Small businesses need to keep up with changing customer expectations. More people now prefer to place orders online instead of visiting a store or calling in.

Having an online ordering system for your restaurant, grocery store, or retail shop makes it easier for customers to buy from you while helping you increase sales and manage operations more efficiently.

With so many ordering platform options available, choosing the right one can be tough.

Some offer basic features, while others come with advanced features like inventory management tools, loyalty programs, and POS systems.

In this blog, you will learn how to choose the best online ordering platform for your small business, the online ordering features to look for, and the top platforms to consider in 2025.

Why Businesses Need an Online Ordering System

Using an online ordering system helps small businesses:

Boost Sales and Revenue

To grow a small business, you need a reliable way to increase sales and attract more customers.

An online ordering system helps businesses reach a wider audience, encourages larger purchases, and reduces costly third-party fees.

• Reach more customers – An online ordering system allows businesses to attract new customers beyond their physical location. Customers can browse menus, order from mobile devices, and schedule delivery services or pickup.
• Encourages larger purchases – Many online ordering platforms include advanced features like suggested add-ons, bundle deals, and loyalty programs. These features encourage customers to buy more, leading to higher online sales and increased revenue.
• Reduce dependence on third-party apps – Many restaurant businesses rely on third-party apps for food ordering, but these apps charge high commission fees. By using an online ordering system with a flat monthly fee, businesses can save money while keeping full control of their operations.
• Data-driven marketing opportunities – An order managing system collects valuable data on customer needs, preferences, and purchasing habits. Businesses can use this data to personalize offers, send promotions, and improve customer experience.

Enhanced Customer Experience

Customers expect a fast, convenient, and hassle-free way to place orders online. A user-friendly ordering system makes it easier for customers to buy, customize their orders, and receive quick service.

• Convenience and accessibility – Customers want an easy way to place orders online from anywhere. A user-friendly ordering system provides mobile compatibility, allowing them to place orders through a mobile ordering app or website.
• Customizable orders – Many online ordering platforms allow customers to customize orders. This feature is especially important in the food service industry, where people may have dietary restrictions or preferences.
• Faster and more efficient service – A well-designed ordering platform speeds up the ordering process by reducing manual order-taking.

Higher Efficiency and Reduced Costs

Managing orders manually takes time and can lead to mistakes.

An online ordering system helps small businesses automate tasks, integrate with existing systems, and lower costs compared to third-party apps.

• Automate tasks and reduce errors – An order management system automates many aspects of the online ordering process, reducing mistakes caused by manual order-taking.
• Integrate with inventory and POS systems – Such integration helps businesses track stock levels, manage customer inquiries, and optimize order management.

What Online Ordering Features to Look For

Small businesses should look for an ordering platform with:

User-Friendly Interface

A simple and easy-to-use ordering platform ensures that both customers and business owners can navigate the system without issues.

Customers may abandon their orders if the user interface is confusing, leading to lost sales.

• The ordering process should be fast and easy to understand.
• Customers should be able to place orders online in just a few steps.
• The system should be mobile-compatible, allowing orders from mobile devices.
• A well-designed system reduces customer inquiries by making all information clear upfront.

Order Management

A strong order management platform helps businesses process orders efficiently, keep track of the orders, and improve workflow.

• Businesses should be able to manage orders in real time, seeing new orders as they come in.
• Automated notifications should inform businesses and customers when an order is received, being prepared, or out for delivery.
• Integration with POS systems ensures smooth operation between online and in-store sales.

Multiple Payment Options

Secure and flexible payment processing is an important part of an online ordering system. Customers want payment options that match their preferences.

• The system should support credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets like Apple Pay.
• Secure payment encryption ensures customer orders and transactions remain safe from fraud.

Inventory Management

Tracking stock levels is essential for businesses that sell products online. Inventory tools help businesses avoid selling out-of-stock items and ensure smooth operations.

• Automatic updates when stock levels change prevent overselling.
• Alerts for low-stock items allow businesses to reorder before running out.

Custom Delivery Services

For businesses offering delivery, having customizable options for delivery zones, times, and tracking improves the delivery process.

• Businesses can set specific delivery zones based on location.
• Customers receive real-time updates on their order status.
• Features like GPS tracking improve delivery tracking accuracy.

8 Best Online Ordering Systems for Your Small Business

Finding the best online ordering system for your small business depends on the type of business, features needed, and budget.

Some systems are built specifically for restaurants, while others work well for retail and service-based businesses.

Below is a detailed review of the top online ordering platforms for small businesses in 2025.

1. Buildify

Buildify is a platform for restaurants, food trucks, and any business idea that needs a professional ordering system with minimal setup.

Restaurant owners don’t have to pay $15,000 and wait for six months to get their mobile app. Instead, they can get a downloadable app packed with features in less than 10 days and for $399/month.

The following are Buildify features designed to help any business model:

• Seamless online ordering process – A smooth and intuitive ordering platform that provides a high-quality customer experience, similar to major restaurant chains.
• Custom store website and mobile app – Businesses get a branded online store website and mobile ordering app, making it easier for customers to browse, order, and stay engaged.
• Loyalty programs and customer rewards – Encourages repeat business by offering personalized loyalty programs, exclusive deals, and promotions.
• Push notifications for marketing and promotions – Send instant updates, special offers, and alerts to customers, keeping them engaged and informed.
• Discounts and coupon offers – Attract new customers with flexible discount options, local promotions, and community deals.
• 24/7 customer support – Always-available customer service, ensuring businesses receive help whenever they need it.

Pricing

Buildify offers a flat monthly fee of $399, covering all features with no hidden charges and no long-term contracts.

Book a call today!

2. Square Online

Square Online is a user-friendly online ordering platform designed for small businesses that need a quick and simple setup with an integrated point-of-sale system.

It is especially useful for restaurants, food trucks, and grocery shops, offering efficient inventory management and real-time sales tracking.

The platform includes a website builder for creating a professional WordPress website or a standalone store. It syncs with Square POS, allowing businesses to track and process orders seamlessly.

Mobile ordering and payment processing are supported, allowing businesses to accept payments through credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

Inventory tools automatically track stock levels to prevent overselling. Additionally, businesses can manage delivery, define zones, and offer in-store pickup options.

Pros

• Free plan available for small businesses.
• Affordable paid plans with flat monthly fees.
• Simple and user-friendly interface for quick order placement.

Cons

• Limited customization options for the online store.
• Customer support response times can be slow.

Pricing

Square Online offers flexible pricing plans to suit different business needs. The Free Plan includes processing fees.

The Plus Plan is available for $29 per month, while the Premium Plan costs $79 per month, providing additional features and benefits for growing businesses.

3. Menufy

Menufy is an online ordering system designed for restaurants that want to expand their reach with built-in marketing tools. It offers third-party delivery options and a pay-as-you-go pricing model, providing flexibility for restaurant owners.

The platform features low processing fees, which makes it a more affordable option compared to third-party apps.

Its 360° eCommerce marketing solutions help attract customers, while multilingual support makes it a suitable choice for businesses serving diverse communities.

Pros

• Includes customer rewards and marketing automation.
• Offers both in-house and third-party delivery.
• Free email marketing to engage customers.

Cons

• No custom-branded mobile app.
• Limited features compared to other platforms.

Pricing

Pay-as-you-go pricing with processing fees.

4. Toast

Toast is built specifically for restaurants and designed to work smoothly with POS and streamline the ordering process. It offers in-house and third-party delivery, providing flexible tracking options for deliveries.

Customers can make payments directly at the table or online using Apple Pay, credit cards, or mobile wallets.

The platform also includes custom branding features, allowing restaurants to personalize their online ordering system to match their brand identity.

Pros

• Cloud-based system for remote access.
• POS integration for better order management.

Cons

• Monthly payments can be expensive for smaller businesses.
• Requires Toast hardware, limiting flexibility.

Pricing

The Starter Kit is free, while the Point of Sale plan is priced at $69 per month.

For businesses with specific needs, custom pricing is offered based on the size and requirements of the business.

5. Epos Now

Epos Now offers POS with integrated ordering features, making it a suitable choice for retailers, grocery shops, and restaurants. It includes inventory tools that track stock in real time, helping businesses stay organized.

The platform also supports store setup so businesses can sell products seamlessly. Additionally, its order management ensures that both in-store and online sales are handled efficiently in one place.

Pros

• Offers both hardware and software solutions.
• Strong order system for tracking orders.

Cons

• Lack of transparent pricing.

Pricing

Pricing details aren’t publicly available.

6. Restolabs

Restolabs offers custom branding, allowing businesses to personalize their online ordering platform to match their identity.

Multiple payment gateways, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, are supported, which makes transactions convenient for customers.

Additionally, Restolabs enables Facebook ordering. Customers can place orders directly through social media, expanding a business’s reach and accessibility.

Pros

• Lower monthly prices than other platforms.
• Simple interface.

Cons

• Limited integration with third-party software.

Pricing

The Basic plan costs $55 per month, while the Premium plan is available for $79 per month. For larger businesses with more advanced needs, the Enterprise plan is offered at $159 per month.

7. iMenu360

iMenu360 allows restaurants to create a branded store, manage food orders efficiently, and collect important customer data.

The platform includes geofencing, allowing restaurants to target customers with location-based offers.

Loyalty rewards and customer data collection tools help track spending habits, making it easier to provide personalized discounts.

iMenu360 supports mobile ordering, along with a built-in coupon engine that lets customers apply discounts directly from their devices.

Restaurants also benefit from 24/7 customer support, ensuring they receive assistance whenever needed.

Pros

• Advanced order management with real-time tracking.
• Helps increase sales by offering targeted promotions and discounts.
• Supports a user-friendly interface with customizable branding.

Cons

• Some users report that integration with third-party apps is limited.

Pricing

Pricing details aren’t public.

8. Flex Catering

Flex Catering is built for businesses that manage large catering orders, corporate events, and food delivery. It offers full control over orders, production processes, and inventory management.

The platform supports online ordering and delivery, which makes it suitable for large-scale food orders. Businesses can generate detailed invoices for bulk orders, simplifying financial management.

It also includes proposal and e-sign capabilities, allowing businesses to send proposals and secure contracts efficiently.

The tracking and event scheduling features provide timely status updates, ensuring smooth operations and customer satisfaction.

Pros

• Easy-to-use platform that improves customer convenience.
• Automates tasks like invoicing and order management for catering businesses.
• Responsive customer support with a ticketing system.

Cons

• Some users report occasional navigation issues when editing products.
• Limited features for businesses that don’t focus on catering.

Pricing

Custom pricing is available based on business needs.

Which Businesses Use Online Ordering Platforms?

Online ordering systems are not just for restaurants. Many types of small businesses benefit from an online ordering platform, allowing them to manage orders efficiently and serve more customers.

Here are some of the industries that rely on these systems:

Food Business Owners

Restaurants, cafés, and food trucks use online food ordering systems to streamline the ordering process and offer delivery or pickup options.

For the food industry, an order management system helps manage high volumes of customer orders efficiently.

Some systems also integrate with POS systems like Square POS, allowing seamless tracking of sales and inventory.

Wholesalers

Wholesale businesses use online ordering platforms to manage bulk customer orders.

These systems allow businesses to create order forms, track order status, and offer tiered pricing for new customers and existing clients.

Advanced features like delivery zones and automated billing make these platforms more efficient for wholesale operations.

Grocery Stores

With more people buying groceries online, many grocery stores now offer pickup and delivery services through an online ordering system.

Customers can place orders online, select delivery times, and even reorder previous purchases. Features like delivery tracking and inventory management tools help stores stay organized and meet customer demands.

Get Your Branded Online Ordering System with Buildify

Many online ordering platforms help businesses take orders, but Buildify offers an all-in-one solution with complete control over the ordering management.

With Buildify, your business gets a fully branded store website and a mobile ordering system that works on both Android and iOS.

Customers can easily browse your menu, place orders, and track deliveries all from one interface.

Buildify also includes marketing tools to help attract potential customers. To maintain a great customer relationship, you can create promotions, set up loyalty rewards, and offer exclusive deals.

Want a fast and cost-effective way to manage orders and increase sales? Book a call today and start accepting online orders in just five days with Buildify!

FAQs About the Best Online Ordering System for Small Business

Which delivery app is best for small businesses?

The best delivery app for small businesses depends on their goals. Buildify provides complete control over the online ordering and delivery process with a branded mobile app, allowing businesses to organize orders, track deliveries, and engage directly with customers, all without high commission fees. While apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub can expand reach, they come with monthly payments and per-order commissions that can cut into profits.

What are the four types of ordering systems?

The four types of ordering systems are manual ordering systems, online ordering systems, self-service kiosks, and automated ordering systems. Manual ordering systems involve taking orders by hand, usually in person or over the phone. Online ordering systems allow customers to order through a website or mobile ordering app. Self-service kiosks use touchscreen devices at physical locations for orders. Automated ordering systems rely on AI or automated tools to process orders, often seen in food service industry apps and chatbots.

What is the best online ordering system for restaurants?

The best ordering system for restaurants depends on business needs. Buildify is ideal for independent restaurant businesses that want a custom online ordering platform with no commission fees. Square Online works well for businesses already using Square POS, while Toast Online Ordering is a good choice for restaurants that need a fully integrated POS.

How do I take online orders from customers?

To take online orders, you need an online ordering system that allows customers to browse a menu or product catalog, select items, and pay online. You can set up a website builder with an integrated ordering platform or use a service like Buildify to create a custom store website and app. Once orders come in, use an order system to track and fulfill them, with options for delivery services or pickup.

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