Key Takeaways:
Choosing The Right Delivery Model Matters: Deciding between in-house delivery and third-party services affects costs, control, and customer experience. Each option has trade-offs that impact long-term success.
A Smooth Ordering System Increases Sales: Customers expect an easy and reliable way to place delivery orders. An efficient ordering system keeps operations running smoothly and improves customer satisfaction.
Marketing Delivery Services Helps Attract Orders: Promoting delivery on social media, using discounts, and encouraging customer reviews can increase awareness. A strong marketing strategy drives repeat business and new customers.
It’s the perfect fit.
If you’re considering adding delivery to your restaurant, there are some bases to cover first. Customers expect their favorite meals to be just a few taps away, and if your business isn’t offering delivery, you’re missing out on a significant revenue stream.
At Sauce, we help your restaurant manage online orders with a seamless, commission-free delivery system. Our platform integrates directly with Google, Instagram, and your website, making reaching more customers easier without paying hefty third-party fees.
In this guide, we’ll examine how to set up delivery for your restaurant. Whether launching delivery for the first time or upgrading your current system, you’ll find everything necessary to create a smooth, profitable operation.
Why Offering Delivery Is Essential For Restaurants
More people than ever prefer to order from their favorite restaurants and enjoy meals at home, at work, or on the go. Without a delivery option, your restaurant could be losing potential customers to competitors that make ordering easier.
Delivery isn’t just a trend; it’s a business booster. Restaurants that offer delivery often see increased sales, larger order sizes, and more repeat customers. It also opens new revenue streams, from catering orders to late-night cravings that wouldn’t bring foot traffic otherwise.
Setting up a smooth delivery system ensures you can meet demand without relying on third-party apps that take a big cut of your profits. With the right approach, you can keep your customers happy, grow your restaurant’s reach, and maintain control over your brand.
Step 1: Choose A Delivery Model
Before launching delivery, you must decide how orders will reach your customers. Two main options are handling deliveries in-house or partnering with a third-party service. Each choice comes with its own benefits and challenges, so it’s important to pick one that aligns with your restaurant’s needs.
Managing delivery independently gives you full control over customer experience, pricing, and branding. You can hire drivers, set delivery areas, and avoid paying high commission fees to third-party platforms. However, this requires extra staff, training, and resources to ensure timely and efficient deliveries.
Third-party delivery services, like food apps, handle logistics for you but often incur high fees. While they offer convenience, they also take a percentage of each sale, cutting your profits. Some restaurants use a mix of both approaches – offering direct delivery through their website while still being listed on apps for visibility.
The right model depends on your budget, staff, and how much control you want over the process. No matter your route, having a clear plan will help you run delivery smoothly and keep customers coming back.
Step 2: Set Up An Online Ordering System
A reliable online ordering system is the backbone of any successful delivery service. Customers expect a smooth, hassle-free way to place their orders through your website, social media, or mobile app. If the process is confusing or slow, they may look elsewhere.
There are many options when setting up online ordering. Some restaurants use built-in website features, while others integrate third-party software directly connecting to their point-of-sale system. The goal is to make ordering as simple as possible with clear menus, easy checkout, and secure payment options.
Allowing customers to order directly from you instead of through third-party apps helps keep more profits in your pocket. It also gives you more control over the customer experience, from promotions to personalized communication. A well-structured ordering system brings in more sales and builds loyalty over time.
Step 3: Optimize Your Menu For Delivery
A well-structured delivery menu ensures your food arrives in top condition and meets customer expectations. Some dishes are best enjoyed fresh from the kitchen, while others can maintain their quality during transport. Adjusting your menu for delivery will help avoid complaints, reduce waste, and keep customers coming back for more:
Choose Dishes That Travel Well: Not all meals are suitable for delivery, so focusing on dishes that maintain their taste and texture during transit is essential. Foods that get soggy, melt quickly or separate over time may not best fit for takeout. Consider testing menu items by packaging them as they would be for delivery and checking how they hold up after 30 minutes.
Modify Recipes For Better Delivery: Some minor recipe adjustments can improve how well your food travels without changing the overall taste. For example, separating sauces from fried foods can help keep them crisp, and using sturdier bread for sandwiches can prevent sogginess. Minor tweaks like these can make a big difference in customer satisfaction.
Offer A Simplified Delivery Menu: A smaller, carefully chosen menu helps the kitchen prepare orders faster, ensuring consistent quality. Limiting the number of delivery items reduces complexity, minimizes preparation errors, and keeps operations running smoothly. Including best-selling dishes and creating exclusive delivery-only combos can increase sales without overwhelming staff.
Invest In High-Quality Packaging: The proper packaging helps keep food at the right temperature, prevents spills, and improves presentation. Insulated containers work well for hot meals, while vented boxes help fried foods stay crispy. Packaging should also be easy to open, recyclable, and designed to maintain the freshness of each dish.
Add Branding And Customer Instructions: Personalizing each order can boost customer satisfaction and build brand loyalty. Stickers, thank-you notes, or simple reheating instructions show you care about the experience beyond the meal itself. Clear item labels also help avoid confusion, especially for large orders or group meals.
Step 4: Establish A Reliable Delivery Network
A well-organized delivery system is essential for getting food to customers quickly and in good condition. Whether you use in-house drivers or a third-party service, the process should be smooth, efficient, and consistent. Delays, incorrect orders, or poorly handled food can lead to bad reviews and lost customers.
If you manage delivery in-house, hiring dependable drivers and setting clear delivery zones will help prevent delays. Using a route optimization tool can improve efficiency by reducing travel time and ensuring timely arrivals. For restaurants relying on third-party services, choosing a provider with a strong reputation and fair fees is essential for maintaining profits and service quality.
Step 5: Train Staff For Efficient Delivery Operations
A smooth delivery service depends on a well-prepared team. Everyone involved, from kitchen staff to drivers, should understand their role in ensuring orders are accurate, properly packed, and delivered on time. Small mistakes can add up without proper training, leading to frustrated customers and lost revenue.
Kitchen staff should be trained to prioritize delivery orders alongside dine-in service without disrupting workflow. Proper packaging techniques, portioning, and timing should be emphasized to ensure that food maintains its quality. Clear communication between the kitchen and delivery staff can help prevent mix-ups and reduce delays.
Drivers or third-party couriers also play a big role in customer satisfaction. They should know the best routes, handle food carefully, be prepared to interact with customers professionally and be friendly. Providing them with insulated bags and ensuring they understand safe transport practices will help keep meals fresh upon arrival.
Step 6: Market Your Delivery Services
Offering delivery is only part of the equation – customers need to know about it to place orders. A well-planned marketing strategy helps spread the word, attract new customers, and keep existing ones coming back. Using multiple channels to promote your delivery service will increase visibility and drive more sales:
Update Your Online Presence
Your website and social media platforms should clearly advertise that delivery is available. Adding a visible “Order Now” button, updating your Google Business profile, and posting about delivery options can make it easy for customers to find the information they need. Keeping your online menu accurate and easy to access also helps reduce confusion and encourages more orders.
Use Promotions And Discounts
Special offers encourage first-time customers to try your delivery service. Discounts on first orders, free delivery for a limited time, or bundled meal deals can create excitement and increase sales. Running occasional promotions keeps people engaged and gives them a reason to choose your restaurant over competitors.
Leverage Customer Reviews And Word Of Mouth
Happy customers can be your best marketing tool. Encouraging them to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, or social media helps build trust with potential customers. You can also include flyers, discount codes, or QR codes in delivery bags to remind customers to order again and share their experience with others.
Partner With Local Influencers And Communities
Connecting with food bloggers, local influencers, or community groups can expand your reach. A simple post or review from a well-known local figure can introduce your restaurant to a wider audience. Sponsoring local events or special promotions for nearby businesses can also help attract loyal customers.
Keep Customers Engaged With Email And SMS Marketing
Regular updates and promotions sent via email or text can keep your restaurant in customers' minds. Sending exclusive deals, new menu announcements, or reminders about your delivery service can encourage repeat orders. Personalized offers based on past purchases can make customers feel valued and more likely to return.
Step 7: Monitor And Improve Your Delivery Performance
Setting up delivery is just the beginning – tracking performance helps ensure a smooth operation and happy customers. Regularly reviewing order accuracy, delivery times, and customer feedback can reveal areas that need improvement. A well-run system keeps customers satisfied and reduces issues that could hurt your reputation.
Technology can help streamline the process by tracking deliveries, monitoring delays, and collecting customer reviews. Analyzing data such as peak order times and common complaints can help make better decisions for staffing and operations. Minor adjustments, like improving packaging or updating estimated delivery times, can significantly improve customer satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
Offering delivery is a shift in how restaurants connect with their customers. As dining habits continue to evolve, the ability to bring meals directly to people’s doors can make all the difference in staying competitive.
A well-planned system ensures efficiency and a consistent experience that reflects your brand. Whether handling deliveries in-house or using third-party services, the goal remains: making great food accessible while maintaining control over quality and profits. With the right approach, delivery can become a reliable and rewarding part of your restaurant’s success.
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Frequently Asked Questions About How To Set Up Delivery For Your Restaurant
How much does it cost to set up delivery for a restaurant?
The cost depends on whether you choose in-house delivery or a third-party service. Expenses include hiring drivers, purchasing delivery supplies, and paying platform fees.
Do I need a special license to offer restaurant delivery?
No special license is required in most areas, but food safety and business permits must be current. Additional permits may be necessary if alcohol is being delivered.
What is the best way to handle delivery orders during busy hours?
A well-organized kitchen workflow and a reliable order management system help prevent delays. Assigning specific staff members to handle delivery orders can also improve efficiency.
Should I charge customers for delivery?
Many restaurants charge a small delivery fee to cover costs without deterring customers. Free delivery promotions can also help attract new orders and boost sales.
How can I ensure food stays fresh during delivery?
Insulated bags, sturdy packaging, and proper portioning help maintain food quality. Choosing delivery-friendly menu items can also reduce complaints about soggy or cold food.
What should I do if a customer receives the wrong order?
Apologize, offer a solution such as a refund or redelivery, and review internal processes to prevent future mistakes. Clear order tracking and labeling can minimize these issues.
How do I compete with larger chains that offer delivery?
Focusing on personalized service, unique menu items, and direct ordering incentives can give independent restaurants an advantage. Promoting special deals and quality packaging also helps build loyalty.
Can I run delivery without a dedicated driver?
Yes, many restaurants use third-party couriers or partner with local delivery services instead of hiring in-house drivers. This option reduces overhead costs while still offering convenience.
What is the best way to get customer feedback on my delivery service?
Sending follow-up emails, adding a QR code for reviews in packaging, or offering discounts for feedback can encourage customer input. Tracking complaints and online ratings also helps identify areas for improvement.
How can I promote my restaurant’s delivery service on a low budget?
Free social media posts, local partnerships, and customer referrals are cost-effective ways to spread the word. Listing your restaurant on Google Business and encouraging online reviews can increase visibility.
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