Online ordering for food trucks
Short answer
For food trucks, online ordering does two big things: it lets customers pre-order and pay ahead so you can size the batch before you park, and it skips the line with fast pickup at the window. Open a drop for an event or shift, set a batch cap so you never oversell the grill, and hand off orders by name or QR. It's commission-free and starts free.
Pre-sell before an event
Post an ordering link before a festival, brewery night, or lunch shift. Paid pre-orders tell you exactly how much protein and prep to bring, and guarantee revenue before you tow the truck out.
Cap the batch, sell out cleanly
Set a capacity so orders auto-close when you're full. A live "X left" count creates urgency and protects your window from a rush you can't cook — see how to handle a rush at cutoff.
Fast pickup at the window
Orders come in as tickets; call names or scan a QR to hand off. No marketplace commission, and the customer is yours — not a delivery app's.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best online ordering for a food truck?
One built for pre-sell and pickup rather than a standing restaurant menu. You want order windows for events, a batch cap so you don't oversell, fast window handoff, and 0% commission. PlateTicket does all of this and starts free.
Can customers pre-order from a food truck?
Yes. Share an ordering link before your shift or event; customers order and pay in advance up to your cutoff. You get an exact count to prep and cook, and hand off quickly at the window when they arrive.
How do I stop overselling at a busy event?
Set a batch cap. When orders reach your capacity the drop auto-marks sold out, and a live remaining count warns buyers as you fill up — so a rush never leaves you with orders you can't cook in time.
Do food-truck ordering apps charge commission?
Marketplace apps typically take 15–30% per order. PlateTicket is commission-free — you pay a flat plan price (or nothing on Starter) and keep the full order value minus card fees. See how to avoid marketplace commission.
Orders in. Plates out.
Open your first drop in minutes, get paid up front, and cook exactly what sold.
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