18% of past month delivery users report "It's not worth it anymore" - that is a VERY BIG number! Find out what's really going on with delivery
Why is it that we angst over poor in-restaurant experiences, yet we continue to allow our customers to have unacceptable delivery experiences? The current Delivery Dilemma is perfectly predictable!
Let's face it. As restaurant delivery evolves and matures, there's a lot of noise and confusion out there. Everyone seems to have an opinion, and it's hard to separate fact from fiction. That's why we delved deep into our consumer data to demystify and debunk some delivery myths.
Hold on tight. Here goes.
Let's start with where, and how the delivery path to purchase really works.
MYTH #1: Customers Browse 3rd Party Apps to Decide What They Want to Order.
FACT: Brace yourself for this - 9 out of 10 times, delivery occasions start with a known restaurant brand!
Yes, you read that correctly!
Remember those daily conversations with your co-workers, friends, and family? The never-ending back-and-forth of "What do you want to eat?" and "I don't know, what do you feel like?" Well, guess what? That's where it all begins. The decision-making process for dine-in, carryout, or delivery starts way before customers consider which restaurant to choose.
So, don't be fooled by the notion that customers spend ages scrolling through endless options on delivery apps. The truth is, the majority of the time, delivery customers have a specific restaurant already decided when they go online or to apps to place the order.
Not surprisingly, Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to scroll, but it’s only 3 out of 10 occasions, leaving the other 7 out of 10 to start already knowing the restaurant.
Ready to uncover more delivery secrets?
Myth #2: Convenience rules - Consumers have patience and forgiveness when it comes to delivery.
Fact: Frustrations are high and patience is low
Fifty percent of past 30-day QSR delivery consumers report that delivery “prices have gone up too much.” And those pesky delivery fees? 47% say that they have “gone up too much” as well (+12pts since April!). By the time checkout is reached, consumers are often left in sticker shock, yet still they place the order. Yet, the lingering shock is not forgotten next time around.
With prices and fees soaring, the expectations and frustrations are as well. Recently, the experiences across the board just haven't been holding up. Slower than normal delivery times (30%, +5pts) and inaccurate orders (23%, +4pts) were other key problems that frustrate delivery customers. Those issues are catching up with operators as consumers tap out of using delivery altogether. Our recent data shows that 18% of past month delivery users report "It's not worth it anymore" - that is a VERY BIG number!
Myth #3: Consumers Only Care About Receiving Their Food, Not Who Delivers It
FACT: Consumers trust first-party restaurant delivery 3 times more than third-party platforms to get their food delivered accurately and on time.
When it comes to trust, consumer put their trust in restaurant brands. 52%, (up 3pt since December 2022) of consumers prefer delivery directly from the restaurant, while only 16% of consumers prefer third-party platforms (down 5pts since December 2022).
As you might suspect, this preference varies by demographic, with tech-oriented younger generations (Gen Z and Millennials) more likely to trust third-party platforms like DoorDash, GrubHub, and Uber Eats than their older counterparts. Yet, even for Millennials, trust lies with 1st party delivery, even though drivers might be outsourced.
Which delivery service option do you trust the most to get your food delivered accurately and on time?
Total US
52% prefer restaurants
16% prefer 3rd Party
32% No preference
Millennials
45% prefer restaurants
35% prefer 3rd Party
25% No preference
Gen Z
36% prefer restaurants
46% prefer 3rd Party
18% No preference
Why it Matters: The So What? Now What?
Brands drive the delivery decision, not just the convenience. Yet, if we don't improve the delivery execution, the branded experience becomes commoditized and eventually will erode your brand equity.
We know it takes more than just a smooth user experience on your website or app to drive delivery loyalty. It's about being dependable, building trust, and going the extra mile to ensure every delivery experience is nothing short of amazing.
Yet, are we spending more time on the former and not the latter?
If the dine-in experience data were this abysmal, I am confident that immediate action would be taken to improve the experience. So why is it taking so long for delivery to improve? I know what you are thinking - labor shortages, food costs, packaging costs...oh, and yes, taking care of the dine-in and drive-thru customers.
Remember: Every detail of the delivery experience feeds into the next time consumers are making their ordering decision. Cold food? Overly long wait times? Unavailable items? Those things will leave a lasting bitter taste. It's time to fix the problems by deconstructing every piece in the process. Companies that invest in solving these customer pain points will win in the long run.
And we wonder why delivery demand is softening. Based on what is being delivered, it's perfectly predictable.
Survey data was collected the week ending May 25, 2023, by Lisa W. Miller & Associates and Prodege, LLC from a representative sample of 1,000 adults ages 18 years and older.