The rise of the food-ordering platform has significantly changed the way people order food from a restaurant. Today, you can’t expect to serve only the customers who visit your establishment. To serve a diverse customer base, you must have both takeaway and delivery options.
And that’s where third-party food-ordering platforms start to shine. However, not all food ordering platforms will help you increase your reach and sales. You may face a few potential threats if the food ordering platform doesn’t align with your business.
Here are some of the negative impacts signing in with the wrong online food ordering platform can have on your restaurant business.
Lack of Synchronisation Can Lower Food Quality
One of the most prominent challenges restaurants face with third-party food ordering services is the decline in food quality. This problem arises not only from mishandling during the journey from the kitchen to the customer’s doorstep but also from disjointed operations.
Often, meals are ready and packed long before the customer or the delivery driver arrives because orders are pre-assigned by third-party apps. This lack of coordination can leave food sitting around for too long, leading to a noticeable drop in quality. As a result, customers end up disappointed, which can seriously damage their relationship with the restaurant.
Loss of Brand Identity
When customers order through third-party platforms, they’re engaging with the platform’s brand, not yours. This often means your restaurant’s unique identity gets lost in the mix, as customers start to associate their delivery experience more with the third-party service than with your business.
That’s why it’s crucial to see third-party delivery services as a supplement, not the main focus, of your online sales strategy.
With services like ChefOnline, you can take back control of your brand. The platform lets each restaurant have its own personalised profile, making it easier to connect directly with your customers and keep your brand front and centre.
Less Control Over Customer Experience
Many third-party services take over the entire ordering and delivery process, leaving restaurants with minimal control over how their food is packaged and delivered to customers.
Unfortunately, this lack of control can lead to less-than-ideal customer experiences. These services may not always prioritise the quality of the food or the way it’s presented, which can diminish the overall dining experience and reflect poorly on the restaurant, even when the issue is out of their hands.
Luckily, you will not face any such issues with ChefOnline. With this platform, anyone can order takeaway and collect by themselves, allowing you to interact with your customers and provide a personalised experience.
Decreased Customer Loyalty
With so many restaurants on third-party platforms, it’s easy for customers to hop from one place to another, making loyalty a challenge for any single restaurant.
The convenience of these apps often means people order from a different spot each time, making it hard for businesses to cultivate a loyal customer base.
That’s why opting for a service that helps create a separate profile for your restaurant is crucial. If you look into ChefOnline’s restaurant menu, you will see a separate menu with a profile and website address for each restaurant. This means that your customers will learn about your establishment when placing an order.
Hidden & Unclear Cost
Most third-party ordering services are often stuck on hefty fees, driving up the cost of meals. This price hike can surprise and discourage customers when they compare app prices with your restaurant’s in-house menu.
This gap in pricing can frustrate customers, causing some to abandon their orders altogether or view your pricing as unfair. If this happens repeatedly, it can chip away at their trust and loyalty, making them less likely to choose your restaurant in the future.
To avoid such nuisance, you must opt for a reputed and reliable online food ordering service that uses transparent costing methods. For example, ChefOnline’s food ordering system doesn’t come up with any hidden cost, thus making it easier to gain the trust of your customers and enhance your reputation.
Reliance on External Platforms
When restaurants become too reliant on third-party services, they risk placing their success in the hands of others. If these platforms suddenly change their commission rates, shift their attention to competing restaurants, or even shut down without warning, the impact on the business can be significant.
This overdependence can leave restaurants vulnerable, making it difficult for them to maintain stability and control over their own future.
That’s why it’s crucial to opt for a trusted online food ordering system. Make sure you do a thorough research and read the reviews before you choose the right one for you.
Final Thoughts
Third-party food ordering platforms can boost your restaurant’s visibility and convenience, but picking the wrong one could hurt your business. To protect your restaurant, it’s crucial to choose a platform that aligns with your goals—and consider creating your own online presence.
With ChefOnline, you can sidestep these potential pitfalls. Our user-friendly system lets you easily create a custom online ordering platform right on your restaurant’s website. This makes it simple for your customers to place orders directly with you.
This allows you to stay in control of your brand, enhance the customer experience, and encourage repeat business.
