The food delivery market has more than tripled since 2017 and is worth more than $150 billion globally. To meet customer demands, offering efficient and reliable food delivery services is essential for business. While third-party delivery platforms and companies have become popular options, many restaurant owners are recognizing the advantages of establishing an in-house delivery team.

In this article, we will provide valuable insights and guidance on how to set up and maintain your own in-house delivery team. Additionally, we will highlight how Shipday, a leading delivery management platform, can assist you in streamlining your operations and providing an exceptional customer experience.

The benefits of in-house delivery

Establishing an in-house delivery service for your restaurant comes with several significant benefits. By taking control of the entire delivery process, you can enhance the customer experience, reduce additional costs associated with third-party services, and have greater flexibility in managing your delivery operations.

Improved customer experience

One of the primary advantages of in-house delivery is the ability to provide an enhanced customer experience. By directly managing the delivery process, you can ensure timely and reliable deliveries, thereby increasing customer satisfaction. Having In-house delivery also allows you to have greater control over delivery fees and the overall delivery experience.

Reduced costs and greater control

In-house delivery eliminates the need to rely solely on third-party delivery apps and services, which often come with hefty commission fees and additional costs. Having control over your delivery staff and delivery fleet enables you to optimize routes, minimize delivery costs, and maximize operational efficiency. By setting up your own delivery team, you can significantly reduce delivery expenses and retain a larger portion of your revenue. 

4 Steps to establishing your in-house delivery team

Setting up an in-house delivery team requires careful planning and execution. In this section, we will guide you through the essential steps involved in establishing your own delivery operation, from recruiting and training delivery staff to ensuring a seamless delivery process.

Step 1: Acquire delivery vehicles

Investing in a fleet of delivery vehicles is crucial for ensuring prompt and efficient delivery services. Restaurant owners can purchase or lease vehicles suitable for their specific needs, considering factors such as size, fuel efficiency, and branding opportunities.

Step 2: Recruit and train drivers

Building a competent and reliable delivery team is crucial for the success of your in-house delivery service. Here are some effective recruitment strategies and insights into training your delivery drivers to ensure professionalism, efficiency, and exceptional customer service:

• Conduct thorough background checks: Obtain driver's license verification and any driver training programs the potential hire has gone through to ensure safety and professionalism. Training should include aspects like customer service, order handling, and efficient route planning.
• Provide a seamless and efficient application and selection process: Simplify the application form, focusing on essential details such as relevant experience, driving qualifications, and availability. 
• Leverage HR software and tools: Automate resume screening and shortlisting, saving time and effort for your recruitment team.
• Conduct thorough face-to-face or virtual interviews: Try to assess candidates' skills, professional backgrounds, and cultural fit. 
• Consider incorporating practical assessments or tasks: Gauge candidates’ ability to handle real-world delivery scenarios effectively. 

By streamlining your recruitment process, you can ensure a positive candidate experience and attract highly qualified delivery drivers.

Step 3: Establish delivery hours

Determine the delivery hours based on customer demand and operational capacity. This may involve aligning delivery hours with peak dining times or extending services to cater to different customer preferences, such as late-night deliveries.

Step 4: Streamline the delivery process

Efficiency is key when it comes to delivery operations. In this section, we will explore the various aspects of streamlining your delivery process, including optimizing delivery routes, leveraging technology for order management and tracking, and implementing effective communication systems with your delivery staff and customers.

Implementing Last-Mile Delivery Strategies

Last-mile delivery, the final leg of the delivery process, can significantly impact customer satisfaction. Optimize last-mile delivery by employing advanced technologies such as route optimization software, real-time tracking, and contactless delivery options. This ensures a seamless and secure delivery experience for customers.

Shipday offers advanced tools and features to enhance the overall delivery experience for your customers. From real-time tracking and contactless delivery options to efficient delivery scheduling and customization, Shipday can help you streamline your delivery processes, manage delivery partners, and provide an exceptional delivery experience.

Collaborating with delivery partners can also expand your delivery range and capacity. Shipday allows for hybrid delivery services for restaurants that want to use the convenience of third-party deliveries (like Doordash, Grubhub, Relay, and Lyft) when they need to while still maintaining their own in-house delivery service. 

Leveraging Customer Data and Loyalty Programs

One major advantage of an in-house delivery team is that you have direct access to customer data. By utilizing customer data effectively, restaurant owners can personalize the delivery experience, implement targeted marketing campaigns, and offer loyalty programs to enhance customer retention. Understanding customer preferences and ordering patterns can enable restaurant owners to create tailored promotions and discounts, fostering stronger relationships with their customer base.

Monitoring and Analyzing Performance

As with any business endeavor, monitoring and analyzing the performance of the in-house delivery team is crucial. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) such as delivery time, customer satisfaction ratings, and cost of delivery to evaluate the team's efficiency. Utilize data analytics tools to gain insights and make data-driven decisions to continuously improve delivery operations.

Conclusion

Establishing your own in-house delivery team can significantly benefit your restaurant by improving customer experience, reducing costs, and providing greater control over the entire delivery process.

By utilizing a robust delivery management platform like Shipday, you can streamline your operations and stay ahead in the evolving food delivery industry. Embrace the opportunities offered by in-house delivery and take your restaurant's success to new heights.

Try Shipday for free today.

‍