Order Take Revolutionizes Restaurant Orders with Zero Initial Cost and Increased Average Spend

Order Take: An Innovative External Ordering System for Restaurants

Food Travel Inc. has officially launched an innovative external ordering system named "Order Take" (https://ordertake.jp), designed specifically for restaurants. This system allows customers to order in advance via Google Maps on their smartphones, avoiding long queues and simply picking up their orders at the designated time. The menu items are automatically translated into English, Chinese, and Korean, making it easier for international visitors to place orders without any language barriers. With no initial fees and plans starting from zero monthly fees, restaurants that adopt this system have reportedly seen an increase in their average online order value, reaching approximately 1.5 times that of in-store purchases.

Changing the Way Customers Order Food

As we progress towards 2027, significant changes in consumer behavior are evident. Increasingly, customers are searching for dining options on Google Maps rather than traditional gourmet websites. They seek restaurants based on their proximity, analyzing photos and reviews before deciding where to dine. However, many independent restaurants lack the necessary tools to capitalize on this pivotal moment – the very moment when potential customers are most keen to place orders. As a result, these establishments may miss out on substantial sales opportunities.

Order Take aims to convert this lost potential into actual revenue by establishing a straightforward method for customers to place orders. The process is seamless: by tapping on the order link displayed in a restaurant's Google Maps information, customers can access the order page without any app installation. After selecting their desired menu items and specifying a pick-up time, they can complete their order either through online payment or in-store cash payment. All orders are received in real-time directly on the restaurant's management interface, allowing for efficient and hassle-free customer experiences.

Enhancing Sales and the Customer Experience

One significant outcome of adopting Order Take is an increase in the average order value. For example, at the Kyoto-based fried chicken specialist, "Kai," the average order value through Order Take reached 1,995 yen, about 1.5 times higher than those made in person. The convenience of ordering through a smartphone allows customers to explore the menu at their own pace, encouraging additional purchases such as side items or meal comparisons that might not happen in a pressured in-store environment.

The Three Reasons Order Take Boosts Revenue

1. Attracting New Customers: By linking to Google Business Profiles, the system helps convert nearby searchers into customers. The platform also assists in generating reviews, encouraging satisfied visitors to share their experiences, which in turn improves visibility in search results.

2. Creating More Time: The process of ordering, payment, and specifying a pick-up time is completed before the customer arrives, minimizing wait times at the restaurant. This significantly reduces queues during peak hours and eases staffing burdens.

3. Increasing Repeat Orders: Customers experience no wait once they arrive to collect their order. This smooth experience encourages repeat visits, making future ordering even simpler through integration with familiar tools like LINE.

Capturing the Inbound Market

With the increasing number of foreign visitors to Japan, anticipated to reach 42.68 million by 2025, alongside growing travel expenditures, the food service industry finds immense potential. According to projections, the food expenditure of these visitors alone stands at 2 trillion yen annually. Order Take offers a way for restaurants to capture this market effortlessly by handling language barriers through AI translations of menus. This means that tourists can comfortably order in their native languages and enjoy Japanese cuisine without the fear of miscommunication.

A Bright Future Ahead for Order Take

In light of impending tax changes, with a planned reduction in the consumption tax rate for take-out food to 1% (compared to 10% for dine-in), there is a positive forecast for the take-out market. The current takeout market in Japan stands at a staggering 7.7 trillion yen and is anticipated to grow further, benefiting businesses that adapt to these changes.

Order Take aims to assist these businesses with a simple, cost-effective solution. With a goal of empowering small eateries by providing the tools previously reserved for larger chains, Food Travel Inc. is committed to making ordering easier both for restaurant owners and their customers. As explained by the managing director Hiroki Oka, the motivation behind Order Take stems from a desire to support budding restaurant owners who, like himself, faced hurdles in establishing effective ordering systems.

Conclusion

With innovations like Order Take, the traditional restaurant ordering landscape is set for a transformation, simplifying processes and enhancing customer engagement while driving up sales. This represents a significant step forward in meeting the demands of both local and visiting customers, making the dining experience more convenient and attractive.