Delivery options have made all of our lives easier, and this is why more and more companies are looking into delivery services; how we see the world has changed in the past two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Before this, delivery services were already on the rise and quite popular, but more companies had to turn to delivery services to keep themselves afloat because of the pandemic.
Delivery services made getting groceries, food, and anything else safer for everyone involved, and this was especially needed during the several lockdowns we’ve been through. This made it possible to get everything you need without leaving the comfort of your home. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn more about how your business can benefit from delivery services.
1. Food and delivery trends
According to a 2016 New Yorker study, 7% of restaurant sales in that year were made up of food delivery orders. With the onset of the pandemic, this number jumped again. Axios reported that there was a 3% increase in delivery orders; this jumped from 19% to 22%. This meant that businesses with delivery services were busier than ever during these difficult times.
Another study found that in 2020, restaurants that offered online ordering conducted 11 to 30% of their overall business via this method. These companies have also seen, on average, an 11 to 20% increase in their sales. This is one of the primary reasons you should have a delivery service and website for your specific business, as this will increase and diversify your revenue.
2. The emergence and rise of Ghost restaurants
With the onset of the pandemic, people lost their job and had to think of a new and inventive way to diversify their income. Food delivery has impacted the food and restaurant industry, which inspired a new type or category of restaurant, known as ghost restaurants.
What is a ghost restaurant? It categorizes food service businesses that don’t have a brick-and-mortar location; that is, you can’t visit these places and dine in, which offers only delivery options. They developed mostly because they helped people get through hard times caused by the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Most ghost restaurants typically run out of commercial kitchens, so the main focus is usually on food prep and order fulfillment rather than the dine-in experience. Since most restaurants were made to close down because of lockdowns, ghost restaurants had their time to shine, allowing people to get to eat and taste their favorite dish safely, which is beneficial for both parties.
Ghost restaurants don’t need a lot of space, and therefore, rent is lower than your average restaurant, and they also save on labor because they don’t need front-of-house staff. Most of the labor when it comes to ghost restaurants is for prep, cooking, and delivery.
3. Exposure to new customers
The delivery service can help your business reach a huge array of customers. This means that you will be able to reach more than just your regulars; a delivery service will allow you to reach new customers, locals, and patrons from your surrounding neighborhoods. This is especially useful for restaurants that usually have a limited number of seats, allowing them to diversify their business.
Delivery is especially important if your business is in a city because, in these high-traffic areas, not everyone has a car, and some rely on delivery to get their fix-ins. So, having a delivery service will help you expand your clientele and ultimately benefit your company.
4. Reduce foot traffic
Even though restaurants are slowly opening up, they are still not operating to their full capacity, which means that foot traffic is still not how it used to be. Most cities have strict restrictions regarding dining in restaurants, which is why having a delivery service will still be beneficial for your business even after restaurants start opening up.
Offering a delivery option will usually more than make up for the loss of income that comes with having a limited number of guests in your restaurant at all times. This is also very practical for people who are hypochondriacs or are immunocompromised, who are still the more at-risk group when it comes to Covid. Another advantage with delivery in this current situation is that restaurants that have delivery options have a 20% increase in check sizes.
Looking for help?
Do you want to up your business game by having a delivery game? Then look no further than Linkeo Ltd. A website and a delivery service are essential nowadays to have a prospering business, and Linkeo Ltd can help you out with this. They offer a 3 month trial period with zero commitment. So, what are you waiting for? Give them a call today and learn more about their delivery option, which will help your business.
