Direct Ordering is Checkmate's first-party digital ordering platform. It combines first-party ordering and connected third-party ordering platforms in a single interface, so a restaurant manages both from one dashboard with one login. Orders placed through Direct Ordering are sent into the restaurant's point-of-sale (POS) system through the core Checkmate integration, which keeps order management and reporting in one place.

How Direct Ordering Works

Direct Ordering manages each order from the moment it is placed through its final pickup or delivery. When a customer places an order, Direct Ordering records it, applies the configured pricing, taxes, and fees, and sends it into the POS system for preparation. Orders from connected third-party platforms appear in the same dashboard, which removes the need to monitor a separate interface for each channel.

For example, when a customer orders a Classic Cheeseburger and a medium fountain drink through a restaurant's Direct Ordering website, the order is recorded in the Direct Ordering Admin Panel alongside the restaurant's third-party orders and is sent to the POS system for preparation and fulfillment as a pickup or delivery order.

Where Direct Ordering Can Be Used

Direct Ordering supports several ordering channels, which allows a restaurant to offer a consistent ordering experience across devices and in person. The table below lists the available channels and what each one provides.

Ordering Features

Direct Ordering includes ordering options that support different service styles and help a restaurant manage demand and revenue.

• Direct Ordering supports several order types, including standard pickup and delivery, Scan Order Pay, Tableside Ordering, Group Ordering, and Catering Orders.
• Order throttling limits how many orders a location accepts within a set time increment, which helps the kitchen manage volume during peak periods.
• Upsells and recommendations display suggested items during the ordering process, which guides customers toward complementary or higher-margin items.
• Returning customers can reorder quickly using favorites, recent items, and one-click reordering, and they can check out with saved cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

Branding, Loyalty, and Customer Engagement

Direct Ordering allows a restaurant to align its ordering site and mobile app with its own brand. Design settings control the appearance of the customer-facing experience, and the platform can be customized with or without a developer.

The built-in loyalty program recognizes and rewards customers across all ordering channels, which supports repeat business. Direct Ordering also keeps customers informed throughout the order process by sending order status updates through push notifications, SMS, and email.

Reporting and Analytics

Direct Ordering integrates with Google Analytics Enhanced Ecommerce and Google Tag Manager. These integrations report on customer behavior and conversion rates, which gives a restaurant data to evaluate the performance of its ordering site and mobile app.