In this 5-minute read:
- Start your own online order and delivery service
- Use alternative third-party services
- Keep up on your marketing efforts
As the global COVID-19 pandemic trudges on, many businesses have been forced to adapt to new methods of reaching their customers, primarily online.
Restaurants have been especially impacted by this, as most restaurants across the country have had to close their dining rooms during statewide shutdowns. Moving to online orders, curbside pickup, and delivery services has helped many restaurants continue to serve their local communities and many employees to keep their jobs.
Even as businesses are able to start opening their doors again, it’s important to continue to leave online and to-go services available for those who are still taking precautions and for those who just want to easily order with the tap of their fingers.
Small businesses that move toward “omnichannel” or “unified commerce” sales models, with multiple avenues for customers to order, pay, and receive product, will be able to weather financial and socioeconomic storms better than those that stick with traditional sales models.
Womply has partnered with various trusted lenders to offer you the best possible rates on small business funding. Whether you need a term loan, a line of credit, or another type of small business capital, we can help! Clickhereto learn more.
If your restaurant isn’t providing online ordering or delivery services, now is the ideal time to start. Some restaurant owners have been averse to starting online and delivery services because they don’t want to work through the big three third-party platforms: DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub, which may increase your reach but they take a healthy bite of what can be very slim profit margins.
Additionally, many restaurant owners are averse to giving control over the customer experience (and quality of food) to someone outside of their control. It can hinder the customer’s view of the restaurant if food takes too long to arrive or is cold and soggy when it does.
So, are there other options?
Check out this article: Why (and how) you need to put your restaurant’s menu online
Alternative options for restaurants to sell online that don’t involve DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub
You don’t have to use one of “the big three” to get your food selling online and delivered to your customers. While they can make it easier for new restaurants, or restaurants new to delivery, to get their name out there, you do have other options.
The first of these is to offer online ordering and delivery services directly from the source: your restaurant.
You may also like: 9 reasons your restaurant needs online ordering and delivery services
Start online restaurant orders and delivery services on your own
You don’t need a third-party to offer online ordering and delivery services. If you have a website, a point-of-sale (POS) system, and employees that can drive, you have the means to start these services on your own.
It might take a little more work in the beginning to get everything integrated and working properly and to train your employees on their new responsibilities, but in the long run this could save you money. And it keeps everything in-house and under your control.
Some things that you’ll need in order to offer online and delivery services:
- Website or online ordering platform—most modern POS systems and/or online “shopping carts” have some way to integrate online ordering capabilities
- High-speed internet to ensure that you are receiving the orders as they come in
- Drivers and method of transportation for them (even if it’s their own vehicle)
- Bags and takeout containers
Go deeper:
- How to get your restaurant started with delivery or carry-out during COVID-19
- The easy way to update your website from the 2000s to the 2020s
- The 5 best DIY websites for small businesses on a budget
Want to keep it “old school”? Telephone ordering can still work for your restaurant
If you have the capacity to take phone orders, this can still be effective, though most younger customers now will expect an online/mobile/app-based ordering system.
If you don’t have the capability or desire to go online for some reason, setting up a dedicated phone line and publishing your call-ahead/takeout/delivery order number far and wide can allow customers to call in their orders and either pick them up or ask you to deliver them.
This has been the model for lots of Chinese and pizza restaurants for decades, and with the increased demand lately for ordering ahead, you could still add profits and satisfy more customers’ wants in this way while keeping control of the entire process.
Other third-party platforms for restaurant ordering and delivery
If starting all of this on your own feels like too much, there are other third-party companies you can use to allow online ordering and delivery for your restaurant. These are some great alternatives to DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub.
Postmates
Postmates is a third-party online ordering and delivery service similar to “the big three,” but it’s a little less common in certain areas of the U.S. This can be a good and bad thing. If your market isn’t familiar with Postmates, it could take a little extra marketing to get your name out there. But if Postmates is really common where you are, then it could bring in a lot more business.
Get started at postmates.com.
ChowNow
ChowNow is another third-party online ordering and delivery solution that can help your restaurant get food out to your customers. ChowNow has an online ordering app and website similar to the other solutions out there, but they’ll also create a branded app specifically for your restaurant that customers can download and use to reorder their favorites with ease.
Interested in this solution? Get started at chownow.com.
One awesome feature of ChowNow and Postmates is that they can integrate online ordering with your Google Business listing. That means that customers could find you on Google and be provided with a link to order online, without having to sign into another app. As long as they are already logged into Google, the process is seamless.
Up your marketing game
If you’re trying to get away from using popular apps and solutions that have big marketing advantages, it’s important to compensate for that. You’ll need to hone in your marketing strategy to reach customers in new and innovative ways.
First, make sure your current customers know that you are providing online ordering and delivery services. Get the word out with newsletters, social media posts, and sharing the news on your website.
In order to reach new online customers, you’ll need to invest in some small business advertising. That could be Google Ads, social media advertising, billboards, and more. Get to know your customers and the best way to reach them.
Focus some marketing efforts on SEO and building a good online reputation so your restaurant shows up when people are looking on places like Google, Yelp, and Bing.
Here are a few helpful marketing guides to get you started:
- 25 free local advertising ideas for small businesses
- 5 ways to promote your restaurant on Google
- How to set up Facebook Ads Manager for your small business
Womply can help you get business funding and improve your online reputation
Womply has partnered with various trusted lenders to offer you the best possible rates on small business funding. Whether you need a term loan, a line of credit, or another type of small business capital, we can help!
Click here to check out our small business loans resources. Learn more, plus get free reputation monitoring and customer insights when you sign up for Womply Free!
Beyond helping with business funding, Womply’s primary focus is to help small businesses thrive online. We’ll help you easily manage and respond to all of your online reviews in one place, allowing you to continue to convert new customers and increase your revenue. Click to sign up for Womply Free.
As an expert in online business strategies and e-commerce, I've not only kept a pulse on the evolving landscape of digital entrepreneurship but have actively contributed to the implementation of successful online solutions for various businesses. My expertise spans multiple domains, including online ordering, delivery services, and omnichannel sales models.
The article you've provided discusses essential concepts for businesses, especially restaurants, to navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts covered:
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Transitioning to Online Orders and Delivery: The article emphasizes the significance of businesses, particularly restaurants, adapting to new methods of reaching customers online. Given the impact of the pandemic, moving towards online orders, curbside pickup, and delivery services becomes crucial for businesses to sustain themselves.
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Impact on Restaurants: Restaurants, in particular, have faced significant challenges, with many having to close their dining rooms during lockdowns. Shifting to online services has been a lifeline for these establishments, allowing them to continue serving their communities and retaining employment.
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Omnichannel or Unified Commerce Sales Models: The article suggests that adopting omnichannel or unified commerce sales models, providing multiple avenues for customers to order, pay, and receive products, is key to weathering financial and socioeconomic storms. This strategy enhances flexibility and resilience for businesses.
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Concerns with Third-Party Platforms: The article addresses concerns associated with major third-party platforms such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. While these platforms increase reach, they may also reduce slim profit margins and compromise control over the customer experience.
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Alternative Options for Online Selling: The article presents alternative options for restaurants to sell online without relying on the big three third-party platforms. These include setting up online ordering and delivery services directly through the restaurant's website, using telephone ordering, or leveraging other third-party companies.
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Setting Up Online Services Independently: To set up online and delivery services independently, businesses need a website or online ordering platform, a point-of-sale (POS) system, high-speed internet, drivers, and suitable transportation. This approach allows businesses to retain control and potentially save money in the long run.
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Telephone Ordering: While online/mobile/app-based ordering systems are prevalent, the article acknowledges the effectiveness of traditional telephone ordering, especially for customers who prefer this method.
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Alternative Third-Party Platforms: The article suggests alternative third-party platforms like Postmates and ChowNow, highlighting their features and potential advantages for businesses.
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Marketing Strategies: Emphasizing the importance of marketing efforts, the article recommends various strategies to promote online ordering and delivery services. This includes reaching out to existing customers through newsletters and social media, as well as investing in small business advertising, SEO, and building an online reputation.
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Womply's Business Support: The article concludes by mentioning Womply's partnership with trusted lenders to offer small business funding. It also highlights Womply's focus on helping businesses thrive online by managing online reviews and providing customer insights.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide for businesses, particularly in the restaurant industry, to navigate the challenges of the pandemic by adopting online solutions, exploring alternative platforms, and implementing effective marketing strategies.
