Spotlight on…online ordering

The coronavirus has had a huge impact on the takeaway industry, causing a sudden and severe shift in consumer habits, health fears and increased isolation.

However after initially closing up shop, many food businesses are now adapting and finding new ways to engage with customers and bring in revenue.

One of the ways is online ordering, for both contactless delivery and click & collect. However trying to set up online ordering can create as many questions as it solves. What platform is best to use? Can I control collection times? How do I let my customers know about this new service?

Over the years at Eat Marketing, we’ve worked with clients to get them set up with online ordering using a variety of platforms. To help you decide what’s best for your business both during lockdown and afterwards, we’re taking a closer look at three different online ordering options our clients are currently using.

Zan Fish with Hungrrr

Our client Zan Fish has six fish and chip shops in Derby. After trialling online ordering for click & collect at their flagship store Zan Fish Village, the business rolled out the service to their other shops.

We worked closely with the Zan Fish team to get them set up on the online ordering platform Hungrrr for click & collect. Although Hungrrr is a third-party site, customers are directed to Zan Fish’s website where they can then click through to the online ordering platform, meaning traffic to their business website does not decline. Zan Fish have also been able to create their own app through Hungrrr that customers are able to download to place their order.

Hungrrr is a non-commission based online ordering platform which charges a flat monthly fee. It’s a good option if you’re keen to get set up and running fairly quickly but can’t afford to pay high commission fees. You’re also in control of your business profile on the site and own the customer data you receive through orders.

However compared to more well-known online ordering platforms, Hungrrr will offer less exposure for your business. We’ve been working with Zan Fish on their marketing to promote their new online ordering service through blogs, press releases and daily social media posts and videos.

Simpsons Fish and Chips with Deliveroo

As part of our branding refresh and website design work carried out for award-winning fish and chip shop Simpsons, we also helped set the team up for online ordering with Deliveroo.

As a delivery don, Deliveroo is a major contender for online ordering. With such a huge following and well-known reputation, using the platform will expose your food business to a wide audience through Deliveroo’s established marketing.

Deliveroo also takes the pressure off Simpsons Fish & Chips when it comes to delivering their orders, as it employs a huge fleet of staff to collect and drop off food. However bear in mind, if you do choose to partner with Deliveroo, they’ll take a commission of up to 30%. They’ll also control all your customer data, meaning you won’t be able to build relationships with those ordering from you online.

Love Pete’s – Preoday

Love Pete’s has over 40 years’ experience of cooking fish and chips for the people of Nuneaton and Bedworth. Eat Marketing supported the team in setting up online ordering for click & collect for their two fish and chip shops, using the platform Preoday.

Preoday is also a non-commission based platform and is relatively quick and easy to set up. With our help, Pete’s now has a branded online ordering platform for click & collect orders at both their shops, meaning customers are able to browse each menu and pay for their order online.