Website and Online Ordering Terms & Conditions for Restaurants

What a good one includes

• A clear explanation of the online ordering process, including accepted payment methods, tax additions, and when a digital sale is considered final.
• A robust allergen disclaimer that shifts the responsibility to the guest to notify kitchen staff of severe allergies before placing an order.
• A detailed policy for order cancellations, refunds, and no-show fees for reservation bookings.
• Specific guidelines on food safety timelines, outlining that pickup orders must be collected within a certain window to ensure quality and safe consumption.
• Clarification of liability and refund procedures when orders or deliveries are handled by third-party platforms.
• Protection for your restaurant’s branding, digital menus, photos, and proprietary recipes displayed on the site.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Copying generic terms from an online retail store that do not address perishable food items, health regulations, or dining room reservations.
• Failing to explicitly state your policy on credit card chargebacks and disputes for orders that have already been prepared and picked up.
• Omitting a clear food allergy warning, which leaves your restaurant exposed to liability if a guest assumes a dish is safe without asking.
• Neglecting to define who is responsible for delivery delays or cold food when a customer chooses to use a third-party courier service.

Frequently asked questions