The Problem With Third Parties
When COVID-19 first began, restaurants learned to turn their attention to off-premise ordering channels. By summer, takeout services reigned supreme. From their end, customers got used to the ease and efficiency of scrolling through the apps. During this surge in popularity, restaurants continued to struggle with razor-thin profit margins. Now, they’re looking at direct delivery instead.
Although pickup and curbside also got more popular this year, delivery in particular really drives revenue. That’s why so many restaurants signed up with third-party apps initially. Signing up for third parties automatically opens businesses up to a whole new audience of potential customers and also lets them reap the benefits of takeout sales without an expensive setup.
However, soon restaurants found themselves struggling with high commission fees, a lack of data sharing, and less control over the whole process.
Photo courtesy of eatOS
Direct Delivery Gives You the Data
The more customers spend, the more detailed sales reports you’ll get. Analytic reports tell you what people buy the most and when they come by. When restaurants partnered with third-party apps, they found that the platforms didn’t share that crucial data. Thus those outside services could use the information to their own advantage, unfettered.
However, direct delivery gives you the reins. Access all that good customer data to build better marketing campaigns geared toward your most loyal guests. With the money saved on commission fees, invest some toward digital marketing. Become more discoverable and draw new customers right to your business. Instead of third-party apps deciding who gets the most attention, elevate your brand above the rest with direct delivery.
Control the Direct Delivery Process
Partnerships with third-party platforms also mean handing over the only face-to-face part of delivery left intact (assuming the customer doesn’t choose a contactless handoff). With your name on the takeout bag, you want to make sure everything goes smoothly, especially in case they complain. Handle all problems swiftly and effectively when you retake control of all your sales channels.
Although investing in new sales channels seems risky, it has a big payout when you do it right. Small restaurants can get in the game too. Sign up with eatOS and we’ll set up the new service as well as a branded mobile app designed just for your business. That way, you can focus on building the best restaurant that you can.
eatOS offers an all-in-one cloud-based eco-system exclusively for restaurants. From Point of Sale to Contactless Ordering, Pay & Order at Table, Kitchen Display System, Customer Facing Display, Online Ordering APP / Website and Workforce Management there is everything to help a restaurant succeed no matter the size. Click Here to Schedule a demo to learn more about how your restaurant can make a smooth transition into the world of restaurant technology made simple.
