Online food ordering

Online food ordering is a process of ordering food from a local restaurant or food cooperative through a web page or app. Much like ordering consumer goods online, many of these services allow customers to keep accounts with them in order to make frequent ordering convenient. A customer will search for a favorite restaurant, usually filtered via type of cuisine and choose from available items, and choose the delivery or pick-up option. Payment is then administered by paying with a credit card or debit card through the app or website or in cash at the restaurant when going to pickup.

History

The concept of online food ordering services was first conceived in the late 1990s with the advent of the internet. The first online food ordering service, World Wide Waiter (now known as Waiter.com), was founded in 1995. Since then, the industry has expanded with many companies such as Grubhub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash entering the market.

Business Models

There are three main business models for online food ordering services: the aggregator, new delivery, and full integration model. The aggregator model is the oldest form, essentially it offers the convenience of a single location to order from multiple restaurants. The new delivery model is a platform for restaurants that don't have their own delivery system. The full integration model is a complete solution for restaurants that includes order receiving, preparation, and delivery.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Online food ordering has several advantages. It is convenient for the customer as it saves time and allows for a visual check of the order to prevent mistakes. It also benefits the restaurant as it can lead to increased sales and reduced labor costs. However, there are also disadvantages. For the customer, it can lead to impersonal service and the food can be less fresh than if it was ordered in the restaurant. For the restaurant, it can lead to increased competition and reduced control over the customer experience.

Future Trends

The future of online food ordering is expected to be driven by technology and changing consumer behavior. Trends such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are expected to play a key role in personalizing the customer experience. Additionally, the rise of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) could provide new and exciting ways for customers to interact with the food ordering process.