In today’s fast-paced food scene, convenience is king. But for restaurant owners, the path to offering convenient takeout and delivery can feel like a minefield, especially when relying on third-party platforms or the trusty (but often trying) telephone. While these methods might seem like easy entry points, they come with hidden costs and operational headaches that can erode your profits and frustrate your staff. It’s time to take back control. Investing in your own online ordering and delivery platform, like the seamless system offered by Dine Local, isn’t just a trend – it’s a smart business decision.
Let’s break down why.
1. Say Goodbye to Inflated Prices & Unhappy Customers
Third-party platforms often force you into a difficult position. To cover their hefty commission fees (often 20-30% or more!), you’re compelled to mark up your menu prices. Then, these platforms often add their own “service fees,” “delivery fees,” and other charges on top. The result? Your loyal customers end up paying significantly more for the same food they could get cheaper by ordering direct. This can lead to price sensitivity and customers looking elsewhere for better value.
The worst part? By sending them to the 3rd party platform, you encouraged them to find other alternatives and shifted their loyalty from your restaurant to the platform.
- With Your Own Platform: You control the pricing. Offer your customers fair, transparent prices without a middleman inflating the bill. And you keep your customers on your own order page. Happier loyal customers mean more repeat business.
2. Protect Your Bottom Line from Unfair Charges
The costs don’t stop at commissions. Third-party platforms are notorious for issuing refunds with limited dispute options for you, the restaurant. Did the driver spill the order? Was the customer just having a bad day? Often, you bear the cost. And now, many are even implementing steep penalties for driver wait times, even if the delay is due to a sudden rush you couldn’t predict or even a change from the platform themselves!
- With Your Own Platform: You regain control over your revenue. While customer service is paramount, you’re not at the mercy of a faceless corporation’s refund policies or arbitrary penalties. Dine Local never offers refunds without your approval and we work closely with you and the customer to resolve any issues.
3. Boost Operational Efficiency & Free Up Your Staff
“Can you hold, please?” How many times a day does your staff say that while juggling dine-in guests and a ringing phone? Taking phone orders is incredibly time-consuming. Compare that to a customer placing an order online in a few clicks. The difference is staggering. Every minute your staff spends on the phone is a minute they’re not attending to in-house patrons or ensuring kitchen operations run smoothly.
- With Your Own Platform: Orders come in completed in black and white on your order tablet and printer, minimizing staff interruption and freeing them to focus on providing excellent service to all your customers.
4. Slash Errors & Improve Order Accuracy
“Did they say ‘no onions’ or ‘extra onions’?” Loud restaurant environments, varying accents, and missed questions about modifiers can lead to a cascade of order inaccuracies with phone orders. This means remakes, wasted food, and dissatisfied customers.
- With Your Own Platform: Customers select exactly what they want, from main dishes to every specific modifier, directly through a clear interface. This drastically reduces errors, ensuring customers get what they ordered, every time.
5. Take Orders 24/7 – Even When You’re Sleeping!
Your restaurant might close at 10 PM, but your customers’ cravings (and planning) don’t stop. With your own online platform, like Dine Local, you can accept pre-orders around the clock. Customers can browse your menu and schedule their Friday night feast on a Tuesday morning, at their convenience.
- With Your Own Platform: Capture revenue you’d otherwise miss. Customers appreciate the flexibility, and you’ll love waking up to a queue of pre-paid orders.
6. Simplify Your Delivery Operations
If you’re managing deliveries based on phone orders, you’re likely juggling your own staff drivers (if you have them) or relying on local, often cash-based, delivery services. This can mean keeping cash on hand, staff spending time calling for dispatch, and uncertainty about driver availability during peak times, leading to long customer wait times.
- With Dine Local’s Integrated Delivery: Experience the difference. Our system offers automated dispatch, meaning no more phone calls to find a driver. GPS tracking gives you and your customers peace of mind. And because it’s integrated, there’s no need for cash exchanges with drivers. It’s reliable, efficient, and professional.
7. Meet Your Customers Where They Are: The Digital Shift
Customer behavior is evolving rapidly. An increasing percentage of patrons, even in higher age groups, are not just comfortable with but prefer digital ordering options. They value the ability to order on their own time, without feeling rushed or needing to talk to someone. They appreciate the clarity, reduced errors, and 24/7 convenience of online systems. Crucially, studies show a growing preference for ordering directly from restaurants rather than through third-party apps.
- With Your Own Platform: You cater directly to these modern preferences, building loyalty and demonstrating that your restaurant is in tune with its customers’ needs.
It’s Time to Own Your Online Ordering Platform
Relying solely on third-party apps and phone orders is like outsourcing your customer relationships and a significant chunk of your profit. By implementing your own online ordering and delivery platform with Dine Local, you take back control of your pricing, reduce operational friction, improve accuracy, enhance customer satisfaction, and ultimately, boost your bottom line.
Ready to empower your restaurant and delight your customers? Contact Dine Local today to learn how our tailored online ordering and delivery solutions can transform your business.
