Online Ordering Systems Boost Profits

The takeaway industry has changed dramatically. Customers now expect fast, digital-first experiences — from browsing menus to placing orders and making payments online. For takeaway owners, this shift presents a major opportunity: the right technology can directly increase profits while reducing operational stress.

This article explains how online ordering systems help takeaways grow revenue, improve efficiency, and reduce reliance on high-commission delivery platforms — using proven best practices aligned with Google’s ranking guidelines.

Why technology is no longer optional for takeaways

Modern customers search phrases like:

• order takeaway online
• click and collect near me
• restaurant online ordering system
• takeaway ordering website

If your business cannot meet this demand, customers simply move on.

According to the National Restaurant Association, off-premises dining (delivery and takeaway) now represents a significant share of restaurant sales and continues to grow.
👉 https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/industry-statistics/

Technology is no longer a “nice to have” — it is a core profit driver.

1. Online ordering systems reduce commission costs

Third-party delivery platforms can charge 15%–35% commission per order, significantly cutting into already tight margins.

A direct online ordering system for takeaways allows you to:

• Accept commission-free orders via your own website
• Control pricing, offers, and minimum order values
• Retain customer data for future marketing

Square highlights how direct ordering gives restaurants more control over operations and revenue.
👉 https://squareup.com/gb/en/townsquare/online-ordering-for-restaurants

Best practice:
Use delivery platforms for discovery, but encourage repeat customers to order directly from your website.

2. Increase average order value with smart upselling

Online ordering systems consistently outperform phone orders because they allow automated upsells.

Well-designed menus encourage customers to:

• Add drinks, sides, or desserts
• Upgrade to meal deals
• Choose premium add-ons

Examples:

• “Make it a meal”
• “Add fries and a drink”
• “Customers also ordered…”

This structured approach regularly increases average order value by 15–30%, without additional labour.

3. Fewer errors, less waste, better reviews

Manual order taking leads to:

• Misheard items
• Missing modifiers
• Address errors
• Refund requests

With a restaurant online ordering system, customers enter and confirm their own orders, dramatically reducing mistakes.

Square confirms that online ordering improves order accuracy and reduces friction for staff.
👉 https://squareup.com/help/gb/en/article/6844-online-ordering-overview

Result:
Less waste, fewer refunds, and improved customer satisfaction.

4. Faster operations with kitchen & printer integration

A professional takeaway ordering system integrates directly with:

• Kitchen printers
• POS systems
• Kitchen display screens (KDS)

This removes the need for staff to manually re-enter orders, reducing pressure during peak hours.

Benefits include:

• Faster preparation times
• Fewer staff errors
• Smoother peak-time operations

5. Own your customers and increase repeat business

When customers order through third-party apps, you don’t own the relationship.

With direct online ordering, you can:

• Collect customer emails (with consent)
• Send promotions and offers
• Run loyalty programs
• Encourage repeat orders

Google emphasises the importance of user-focused experiences and helpful content for long-term visibility.
👉 https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/creating-helpful-content

High-performing tactics include:

• First-order discounts
• Click & collect-only offers
• Win-back emails after 30 days
• Loyalty rewards for repeat orders

6. Online ordering improves local SEO visibility

A strong takeaway ordering website supports your Google rankings by:

• Increasing time on site

• Reducing bounce rate

• Strengthening local relevance

Google recommends clear site structure, useful content, and strong local signals.
👉 https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/seo-starter-guide

SEO tip:
Always link your ordering page to your Google Business Profile and keep menus consistent.

Technology & marketing services — done for you

At Faaz Foods, we don’t just supply wholesale food. We also help takeaways build the systems that run and grow their business.

Through Faaz Tech & Marketing, we provide:

• Professional website development

• Online ordering & click and collect systems

• Google Maps, Apple Maps & directory listing setup

• Interior branding & visual design

• Social media posts and full social media handling

👉 Learn more:
https://faazfoods.co.uk/faaz-tech-marketing/

This integrated approach helps takeaways increase sales, improve visibility, and reduce operational friction.