Meet growing customer expectations in delivery
Customers expect more than just delicious food from their favorite restaurants—they want the ability to order meals quickly and easily, whether they are dining in, picking up, or ordering delivery. The ability for customers to see their order status and location, housed into one easy-to-use system, will be a factor that helps your business stand out from the competition.
To plan for this, restaurant technology must be able to handle multiple ordering channels (online, mobile, and phone) and a delivery management software must give customers maximum visibility. Streamlined online ordering allows for a quick turnaround from your kitchen to their doorstep, creating a smooth and consistent delivery experience that will keep customers coming back.
In-house food delivery vs third-party apps
When a restaurant handles its own delivery, it maintains full control over the entire process, from food preparation to customer handoff. With more control over orders, restaurant owners worry less about miscommunication with customers, incorrect orders, and late deliveries. In-house delivery and online ordering systems also streamline restaurant operations, making them more efficient and manageable.
This control is crucial for maintaining the quality and consistency of a guest’s dining experience. You’re able to set and enforce your restaurant’s standards for delivery times, food presentation, and customer service. By managing delivery in-house, restaurants can ensure their brand and continued customer experience are meeting expectations every time. That being said, we encourage operators to invest in tech that will allow the ability to easily toggle between in-house and third-party delivery.
Guests demand more ordering options
The stats are clear–guests want ordering options. Current data trends on how consumers are choosing to order can shape your plans for the future. For example, when setting up your restaurant for future delivery growth, ask yourself these questions:
- Do you have a user-friendly online ordering system? 67% of consumers are at least sometimes deterred from using third-party apps because of the fees associated with using them (of which 35% are definitely deterred).
- Are all of your order channels (mobile, phone, website) consistent and easy to use?
- Does your food delivery system give customers visibility of where their order is? 23% say increased delivery tracking abilities factor into their ordering decisions.
- Are you offering great promotions and coupons? 51% say coupons and promotions heavily factor into where they are placing their orders.
You can better prepare your restaurant to meet the demands of your customers and maximize on delivery by addressing these questions. Embracing technology and optimizing your delivery operations will not only enhance the customer experience, but also drive growth and profitability in the long run. Plan for the future now and set your restaurant up for sustained success.
Choosing the right tech
Maximizing profits in the restaurant industry requires implementing the right technology to streamline operations and enhance customer experience. With an advanced POS system in place, restaurants can efficiently manage orders, inventory, and staff, reducing errors and lowering operational costs.
Integrating online ordering and delivery solutions boosts sales by tapping into the growing demand for convenience. Ultimately, the right tech stack not only improves efficiency, but also drives customer satisfaction and loyalty, leading to increased revenue and profitability.
