In the competitive world of online food ordering, every sale counts. However, simply increasing the number of orders isn't the only route to success. For restaurants, maximizing the average ticket size (average amount spent per order) plays a crucial role in boosting overall revenue.

Let's dive into the strategic world of online ordering hacks, providing proven tips and techniques to help restaurants elevate their average ticket size and witness a significant increase in their bottom line.

Why is ticket size so important?

Think of it like this:

• Scenario A: You receive 100 orders with an average ticket size of $10, resulting in a total revenue of $1,000.
• Scenario B: You receive 80 orders with an average ticket size of $15, resulting in a total revenue of $1,200.

In scenario B, with fewer orders, you generate more revenue due to a higher average ticket size. This translates to increased profitability without the need for a dramatic increase in order volume.

Now let's explore some effective online ordering hacks to amplify your ticket size:

1. Leverage Strategic Menu Design:

• Highlight High-Value Items: Strategically place higher-priced, premium menu items at the top or throughout your online menu. Utilize high-quality photos and enticing descriptions to showcase their unique value proposition.

• Combo & Bundle Deals: Offer combo and bundle deals that combine popular items at a discounted price. This entices customers to purchase multiple items, increasing their order value. Consider creating "family meals" or "group platters" for larger orders.

• Upselling Opportunities: Utilize clear calls-to-action within your online menu, prompting customers to consider adding side dishes, drinks, or desserts to complete their meal. These smaller, add-on items can significantly boost the overall order value.

2. Embrace the Power of Suggestion:

• Recommended Pairings: Suggest complementary food and beverage pairings alongside main courses. This could include recommending a specific wine to complement a steak entree or a refreshing drink to pair with a spicy dish.

• Featured Sections: Create dedicated sections on your online menu highlighting "Popular Add-Ons", "Top-Selling Drinks", or "Customer Favorites". This subtly influences customer choices and encourages them to explore additional items.

• Limited-Time Offers & Promotions: Create a sense of urgency and excitement with limited-time offers. Utilize pop-ups within the online ordering platform to showcase special deals or discounts on larger orders or specific menu combinations. Learn how to use promotions and drive customer engagement as well as sales.

3. Optimize the Checkout Process:

• Minimum Order Requirements for Delivery: Consider setting a minimum order requirement for delivery to offset delivery costs and incentivize customers to add additional items to reach the threshold.

• Clear Pricing & Delivery Fees: Ensure all pricing and delivery fees are clearly displayed throughout the online ordering process. Transparency builds trust and avoids customer frustration at checkout.

• Offer Multiple Payment Options: Provide a variety of secure payment options for customer convenience. This could include credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, or even online payment platforms.

4. Enhance Customer Experience for Repeat Business:

• Fast & Efficient Order Processing: Ensure smooth and efficient order processing to minimize wait times and delivery delays. This keeps customers happy and coming back for more.

• Positive Online Reviews: Encourage customers to leave positive online reviews about their online ordering experience. Positive reviews build trust and attract new customers seeking a convenient and enjoyable online ordering experience.

• Exclusive Online Ordering Offers: Provide exclusive discounts or promotions for customers who order online. This incentivizes online ordering and fosters a sense of value for those who choose this convenient option.

5. Harness the Power of Scarcity:

• Limited Availability Items: Create a sense of exclusivity by offering limited availability items or "daily specials" on your online menu. This can spark customer interest and encourage them to order these items before they run out.

• Limited-Time Promotions with Higher Value: Promote limited-time bundles or combo deals that offer a slight discount on a larger order compared to purchasing the items individually. This entices customers to choose the higher-value option and increases their average spend.

6. Embrace Multi-Channel Marketing Strategies:

• Social Media Marketing: Utilize social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook to showcase your most enticing dishes and promote online ordering options. Utilize high-quality visuals and engaging content to capture attention and drive traffic to your online ordering platform.

• Email Marketing Campaigns: Targeted email marketing campaigns can be highly effective. Segment your customer base and send personalized emails highlighting new menu additions, exclusive online ordering promotions, or loyalty program updates. These can incentivize repeat business and encourage higher order values.

• Online Review Management: Actively manage your online presence by responding to customer reviews, especially positive ones about your online ordering experience. This builds trust and credibility, attracting new customers seeking a convenient and enjoyable online ordering journey.

Conclusion:

By implementing these proven online ordering hacks, restaurants can significantly elevate their average ticket size and witness a notable boost in their bottom line. Remember, the key lies in creating a strategic approach that optimizes your online menu, leverages the power of suggestion, streamlines the checkout process, utilizes data for targeted marketing, and prioritizes a positive customer experience. Embrace these strategies, stay updated on evolving trends, and watch your online ordering success soar!