Article overview / Successfully Starting with Meal Delivery: Tips for Your Hospitality Business
30/01/2024

Successfully Starting with Meal Delivery: Tips for Your Hospitality Business

What are the most popular delivery services?

In Belgium, three major players are active: TakeAway, Deliveroo, and UberEats. Each of these options has its unique advantages and target audiences. Unipage is happy to help you choose the right meal delivery platform.

What is your target audience?

Understanding who your customers are and what they value is key to making the right choice. For example, Deliveroo is known for its fast service and appeal to a young, urban audience, while UberEats offers a wide range of choices, which may be attractive to families. TakeAway, on the other hand, offers an extensive network in Belgium and can therefore appeal to a broader audience. Choosing the platform that best aligns with your target audience can significantly influence your success.

Cost Structure

In addition to understanding your customers, it's essential to carefully consider the cost structure of each platform. Deliveroo and UberEats may charge higher commissions but also offer greater visibility and advanced marketing tools. TakeAway may have a different pricing structure that better fits your business model. A crucial step is to delve into the cost structures and terms of the platforms. Understand the commissions and any additional costs, compare these, and decide if they fit within your business model.

Customer Service

Do not underestimate the value of customer service. A responsive and helpful customer service team can be essential in situations where problems with orders or payments occur. Reviews from other hospitality entrepreneurs can provide insight.

Menu Optimization for Delivery

Not every dish is equally suitable for delivery. Select and optimize dishes that travel well and maintain their quality after delivery. Consider a special delivery menu that meets these unique demands. Dishes that can be prepared quickly and remain good during transport can increase efficiency and minimize waiting time for customers. Additionally, offering dishes that are unique to your restaurant and travel well can help you stand out from competitors and provide customers with a memorable experience.

Packaging Quality

The journey your dishes take requires quality packaging. This should not only keep your meals warm and fresh but also contribute to your brand recognition. Good packaging can also serve as an effective marketing tool. By using your logo or brand colors, each delivery becomes an opportunity to promote your brand. Additionally, environmentally friendly packaging can create a positive image of your company and align with the values of environmentally conscious customers.

Promoting Your New Service

Let the world know that you now deliver! Use social media, your website, and promotions in your establishment to promote your presence on the meal delivery platforms. To enhance the impact of your promotions, you can also consider offering special deals or discounts for customers ordering through the platform for the first time. This can provide an extra incentive to try your delivery service and help build a loyal customer base.

Staff Training

A smooth transition to meal delivery also requires trained staff. They need to know how to handle online orders, from preparation to packaging and interaction with delivery partners.

Feedback and Reviews

Actively monitoring and responding to customer feedback on the platform is essential. This provides valuable insights and helps you continually improve your service.

Towards a Successful Delivery Service

The road to success in the world of meal delivery is multifaceted and requires a thoughtful strategy. It starts with choosing the right platform that aligns with your customer base and business model, weighing both costs and potential returns. An optimised menu, quality packaging, effective promotion, adequate staff training, and a proactive approach to customer feedback are keys to success.

By integrating these elements and continuously evaluating them, you take solid steps towards a thriving delivery service that not only meets current market needs but is also ready for future growth and change. In the era of digital transformation, adaptability is your greatest asset.

Would you like to discover how Unipage can further support you in optimising your hospitality business? Do not hesitate to contact one of our experts today.

 

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