To Deliver or Not to Deliver

I'm sure you've heard of Uber Eats, Skip the Dishes, Door Dash, etc. You know that if you call up your local pizza place, they can bring the pizza directly to your door. Delivery has been around for ages and it's not just pizza anymore. If you make food there is a service that can bring it to your customer. If you're still hesitant to get on the growing delivery bandwagon, here are some pros and cons to help you get things sorted out.

Pro: Your restaurant will reach a new demographic

The homebodies need food too. There are people out there that can't leave their house. Some people simply just don't want to leave their house. That doesn't mean they enjoy cooking though. If you offer your food for delivery they can enjoy your restaurant's cuisine while remaining comfortable at home. They can put their wants and needs first, and you get more business!

Pro: You're restaurant will be less crowded

As of right now, getting sick with viruses is a concern for everyone. Keep your restaurant less crowded with delivery as an option. Delivery drivers only stay inside for as long as they need to pick up the food and leave. They won't be eating in, standing in a long lineup, or taking up any space for a prolonged amount of time. If you have a smaller storefront it's even more convenient!

Pro: You'll get business even in bad weather

When it rains, it pours. Customers usually don't like leaving home in bad weather. I mean, who does? So how would they have access to your restaurant's food unless it's brought to them? That's where the third-party delivery services come into play. Drivers working for Uber Eats, Door Dash, and Skip the Dishes can choose their hours and make the decision whether or not they should work in that weather. That means some people are willing and able to still make food deliveries even in horrible conditions. You can keep your business running and keep the cash flowing in bad weather thanks to delivery.

Con: Waiting for drivers

Waiting can be a tedious task. But adding hot-to-serve food to that task makes it all more gruelling. Some drivers are slower than others which may impact the food quality. Luckily guests can be very understanding, but some may remain oblivious to the logistics and blame the wrong people. There are measures you can take to keep this from happening. Finding the perfect time to make the food based on the ETA of the driver, investing in a heat lamp to keep ready-made food warm, or delivering it yourself to make sure you're doing everything you can to keep the quality high.

Con: Possible disconnect with the restaurant

Dining in offers a unique experience that customers can't get by staying home. Even just stepping into your establishment offers a vibe that helps guests make a connection with your restaurant and keeps them coming back time and time again. With the absence of that, you're left with just the quality of your food to keep customers engaged.

Con: The cost

Delivery isn't a free service. There are fees for the guest and the restaurant. Whether the fees are within your budget is completely up to you. Some third-party delivery services request up to 30% commission depending on where you are. Although in Ontario, the cap is 20% commission. If you decide to do the delivering yourself you'll need to account for gas, car mileage, takeout containers, delivery bags, portable card readers, and more.

If you're still unsure whether delivery is for you, talk to the restaurant crew and see if they have any opinions worth noting. Delivery can bring a lot of success to your restaurant. Although, it has its risks as well. You know your restaurant better than others do, so whatever decision you make is made within good reason.