10 Best Online Ordering System for Small Businesses: A Guide

Have you ever wondered how an online ordering platform for small businesses can transform your work? Evolving consumer trends demand quick adaptation from small businesses and adopting an online ordering platform offers numerous advantages.

So here are our picks for the best online ordering systems for small businesses. But first, let’s understand what online ordering systems are.

What is an online ordering system for small businesses?

An online ordering system for small businesses is a digital platform that allows customers to place orders through a website or app, streamlining the sales and fulfillment process. It helps reduce manual work, supports multiple payment methods, integrates with backend systems (like inventory or accounting), and provides real-time updates on orders and customer activity. For small businesses, adopting such systems is a competitive necessity in today’s digital-first world.

10 Best Online Ordering Systems for Small Businesses

Pick the right online ordering system, and you’ll see smoother operations and better customer satisfaction. Below are the top 10 online ordering platforms and their features.

TLDR Table:

1. WizCommerce

WizCommerce, a B2B commerce solution,  is a feature-rich online ordering system for businesses that want smarter sales tools, effortless syncing with existing integration, and a modern customer experience. Its AI-powered capabilities and operational flexibility make it especially useful for businesses operating in both digital and offline environments.

Features

• AI-Powered Recommendations based on the customer’s browsing history and preferences. This feature helps sales reps quickly identify and recommend the best product matches, leading to higher sales conversion rates. During trade shows, this AI-powered recommendation engine can be a game changer.  It also allows offline order taking, helping you close deals faster and smarter during trade events. Moreover, WizCommerce integration processes the information from your existing tools to give a detailed, insightful report and recommendations to close deals promptly.
• Custom Collections & Typo-Tolerant Search: WizCommerce allows businesses to create customized product collections, making it easier for customers to find what they want. The typo-tolerant search ensures that even if a customer misspells a product name, the system will still display relevant results, reducing friction in the shopping experience.
• WizPay In-App Payments: WizPay, a B2B payment solution, supports a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, payment links, and on-the-go transactions via card swipes. This feature ensures secure and flexible payment processing, catering to diverse customer preferences.
• Seamless Integrations: The system integrates effortlessly with existing ERPs, accounting, and inventory management software, providing real-time updates on inventory levels, order statuses, and customer data. These integrations reduce manual data entry and minimizes the risk of errors. WizCommerce offers 20+ integrations with native solutions to get the most out of existing tech and WizCommerce. There is also an option for custom integrations.
• Custom Pricing & Bulk Order Management: Set unique pricing for each customer segment and simplify large, complex orders with multi-cart support and one-click reorder features.
• AI-Driven Lead Scoring: Order management is the most basic necessity you can ask for but with WizCommerce you can take it a notch up. You can use built-in AI to identify high-priority customers and hot leads based on historical purchase behavior and sales potential to close deals faster.
• One-Click Quote-to-Order Conversion: Sales reps can generate quotes and convert them to confirmed orders instantly, cutting down sales cycles dramatically.

Here is what our users have to say about WizCommerce on G2:

Source

2. Revolution Ordering

Revolution Ordering is a versatile platform tailored for the hospitality industry, particularly restaurants and hotels. It provides a comprehensive solution for managing off-premise orders and integrates with third-party marketplaces like DoorDash and Uber Eats.

Features

• Flat Monthly Fee: Offers a simple pricing model, preventing unexpected costs.
• Third-Party Marketplace Integration: Connects with major delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats.
• POS Integrations: Integrates with existing POS systems, ensuring that all business aspects are synchronized, from orders to payments to customer data.
• Group Reservations: This feature is precious for businesses that handle large bookings.

3. Menufy

Menufy is designed to support small restaurants by providing essential tools for online ordering and marketing. It is also particularly useful for businesses looking to expand their digital presence. 

Features

• Delivery Partnerships: Partners with DoorDash and Uber Eats and allows you to choose either of the two based on your location.
• Real-time Reporting: Offers premium marketing options with built-in analytics and reporting that allows you to analyse your live campaigns.
• POS Integrations: Integrates with existing POS systems to streamline order management and provides real-time notifications for operational efficiency.
• Branded Website: Can help optimize your website by filling in keywords in descriptions, menus, and tags. It also helps you design custom websites with photos to increase your visibility.

4. 247Waiter

247Waiter provides an easy-to-use platform that is ideal for small businesses just starting with online ordering. It’s a straightforward solution that offers all the basic features needed to establish a professional online presence.

This online ordering app for small businesses offers low processing rates, multilingual support, and integrates with Uber Eats and DoorDash for on-demand delivery.

Features

• Branded Website: Allows businesses to create customized websites that reflect their brand identity.
• Geofencing: Enables businesses to set specific delivery zones, ensuring that orders are only accepted from areas where delivery is feasible.
• Multiple Payment Integrations: Supports a wide range of payment options, including credit cards, digital wallets, and other online payment methods.

5. Toast

Toast is a POS-integrated online ordering system that offers a comprehensive solution for restaurant management. It’s ideal for businesses looking to unify their in-house and online operations.

Features

• Custom Branding: Allows restaurants to customize their interface to match their branding.
• Multiple Device Support: Toast’s platform is accessible from various devices, including tablets and smartphones.
• Delivery Driver Management: Offers tools for managing both in-house and third-party delivery drivers. The system tracks driver locations and provides real-time updates to customers.

6. Epos Now

Epos Now offers powerful tools for businesses that need detailed reporting and inventory management. It’s particularly well-suited for small businesses that rely on data to make informed decisions.

This online ordering platform for small businesses offers custom branding, delivery driver management, and multiple device support.

Features

• Inventory Management Software: Epos Now’s inventory management system tracks stock levels in real time, providing alerts when items are scarce or surplus. 
• Digital Catalog and Menu: Allows businesses to create and manage a digital catalog or menu, making it easier for customers to browse.
• In-Depth Reporting: Epos Now offers detailed reporting features that provide insights into sales trends, customer behavior, and inventory levels.

7. Flex Catering

Flex Catering is an all-in-one solution designed for catering businesses that operate off-premises. It offers end-to-end tools to streamline every step from order management to delivery.

Features

• Orders and Invoices: Allows businesses to create, send, and manage invoices directly through the platform.
• Proposal Creation with E-Sign Capability: Businesses can easily create proposals for catering events and send them to clients for electronic signatures.
• Account and Delivery Management: Offers tools for managing customer accounts, tracking orders, and coordinating deliveries.

Related Read: B2B Food and Beverage Commerce Platform

8. iMenu360

iMenu360 is a versatile restaurant management platform perfect for restaurants, cafes, and hotels looking to enhance their online presence.

Features

• Geofencing: Allows businesses to define specific delivery areas, ensuring that delivery services are only offered to customers within a certain radius. 
• Mobile Ordering System: Lets customers place orders from their phones.
• Loyalty Programs: Supports customizable loyalty programs that reward customers for repeat purchases.

9. Restolab

Restolab’s online ordering system for small businesses is a cost-effective solution with flexible payments and mobile ordering support. It also provides 10+ languages besides English, removing language barriers and simplifying local ordering.

Features

• Multiple Payment Gateways: Supports a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and other online payment systems.
• Menu Customization: Businesses can easily customize their online menus to reflect daily specials, seasonal offerings, or customer preferences. 
• Mobile Ordering Platform: Allows customers to place orders easily from their smartphones.

10. Flipdish

Flipdish is an affordable and easy-to-use platform for small businesses. This online ordering software for small businesses allows for website customization and one-click reorder.

Features

• Branded Online Store: Flipdish allows businesses to create a customized online store, helping to build a strong brand presence online.
• Customer Retention and Loyalty Campaigns: The platform includes tools for creating and managing loyalty programs, and encouraging repeat business through rewards and targeted promotions.
• Third-Party POS Integrations: Integrates with existing POS systems.
• Digital Ordering: Allows you to accept orders directly from your own website or app.

These online ordering platforms for small businesses provide comprehensive tools and features that cater to a wide range of needs, helping businesses optimize their operations and improve customer satisfaction.

Also Read: B2B E-Commerce Wholesale Software & Platforms

5 Key Features of a Good Online Ordering System

To choose the right online ordering system, it’s important to know which features improve both the customer experience and your daily operations. Here are key features that define a good online ordering system:

User-Friendly Interface

A clean and intuitive interface is crucial for any small business online ordering system. It helps customers navigate smoothly, making ordering fast and simple. With less friction in the process, user satisfaction increases and encourages repeat business.

Mobile Compatibility

In today’s mobile-first world, having a platform that works seamlessly across devices is non-negotiable. When your online ordering system delivers a seamless experience on desktops, tablets, and smartphones, the customers can place orders on the go.

Customizability

Every business is unique, and so should its online system be. Look for a system that offers customization options reflecting your brand’s identity. Customizability allows you to tailor the platform’s layout, color scheme and features to align with your brand, helping you meet the specific needs of your target audience.

Order Management

Efficient order management is essential for smooth operations. Features like real-time order tracking, automated notifications, and POS integration allow you to handle the online ordering process effectively. They keep customers informed and ensure that your staff can manage orders without hiccups.

Multiple Payment Options

Offering a variety of payment methods, such as credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and cash on delivery, enhances the customer experience. A secure and diverse payment process helps reduce cart abandonment, increasing conversion rates on your online system.

By focusing on these features, you can select an online ordering system for small businesses that aligns with your needs.

Conclusion

The benefits of adopting an online ordering system for small businesses extend beyond convenience. It offers a competitive edge in a rapidly digitizing market. Selecting the right platform tailored to your business model and needs is essential for long-term success and growth.

B2B e-commerce systems like WizCommerce offer vital features such as user-friendly interfaces, mobile compatibility, and efficient order management, making it an ideal choice for small businesses.

So, if you’re looking for a platform with built-in features, consider WizCommerce. WizCommerce provides a unique blend of customizability and advanced features that can help your business thrive in a competitive market.

Are you ready to take your small business to the next level with an intuitive and efficient online ordering system with AI-powered recommendations?

Book a demo with WizCommerce today and discover how this powerful platform can transform your business.

FAQs

What is an online ordering system?

An online ordering system is a digital platform that lets consumers browse products, order, and pay via web or mobile. It automates the sales process and reduces manual work. Most platforms also offer features like inventory tracking, payment integration, and sales analytics to help businesses run better.

How to set up an online ordering system for small business?

Here’s how to set up an online ordering system:

• Select a platform that fits your business needs, goals, and budget.
• Enter your business information and set up order management by offering details about your services—timing, delivery/pickup, etc.
• Create your product catalog/menu with detailed descriptions and quality images.
• Optimize your platform for search engines and mobile.
• Configure the payment gateway, shipping options, and the tax settings.
• Input your return and refund policies and set up customer service channels.
• Test the ordering process and integrate with your existing tools, like POS. 

Read our blog on how to set up a B2B storefront.

How to accept online orders?

Here are the steps to accept online orders:

• Choose a platform like WizCommerce that satisfies your needs and integrates with diverse payment solutions.
• Set up your account and integrate the payment gateway.
• Configure your payment settings—offer multiple payment options, currencies, and other relevant information.
• Ensure setting up a secure checkout process, order tracking, and fulfilment workflows
• Also, implement a system to manage transactions, streamline customer communications, and address issues. 

How do I collect payments from customers online?

To collect payments online, businesses need to integrate secure gateways like Stripe, PayPal, Square, Razorpay, etc. These services provide multiple payment methods and protect against fraud. WizCommerce offers WizPay, a PCI-compliant payment system that also syncs with your accounting tools for a smooth, secure checkout process.

Which online platform is cheapest for small businesses?

The most cost-effective online system will depend on your budget and required features. However, platforms like WizCommerce, Menufy, and Square Online are value for money options. While Square Online offers a free plan, WizCommerce offers advanced features without burning your pocket. So, if you’re looking for a cost-effective platform that offers features like AI inventory management, online ordering, AI product recommendations, and payment solutions in one platform, consider WizCommerce.