Online OrderingiWantFedPreorders

How to setup preorders

iWantFed, including table ordering, provides multiple preorder modes so customers can either order only for the next available slot or place orders in advance.

Where to configure preorders

  1. Go to Settings > Ordering Settings.
  2. Open the Online Ordering tab.
  3. Set the required Preorder Mode.
  4. If needed, set Max Days Ahead to control how far into the future customers can place orders.
  5. Click Save.

Preorder modes

Never

  • Customers cannot preorder.
  • Customers cannot order when your branch is closed.
  • No date choice is shown at checkout.

Offered

  • Customers can order before your branch opens.
  • Customers can order for today.
  • Customers can choose a date in the next 30 days and an available time within your hours.
  • The current date and time is selected by default at checkout.

Always

  • Customers are encouraged to pick a date and time.
  • No date and time is selected by default at checkout.

Other time restrictions

Preorder mode is only one part of the setup. Tapa also provides more detailed ways to control when items can be sold.

  • Product Time Profiles: restrict sales of individual products based on a time profile.
  • Product Lead Times: define the lead time, in hours, required before a product can be ordered.
  • Menu Time Profiles: show or hide iWantFed menus based on a time profile.

If you need preorder control for only part of your menu, use product or menu time restrictions alongside the main preorder mode instead of relying on preorder mode alone.

FAQ

Which preorder mode should I use if I only want same-day orders?

Never is best if you do not want advance orders at all. If you want the next available order only, use the ASAP-only option in Ordering Settings instead.

What is the difference between Offered and Always?

Offered defaults the checkout to the current date and time while still letting the customer change it. Always pushes the customer to choose a date and time because nothing is preselected.

Can I hide certain menus outside specific times even if preorder is enabled?

Yes. Use menu time profiles to show or hide specific menus by time, regardless of the broader preorder mode.

Can I force extra notice for a specific product?

Yes. Use product lead times when a product needs more preparation notice than the rest of the menu.