Online Ordering Redux

I try not to repeat myself too often; blogging for you here, I figure it’s more useful to explore new topics. Sometimes, though, real life coincides with the articles I post too perfectly, and I just have to tell you all. A few days ago, I posted about the benefits of restaurants offering online ordering options for takeout and/or delivery. One reason I suggested you should offer online ordering is because there are people out there, myself included, who are so horribly awkward as to make phone conversation anxiety-fraught. For us, I argued, online ordering can be enough to choose one restaurant over another for carryout or delivery.

Maybe that sounds ridiculous to you, but it’s true. And my experience yesterday proves it! Since I’m living at home for the year and trying to save up as much money as possible for grad school, I normally don’t order food, but my house’s pantry and fridge were so bare and I was so hungry before my afternoon workout that I caved. That, and I’d been wanting to try the sandwich place just down the street for years but never had — so why not order there?

Don’t let this small child fool you: phones are scary!

Well, one reason I almost didn’t was because they didn’t offer online ordering. Not only was their website terribly out of date, they also required you to call or fax to place an order. Since I don’t have a fax machine at home, calling it was. I waffled for awhile; I could order somewhere else and avoid a phone conversation, but I really wanted to try one of their specialty sandwiches. Eventually I did call — mostly because nowhere else appealing was open — and the employee taking my order turned out to be difficult to understand over the phone and a little confusing. Nothing against him, he was a perfectly nice guy, but for someone as averse to phones as myself, it may have been enough to prevent me from calling again. Unfair, I know, but why not let your customers order online? Why not?!

Eventually I did get home with my sandwich and fries and had a great lunch — it was delicious! But as silly as it is, I’m less likely to place a repeat order at that establishment than any of the other places I might order, all of which provide an online option. And though I may be weird, I don’t think I’m any crazier than most people. Moral of the story? If I’d avoid ordering somewhere over the phone, so will other people. So just let them order online!

I’ll be back on Friday with a newer, not-repeated topic. Until then, leave a comment below or contact us here.