Online Ordering System for Small Businesses

In the age of digitalization, giving a digital outlook to your business holds significant importance. Digitalizing your business can subtly increase its footfall. Small businesses are taking over the market and are earning great success. Small businesses can't establish a physical storefront easily. So rather than establishing a physical storefront, small businesses can establish a virtual storefront, which can enhance their operations. This blog covers all the details you need to establish an online ordering system for your business. To learn more about efficient management solutions, check out our guide on the best POS for restaurants in India, perfect for optimizing your small business operation.

Heading 2: What is an online ordering system?

An online ordering system, in simple words, is the digital storefront of your business. It is critical to increase customer engagement and provide customers with an organized product portfolio.

Implementing an online ordering system for your small business offers several benefits that can enhance both operations and customer satisfaction.

1. Increased sales and customer reach
2. 24/7 availability
3. Multiple payment opinions
4. Ease of use
5. Cost-effective
6. Enhanced customer support
7. Streamlines operation management

Introducing an online ordering system can revolutionize your business, leading to increased sales and streamlined operations. This strategic investment will elevate the experience for both your customers and your business.

Heading 2: Steps to establish an online ordering system for business

Selection of platform

You can select the pre-built or customized platforms based on your small business requirements. Here’s a list of the best software for small businesses. 

• Shopify is a popular software that offers various payment integrations. 
• Woo Commerce: Offers flexibility and integration, best for businesses already using Word Pad.
• Squarespace is great for creating thematically appealing websites. 
• SquareOnline: Provides a seamless transition to the online ordering system. Also offers the Square Payments option. 

Apart from this, you can also hire a developer to customize your website based on your business needs.

Listing products

• List our products on the platform. Keep in mind the following points while listing products:
• Organize your products into categories for easy navigation.
• Offer clear descriptions and upload high-quality images.
• Offer variations in products like color, size, etc. 
• Highlight the unique features of the products.

Inventory Management

Choose a platform that offers easy tracking of your inventory. Set alerts for low-stock or sold-out items. Optimally organize your online ordering platform for automatically tracking inventory to avoid overselling. 

Payment options integration

• Offer multiple payment options, such as 
• Ner banking
• Cards
• UPI

Make sure that the payment option you offer is secure and supports local currencies.

Delivery and tracking management

Set up and collaborate with delivery partners for organized delivery and tracking. Partner with local delivery platforms. Also offer a pickup option to local customers. Use a delivery partner that offers a shipping calculator that eases your function. 

Customer Support

Offer customer support that provides instant solutions. Set up live chats to answer customer queries. You may also set up an FAQ section to answer the obvious and most commonly asked questions. 

Heading 2: Quick Tips:

1. Make sure that your online ordering system is mobile-friendly, as most customers order using smartphones. 
2. Keep the interface easy to navigate.
3. Offer secure interface
4. Use SEO optimization for enhanced reach.
5. Ensure regular updates to offer new varieties and keep your customers engaged.

Heading 2: How can Waakif assist in establishing an online ordering system for your business?

• Transparent policies on shipping, returns, and pricing
• Offers customer-centric approach and interface
• Offers strategic planning for the scalability of small businesses
• Ensures enhanced customer support
• Integration of tech-driven features like personalized recommendations and AI chatbots.

Are you prepared to enhance your small business with an online ordering system? Begin by incorporating WAAKIF’s principles now! Moreover, investigate platforms that align with your requirements and initiate the creation of a business that is transparent, customer-centric, and innovative, setting it apart in the market. Participate in the shift towards responsible business practices and witness the growth of your business! Reach out to us for assistance in getting started!

Heading 2: FAQs

What is an online ordering system?

An online ordering system is a digital platform that enables customers to browse, select, and buy products or services from a business through the Internet. It serves as a virtual storefront where customers can place orders, make payments, and often track deliveries without having to visit a physical location.

Which payment option should I offer?

While setting up an online ordering system for your business, ensure to offer all the available payment options for customer ease. 

How much does it cost to set up an online ordering system?

• Platform cost: $27-$39 per month
• Transaction fees: 2,6% - 2.9% per transaction 
• Payment integration costs: $30-$100 per year

Overall, setting up an online ordering system for small businesses costs $30-$300 per month based on your business requirements.

How can I attract more customers to my online platform?

To attract more customers to our digital storefront, use social media marketing and SEO keywords to establish your presence. Offer promotions and discounts to encourage new and repeat customers.

How do I choose the right platform for an online ordering system?

For choosing the appropriate online ordering system for your small business, keep in mind the following points:

• Business operation size
• Customization
• Budget
• Ease of use