If you’ve wondered whether your food based business could benefit from using delivery apps, here’s some food for thought.
With a plethora of delivery apps available, the convenience of having meals, snacks, or treats delivered to one’s doorstep has never been more accessible.
For food-based businesses, the prospect of reaching customers through delivery apps may have crossed your mind. Before diving in, it’s essential to weigh the considerations carefully. Here’s a guide on what to ponder before signing up, along with some valuable insights from our business advisor, Ali Richards, to optimize your experience with delivery apps should you choose to integrate them into your small business.
Weigh the benefits and risks
Our SBDC Business Adviser, Ali Richards, suggests asking yourself these four critical questions to gauge whether delivery apps could be a suitable addition to your business:
- Is your target market inclined to use these apps?
- Are your products suitable for delivery, or can they be adapted for it?
- Does offering online delivery align with your business’s brand and values?
- What are your objectives? Are you primarily a takeaway establishment looking to expand your reach through multiple platforms, or a hospitality venue seeking to supplement your onsite sales and boost revenue during slower periods?
After considering these factors, it’s crucial to evaluate the pros and cons of integrating food delivery apps. According to Ali, potential benefits may include increased convenience, access to new customer bases, enhanced online visibility, improved order management efficiency, and valuable customer insights for business growth.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge the downsides as well. These may include commission fees, potential compromises in quality and brand control when relying on external providers, and disruptions to in-house customers due to delivery drivers traversing your premises.
How to get started
If you decide to go ahead and try out one or more delivery apps, here’s how you could get started.
Do your research
Conduct thorough research to identify the available delivery apps in your vicinity, assessing their popularity, delivery coverage, fee structures, and contractual terms.
Start small
Begin with a modest approach by initiating a trial run with a select range of items, perhaps available during specific hours. This allows you to grasp the intricacies of the delivery process and refine your operations gradually.
Know your products
Familiarize yourself with your products and their suitability for delivery. Opt for items that can maintain their quality during transit, and explore options like creating combos or bundling products to maximize revenue per customer.
How to make the most of delivery apps
Utilizing delivery apps presents an excellent opportunity to demonstrate exceptional customer service and differentiate yourself from competitors. Consider enhancing your service by carefully packaging your items, including personalized notes or complimentary items in the delivery package, and maintaining open communication with customers regarding any unforeseen delays or unavailable items.
Once you have established your processes, refined your product offerings, and perfected your packaging, you can then explore strategies to optimize your presence on delivery apps and maximize their potential benefits for your business.
Streamline the process
Streamline the process by leveraging consolidator platforms if you’re considering using multiple delivery apps. These platforms centralize management, allowing you to efficiently handle orders from various apps in one place.
Make the apps work for you
Maximize the features offered by delivery apps to boost your visibility and attract new customers. Utilize built-in marketing tools to offer discounts, incentives, or promotional prices during quieter times to encourage repeat business.
Promote home delivery
Promote your new delivery options through your own marketing channels, such as social media, and utilize any marketing materials provided by the delivery apps, such as door signage.
Look after your dine-in customers
Ensure a positive dine-in experience for your in-house customers by minimizing disruptions from delivery operations. Consider creating a separate area for delivery collections to maintain a peaceful atmosphere for your dine-in patrons.
Communicate with your delivery customers
Communicate effectively with your delivery customers by setting realistic delivery times and allowing for contingencies. Stay in touch with customers to manage their expectations if unexpected delays occur, and utilize pause times on delivery apps to prevent becoming overwhelmed with orders.
