If you have not added a delivery service to your business options, you’re missing out on a large number of potential customers. In the restaurant industry alone, 60% of people say they would order more often if delivery was an option. When asking Millennials, this number grows to 74%.
Adding delivery services does require some changes, but it can increase your profit margins significantly. If you’re wondering how to start a delivery service, here are some simple steps you can take.
How to Start a Delivery Service
To start a delivery service, you will need to evaluate your current processes. This will help you ensure local delivery services are fast and efficient. This evaluation includes the following:
- Technology
- Order processes
- Delivery options
- Feedback processes
Evaluating these aspects of your current set up can help you create an effective and profitable option for your business.
Websites and Apps Optimized for a Local Delivery Service
If you plan to offer delivery services, you need to make the ordering process as easy as possible for your customers. In most cases, this means optimizing your website for delivery options.
Ninety-six percent of people like to shop online. Creating a website that makes the ordering process easier for customers will ensure they come back. This includes making products easy to find and evaluate. A website also makes it easy to offer discounts and coupons for certain items.
Any web-based order system should also include an estimated delivery time for their order.
An easy-to-use phone app can accomplish the same goal. An app can serve dual purposes: it expands your reach to the growing number of people who use their phones for everything, while keeping your products readily available.
Determine Delivery Options
An important factor with delivery is getting the products to customers quickly while maintaining product integrity. This means evaluating both packaging options and delivery methods.
Make sure all packaging is useful in maintaining quality when delivering items. The packaging needs to keep items safe from any issues that may arise during delivery.
The delivery method is also important. Many items, especially in the food industry, require methods to maintain temperature control. These needs will differ depending on the industry you’re delivering for.
Evaluate Order Processes
Adding delivery services will increase the volume of orders you receive on a daily basis. This means it’s important to evaluate your order processes to ensure you understand how to handle these larger order volumes.
You will want to determine your need for more staff during peak times. You will also need to make sure all staff involved in the delivery process are fully trained on any safety considerations involved with this new venture.
It’s also a good idea to set up a delivery-handling area. This will keep deliveries from slowing down other orders for your business. This will also ensure that you have everything together in one place to make the delivery process simpler.
Customer Feedback
Since delivery makes it more difficult for customers to fix an order with a mistake, it’s important to make it easy for customers to give feedback. Whether you use a website form or a customer service number, make sure it’s easy for customers to find.
Making it easy to report an issue will make it easier to fix issues immediately. It will also ensure customers will continue to order from you.
Become One of the Businesses That Delivers
You have an understanding of how to start a delivery service. Now it’s time to take the next step and evaluate your delivery options.
If you’re ready to find the right delivery system for your business, we can help with transportation. Contact us to determine the best delivery options for you.