Convenience is currency in today’s fast-paced dining landscape. More and more hungry customers now prefer to order food online, having all their cravings delivered straight to their doorsteps with a few taps on their smartphones. This surge in demand for online food delivery presents a golden opportunity for businesses to expand their reach and multiply their revenues. However, how do you stand out with competition fiercer than ever?
To successfully grow an online ordering system, you need to implement a multipronged strategy centered around effective digital marketing, exceptional customer experience, and efficient logistics. Learn how to increase delivery sales for your restaurant in this guide.
1. Choose Your Third-Party Delivery Partners Wisely
When deciding on third-party online food delivery services, it’s crucial to check their fees and merchant pricing. Typically, payments go to the vendor, who then distributes your restaurant’s share weekly or monthly, depending on the agreement. Be mindful that if a customer uses a discount voucher, the reduced amount may come out of your earnings.
The reputation and reliability of online food delivery vendors you choose can also significantly impact your sales. Choose companies with user-friendly platforms, multiple payment options, and real-time order tracking. Beyond that, consider the number of delivery drivers or riders available in your area. It won’t do your business any good if orders are coming in yet no one’s there to deliver them.
More on food delivery platforms in the downloadable guide below.
Delivery Takeout Guide
Step by step guide created to make sure you won't miss any of essential points on your way to becoming a restaurant who delivers!
2. Optimize Your Takeout Menu
Offer items that travel well, look good when opened, and can be reheated if needed. Not every dish from your dine-in menu should be available for delivery. It’s crucial to consider overhead costs, kitchen efficiency, and how well the items hold up during transport. Looking into these factors can prevent operational strain and ensure a better customer experience.
So, spotlight your bestsellers and frequently switch out a few “specials” to see which dishes people are more likely to order online. You may also swap in seasonal specialties or alcoholic drinks – canned cocktails or rosé in warmer months and an array of hot beverages to help drum up restaurant delivery sales during the “Ber” months.
3. Offer Delivery Service Promotions And Meal Bundles
The right promotions can inspire customers to act and hit the “Order Now” button. According to a survey from RetailMeNot, four out of five people feel more compelled to make a purchase when presented with an enticing deal offer or discount. So, craft limited-time offers, such as 20% off first-time online orders or free delivery on orders over a certain amount.
Meal bundles are another effective strategy to increase food delivery sales. By grouping crowd-favorite items with less popular ones at a discounted price, you provide value and variety to your customers while encouraging them to spend more.
Create themed bundles like a “Dinner for Two” that includes appetizers, main courses, and desserts, or a “Friday Night Combo” featuring finger foods and drinks.
4. Reevaluate Your Menu Pricing
In addition to ingredients costs, calculate other operational expenses like labor, packaging, and delivery fees when pricing your menu. Your prices should account for the additional fees associated with third-party online food delivery services. This may require a slight increase in menu prices for delivery to maintain your profit margins while still offering your customers competitive rates.
If certain items are particularly popular and drive high sales, consider pricing them at a premium. Conversely, if some dishes aren’t selling as well, you might want to adjust their prices to help balance your menu’s overall profitability.
5. Build Your Online Presence With Omnichannel Marketing
Spread the word that your restaurant is selling food online by leveraging social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X. Showcase your offerings with high-quality images and engaging content that highlights your menu, special deals, and behind-the-scenes kitchen scenes. Try running targeted ad campaigns to reach new potential customers.
Offline efforts can help raise awareness about your online food delivery service. Place eye-catching fliers in your restaurant and include information about your delivery options on receipts. Distribute brochures in local neighborhoods to capture the attention of nearby residents. Finally, track and analyze the performance of each marketing strategy.
6. Encourage Customers to Leave Reviews and Give Feedback
A high rating not only boosts your restaurant’s credibility but also influences others to order food from you. However, not everyone remembers or has enough motivation to leave a review. After a delivery, send a follow-up email or text message thanking them for their patronage. Make sure to invite them to share their experience on online review platforms. Include direct links to your restaurant’s review pages to simplify the process.
Responding to reviews is equally important. Show your customers that you value their opinions by acknowledging their feedback promptly. If there’s any complaint, apologize and reply with a solution.
Implementing an online food delivery system is not just an option – it’s a necessity if you want your business to grow exponentially. Ultimately, mastering how to increase delivery sales is all about providing a seamless experience for your customers. From the moment they browse your menu to the time their food arrives, every step should reflect the quality and care your restaurant prides itself on. So, embrace the digital dining era and watch your profits soar. Need more help setting up your delivery operations? Download the free UFS guide today.
