Direct Orders from your Takeaway - Can You Beat the Delivery Services

For many takeaways, third-party delivery platforms like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Foodpanda have been a double-edged sword. While they offer incredible reach and convenience, they also place a thick layer between you and your most valuable asset: your customer. The fear for many businesses is that these platforms are, in essence, holding their customers "hostage", making it challenging to build direct relationships and encourage repeat business without hefty commissions.

The good news is, you absolutely can reclaim your regulars and encourage them to order direct from your takeaway. It’s about making the direct ordering experience so appealing and rewarding that customers choose you, not just the platform.

1. Make Direct Ordering Effortless For Your Takeaway

If ordering directly is a hassle, customers will default to the convenience of the platforms.

• Optimise Your Online Presence: Ensure your own website or direct ordering platform is incredibly user-friendly, fast, and mobile-optimised. High-quality photos of your food are a must.

• Clear Call-to-Action: Make it obvious how customers can order directly – prominent buttons on your website, social media, and even a simple QR code on your packaging.

• Streamlined Payment Options: Offer a variety of popular payment methods to reduce friction.

• Reliable Delivery (or Collection): If you handle your own delivery, ensure it's efficient and timely. If not, make collection a smooth, quick process.

2. The Power of Incentives: Why Order Direct?

Customers need a compelling reason to switch their behaviour. This is where you reward them directly for their loyalty.

• Exclusive Discounts: Offer discounts only for direct orders. For example, "10% off when you order directly from our website!"

• Freebies & Add-ons: A complimentary side dish, a free drink, or a dessert for direct orders can be a powerful motivator.

• Special Offers: Run unique promotions that are unavailable on third-party platforms, such as "Buy One, Get One Free" or "Meal Deal for Two" when ordering direct.

• "Order Ahead" Perks: Encourage planning by offering a small reward for direct orders placed for a future date or time.

• Loyalty Points & Rewards: This is perhaps the most crucial element. Implement a system where direct orders earn customers points or 'stamps' towards free items or significant discounts. This builds a direct, ongoing relationship.

3. Communicate Directly and Consistently

Use every customer touchpoint to subtly (and not so subtly) encourage direct orders.

• Packaging Inserts: Include a small flyer or sticker in every order (even those from platforms) promoting your direct ordering channel and its benefits. Include a QR code here.

• Social Media Campaigns: Dedicate specific posts and stories to promoting direct ordering, highlighting the exclusive benefits customers receive.

• In-Store Signage: If customers visit your physical location for collection, ensure prominent signage encourages direct orders for future business.

• Receipt Messages: Add a message to your printed receipts thanking them and reminding them of the advantages of ordering directly next time.

4. Build a Recognisable Brand Experience

Beyond the food, what makes your takeaway unique?

• Consistent Quality: Ensure the food quality and service are consistently excellent, whether ordered directly or via a platform. Your core product must be superb.

• Personalised Touches: If possible, add a small, personal note to direct orders, or remember returning customers' preferences.

• Feedback Loop: Encourage direct feedback via your own channels. This shows you value their opinion and helps you improve your service.

Reclaiming Loyalty with Stamp by meed

Managing exclusive direct-order incentives and loyalty programs can feel like another administrative burden. This is precisely where Stamp by meed steps in, offering a remarkably straightforward solution for takeaways to nurture their direct customer relationships.

Soon, 'Stamp by meed' will provide takeaways with a dedicated product to:

• Effortlessly Create Digital Stamp Cards: Say goodbye to forgotten paper cards! Customers scan a QR code at your counter or use a link when ordering online to collect 'stamps' with each direct purchase.

• Automate Rewards: Set up automatic rewards for your loyal customers, such as a free meal after 10 stamps or a discount on their next order. These rewards are stored digitally for easy redemption.

• No App Required for Customers: A significant advantage for both you and your customers. They don't need to download yet another app. All their meed loyalty programs are accessible via a single web-based login.

• Seamless for Your Staff: Your team can easily 'stamp' customer purchases or redeem rewards with a simple scan, keeping queues moving and operations smooth.

By implementing strategies that reward direct engagement and leveraging easy-to-use digital loyalty tools like 'Stamp by meed', you can transform casual customers into your most valuable regulars, boosting your bottom line and ensuring your takeaway thrives independently.