As a restaurant owner, it’s important to realize there are millions of food lovers that are longing for a better food delivery option.  As the public tires of the common take out selection, it has created a potential financial boon for current restaurant owners.  The quality of food that can be delivered from a high end local restaurant can be much greater than your average take out facility.  That quality is what will drive the demand from people seeking a fresher, healthier meal.

Demographics

Restaurant delivery services are becoming more popular in today’s bustling society.  The convenience of being able to have a first class dinner delivered to your door can appeal to several different demographics.  For those with full time jobs and children, being able to have a healthy option that doesn’t take hours to prepare can be invaluable.  For couples seeking a quality meal without having to deal with restaurant crowds, having a dinner delivered can provide you with the desired privacy for your date night.  Those with health issues that don’t allow them to leave the house, truly appreciate the treat of a gourmet meal being delivered to their door step.

Increased Revenue

The revenue generated from taking your product outside your restaurant walls to your customer’s dining room table can be significant.  In 2015 alone, American consumers spent $3.5 billion dollars on delivery food from independent restaurants.  This is not only a way for smaller restaurants to survive, but to compete with larger chains.  Having the ability to cater to those that don’t enjoy large crowds brings in a whole new revenue stream.

Advertising

If you have an established restaurant, advertising to your current customer base will be easy.  The real money maker for your delivery service will be reaching beyond the normal dining crowd.  Consider hiring a seasoned marketer to spread the word about your new service.  This will help you to better reach your target audience.  There are several things you can do on your own to spread the word.  Giving out free samples is a great way to let potential customers know about your new service.  Include a flyer with your restaurant name and delivery number with each sample. 

Staffing

You’ll want to have a dedicated staff to run your delivery service.  You don’t want to stretch your regular staff too thin with adding delivery responsibilities.   Having your staff remain separate will ensure focus and consistent quality.  You’ll need a manager to delegate tasks, delivery drivers and a cooking staff that is trained to be efficient and adept with your delivery menu.

Online Partnerships

There are many online services such as Grubhub that are essentially online food courts.  These services allow customers to browse several local restaurants and place their orders online.  If you’re not partnered with these sites, it’s possible your competition will pass you by.  Customers enjoy the ability to choose from a great variety of options, you need to make sure your establishment is one of those choices.  Each of these services offer different things, in some cases they will handle the orders, but you’ll still be responsible for the delivery.

Ensure Quality

Providing quality food to your delivery customers is easier than ever, ordering special containers that keep food warm, travel well and are environmentally friendly are options available to restaurants for order in mass. Menu items that are not well suited for transportation should be removed from your delivery menu- think what may or may not travel or keep fresh while in transit. Have a QC plan, create a checklist for staff to follow before the order leaves the building, simple things such as providing utensils, napkins and straws can greatly impact the customer experience.  Nothing ruins a great meal like not having a fork to eat it with.  Removing ice from drinks will ensure your customers don’t receive watered down beverages.  You’ll want to go to great lengths to provide your delivery drivers with the proper equipment to keep warm dishes warm, and cold drinks cold.

Use Bicycle Delivery

In large cities, gridlock is a very real problem for delivery orders.  Bicycles have the ability to dodge traffic and can also park anywhere.  If your restaurant delivers in a large city, having a bicycle delivery team can set you apart from the competition.  This helps to ensure the timeliness of delivery and the quality of the food when it gets to its destination.

Group Ordering Rates for Businesses

Partnering up with local businesses to provide daily lunches is a great way to develop consistent business.  Many companies get together to order lunches, offering a discount for these group orders will endear you to these customers and ensure they look to you for their lunch delivery needs.  This also increases your per delivery dollar amount, which impacts the bottom line in a positive way.

Create an App

Convenience for the customer is a main point of having delivery services. Giving them the option to order via an app will make it that much easier. Be sure that your app allows the whole ordering process to go seamlessly. If there are always errors or issues with your app then people will not want to use it. Ensure that things like delivery areas and additional fees are clearly shown before the order is started. Having an app, with the appropriate functionality and engineering, has the potential to increase delivery sales.

In many cases small business owners lack the credit or collateral to access the money needed to remain flexible.  Quikstone Capital Solutions provides cash for businesses.  A merchant cash advance from Quikstone Capital Solutions is a business loan alternative that can help your business thrive and prosper, whether you need cash to buy equipment, cash to renovate or expand, cash to purchase inventory, cash to advertise or cash for emergencies. Quikstone Capital Solutions can help. Contact us for a consultation today.

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