Author

Lindsay Barlow

Why Active Order Support is Essential for Your Restaurant’s Mobile App

March 21, 2025

In today’s digital-driven dining landscape, customers expect more than just convenience when ordering food through a restaurant’s mobile app. They demand seamless, frictionless experiences—including real-time support for any issues that arise during the ordering process. Without an active order support feature, restaurants risk losing valuable sales due to frustrated customers who abandon their carts when questions or concerns go unresolved.

The Cost of Unanswered Questions

It’s no secret that customers are impatient when it comes to online orders. Studies show that 70% of online shopping carts are abandoned, often due to confusion, inconvenience, or unanswered concerns. For restaurants, the stakes are even higher—if a guest has a question about an ingredient, a substitution, or an order delay and can’t get an immediate answer, they’re far more likely to give up and order elsewhere.

In fact, 78% of customers have walked away from a purchase due to poor customer experience, proving that a lack of real-time assistance can directly impact revenue.

How Active Order Support Reduces Abandonment

Active order support—such as an in-app chat feature or AI-powered chatbot—helps restaurants combat order abandonment by offering customers a direct line of communication. Whether they have questions about menu items, need help applying a promo code, or want to modify an order, instant support reassures them and keeps the transaction moving forward.

Key Benefits of Active Order Support:

  • Real-Time Issue Resolution – Customers don’t have to exit the app or call the restaurant; they get instant answers within the ordering experience.
  • Increased Order Completion Rates – With help at their fingertips, customers are less likely to abandon their orders.
  • Enhanced Customer Trust & Loyalty – A seamless, supportive ordering experience makes customers more likely to return.
  • Operational Efficiency – AI chatbots can handle common questions, freeing up staff to focus on in-store operations.

Industry Trends: Restaurants Embracing Active Order Support

Leading brands are already leveraging active order support to improve customer satisfaction and drive sales:

  • McDonald's has introduced AI-powered ordering kiosks that reduce human error and speed up service, enhancing the customer experience.
  • Domino’s uses an in-app chatbot to assist with orders, track deliveries, and answer FAQs, creating a seamless ordering flow.
  • Chipotle has integrated real-time support features to handle order modifications and payment issues, helping to reduce friction in mobile transactions.

Implementing Active Order Support in Your Restaurant’s App

Adding active order support doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how restaurants can integrate this feature:

  1. Live Chat with Customer Service Agents – Providing a direct chat option within the app allows customers to reach support in real time.
  2. AI Chatbots for Common Inquiries – Automate responses for frequently asked questions, such as menu details, order tracking, and payment troubleshooting.
  3. Order Tracking & Notifications – Keep customers informed about their order status, reducing the need for manual inquiries.
  4. Quick-Access Help Button – Ensure that customer support is visible and easy to find in the app interface.

Final Thoughts

Active order support is no longer optional—it’s a necessity for restaurants that want to maximize mobile sales and customer satisfaction. By providing immediate assistance within the ordering experience, restaurants can prevent order abandonment, increase conversions, and foster long-term customer loyalty.

As the industry continues to evolve, those who prioritize seamless support will stand out in an increasingly competitive digital dining landscape. Now is the time to invest in active order support and give your customers the frictionless, responsive experience they expect.

GET STARTED

Take control of your restaurant today

Start using Open and experience a new level of direct online sales.