Hey there, brilliant restaurant owners and managers in Qatar!
Our world has gone digital, and the dining experience is no exception. In the blink of an eye, customers expect to connect with their favorite restaurants through their smartphones – and for good reason! This isn't just a fleeting trend; it's a permanent shift that's transforming how we do business.
At Wady, we're all about empowering your restaurant to thrive in this new landscape. So, let's explore how embracing online ordering systems can significantly boost your sales, expand your reach, and build a stronger digital presence right here in Qatar!
The Customer's Perspective: Why Online Ordering is King
Just look around! Everyone's on their phone, and that includes ordering food.
Massive Growth: The number of people ordering food via smartphone apps has exploded. This isn't just a global trend; in Qatar, a significant percentage of all food orders are now placed online, and this preference is only growing.
Ultimate Convenience: Customers love the ease of Browse your menu at their leisure, customizing orders exactly how they like (extra spice for that Mandi? No problem!), and paying with a few taps. It's about fitting delicious food into their busy lives, whether they're at home in Lusail or at the office in West Bay.
For restaurants, you generally have two main paths to offer online ordering to your customers:
1. Partner with Third-Party Delivery Platforms (e.g., Talabat, Snoonu, Rafeeq):
The Pros:
Instant Reach: You immediately tap into a massive customer base already using these apps, gaining visibility you might not otherwise have. This is a huge advantage for attracting new diners in Qatar.
Reduced Logistics: They handle the delivery drivers, the dispatch, and the mapping – taking a big logistical headache off your plate.
The Cons:
Commission Fees: These platforms often charge substantial fees (activation, transaction, and commission per order), which can impact your profit margins.
Less Control: You have less direct control over the customer's delivery experience, and customer data usually belongs to the platform, not you.
2. Build Your Own In-House Online Ordering & Delivery:
The Pros:
Full Control: You own the entire customer experience, from your website's look and feel to the politeness of your own delivery drivers.
Higher Margins: You keep 100% of the revenue from each order, avoiding those third-party commission fees.
Direct Customer Data: You collect valuable customer data, allowing you to build loyalty programs and targeted marketing campaigns (like special offers for your regular customers in Qatar!).
The Cons:
More Effort & Investment: This requires setting up your own online ordering system (often integrated with your POS), hiring and managing drivers, and handling logistics.
Many smart restaurants in Qatar choose a hybrid approach, using third-party apps for broad reach and convenience, while also promoting their own direct online ordering channel for higher profitability and deeper customer relationships.
Beyond the Customer: Online Ordering for Your Kitchen's Efficiency!
Online ordering isn't just about your customers; it's a powerful tool for your internal operations too, especially when it comes to managing supplier relationships.
Let's recap the immense benefits of using online ordering systems for your restaurant's own internal processes:
Massive Time Savings: Imagine no more late-night phone calls or chasing down suppliers! Online ordering systems for suppliers centralize all your orders. You can place an order in seconds, freeing up precious hours that you can then dedicate to your team, your menu, or engaging with your customers.
Centralized Communication: Instead of scattered emails, WhatsApp messages, and phone calls, you can order from and chat with all your suppliers in one organized place. This eliminates constant back-and-forth and ensures everyone is on the same page.
Fewer Mistakes, More Accuracy: Manual ordering processes are prone to errors – smeared handwriting, lost sheets of paper, misheard instructions. Digital systems ensure accuracy, meaning you get exactly what you ordered, reducing waste and frustration.
Streamlined Customization: Need to add or remove an item, or specify unique instructions for a custom cut of meat or a specific ripeness of produce? Online systems make these customizations easy and clear, ensuring your suppliers understand your exact needs.
