Many small businesses still rely on phone calls to take customer orders. While it might seem quick and familiar, phone orders can quietly hurt your sales, slow down your team, and leave customers frustrated.
In this blog, we’ll explain why taking orders by phone is holding your business back — and what smarter alternatives you can use to grow faster.
1. Phone Orders Take Too Much Time
What’s the problem?
Phone orders require your staff to stop what they’re doing, answer the call, take the order, and write it down — every single time.
How it affects your business:
Slower service during peak hours
More chances for human error
Less time for your team to focus on deliveries or prep
The better way:
An online ordering system lets customers place orders anytime without needing your staff to answer the phone.
2. Mistakes Are More Likely Over the Phone
What’s the problem?
It’s easy to mishear an address, get the wrong item, or forget special instructions when taking orders by voice.
How it affects your business:
Wrong deliveries lead to unhappy customers
More refunds and lost revenue
Extra pressure on your team to double-check everything
The better way:
Online orders give customers a chance to enter their details clearly — and double-check everything before they place the order.
3. You Miss Out on Bigger Orders and Upsells
What’s the problem?
Over the phone, your staff has no easy way to suggest add-ons, combos, or special deals.
How it affects your business:
The better way:
A digital ordering system can show suggested items, deals, or bundles — encouraging customers to buy more with just a few clicks.
4. It’s Not What Customers Prefer Anymore
What’s the problem?
Most people now prefer apps or websites to order, especially younger customers. Calling a business feels slow and outdated.
How it affects your business:
Customers may switch to competitors who offer easier ordering
Slower growth because you’re not matching customer expectations
Poorer reviews due to inconvenient ordering process
The better way:
Letting people order online with just a few taps matches modern expectations and creates a smoother, faster customer experience.
5. Phone Orders Don’t Give You Useful Data
What’s the problem?
When you take orders by phone, you lose valuable data like order history, best-selling items, peak times, or delivery trends.
How it affects your business:
Hard to make informed decisions
No customer insights to personalize marketing
Missed chances to improve operations
The better way:
With an online system, every order is tracked. You can see what’s working, find trends, and use data to grow smarter.
