Whether you’re trying to reduce third-party delivery fees or meet growing customer demand, having your own online ordering system is no longer a luxury—it’s essential. Fortunately, setting one up is easier than ever, even for small restaurant teams with no prior tech experience.
This step-by-step guide explains exactly how to set up online ordering for a restaurant, from choosing a platform to launching and promoting your new digital storefront.
Step 1: Choose an Online Ordering Solution
The first and most important step is selecting the right platform. Consider:
- Cost structure: Does the platform charge per order, take a commission, or use a flat monthly fee?
- Ownership: Do you control branding, pricing, and customer data?
- Delivery management: Can you handle delivery in-house or zone-based? Or will you need third-party integrations?
- Support and setup: Is it easy to launch and get help?
Sauce is a strong option for independent restaurants and small chains. It’s commission-free, fully branded, and includes delivery tools, loyalty features, and multi-location management.
Step 2: Configure Your Online Ordering System
Once you’ve selected a platform, you’ll need to:
- Upload your menu (including descriptions, prices, images, and modifiers)
- Set payment options (credit cards, Apple Pay, etc.)
- Define delivery zones, hours, and fees (if offering delivery)
- Add taxes, tips, and any service charges
- Create upsells and bundles to increase average order value
Most modern systems offer easy drag-and-drop editors and preview modes to simplify this process.
Step 3: Integrate Ordering with Your Website and Social Pages
Make it easy for customers to find and use your new ordering option by embedding it across your online presence:
- Add an “Order Online” button to your homepage and navigation bar
- Link directly to your ordering page from your Google Business Profile
- Include links in your Facebook page, Instagram bio, and Linktree
- Use QR codes in signage and menus to guide in-store diners to your platform
Visibility is everything. The easier it is to access your online ordering, the faster you’ll see adoption.
Step 4: Test the Ordering Process Thoroughly
Before you go live, test every part of the experience:
- Place test orders from desktop and mobile
- Review timing of notifications (email/SMS updates to customers)
- Ensure staff are trained to receive and prepare digital orders
- Validate payment and delivery flows work as expected
Catching small issues during the test phase will prevent confusion or delays once customers start ordering.
Step 5: Launch and Promote It to Customers
Once everything’s ready, it’s time to go live:
- Announce it on social media, email newsletters, and your website
- Use in-store signage to tell customers they can now order online
- Offer a promo code or loyalty points for first-time online orders
- Add a banner to your homepage or run a small ad campaign
Keep reminding customers over the next few weeks to build awareness and adoption. This is especially important if you’re transitioning customers away from third-party apps to your own system.
1. How long does it take to set up online ordering for a restaurant?
With modern tools like Sauce, most restaurants can launch within a few days—some even in 24 hours with ready menus and images.
2. Do I need a developer to set up online ordering?
No. Most platforms are no-code or low-code. Sauce and similar tools offer easy configuration for non-technical restaurant teams.
3. What’s the best platform for setting up online ordering?
Sauce is ideal for small and mid-sized restaurants looking for a branded, commission-free solution with delivery and loyalty tools built in.
4. Can I link online ordering to my Google Business Profile?
Yes. You can add a direct link to your ordering page from your Google Business listing, improving visibility and driving more direct orders.
5. How do I promote my new online ordering system?
Promote it on social media, through in-store signage, in emails, and via QR codes. Offering a first-order discount can encourage adoption.
Own Your Ordering, Grow Your Business
Setting up online ordering might feel intimidating at first—but with modern platforms like Sauce, it’s more accessible and affordable than ever. In just a few days, you can offer customers a branded, commission-free ordering experience that grows your revenue and keeps you in control.
