We know that nowadays the vast majority of restaurants and delivery services are on one of the main platforms such as iFood, Uber Eats, and Rappi, among others. Being present on these Apps has become a matter of survival, but it also has its side effects, such as reducing the profit margin of the establishment on sales (up to 30% commission), and the distancing between you and your final customer, who loses out on relationship when there is an intermediary acting in this space.

In any case, some tips can help you gradually reduce this dependence on the billionaire delivery apps. After all, nothing is better than being independent, right?!‍

1. Provide a direct channel with your customer.

Regardless of whether your establishment is or is not within these apps, it is important that you have your own direct sales channel with your customer. With a good communication channel, your own payment method, and a simple logistics service available, you can already consider yourself an independent delivery service.

For the communication channel, the suggestion could only be one: WhatsApp, the app most used by 99% of Brazilians. Simple services like a personalized link generator add value so that your WhatsApp functions as a powerful sales channel for your delivery service. Through the link, you make it easy for your customers to find you on WhatsApp and talk directly with you.

There are several free services you can find to create your personalized WhatsApp link, among which we highlight these: Contate.me, Wa.link, and Whats.link.

2. Have an online menu.

One of the advantages that the main delivery apps offer is a platform for you to insert your menu simply and quickly. However, this is not exclusive to them.

If you choose to use WhatsApp as your main sales channel as suggested here, there are some options for that. Using WhatsApp Business, you have the "Catalog" functionality, where you can insert all your products with their respective descriptions and prices. By clicking the shopping icon, your customer will have access to your menu on WhatsApp and can send a message by just clicking on the chosen product. Additionally, WhatsApp has just included a shopping cart option in conversations with restaurants. The feature helps you organize orders, but it still does not offer an integrated payment solution.

Catalog and shopping cart option on WhatsApp.

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Another way to present your menu via WhatsApp is by setting up an automatic message! This way, as soon as your customer sends you the first message, you will respond with the day's menu in the form of a link, which will always be updated as changes are made to the menu. Zapper Duo is a service that offers a professional WhatsApp number to be used on WhatsApp Business, without needing a new SIM card or mobile device. If you want to know more about this solution, just Click Here to talk to one of our specialists.

Another interesting service for delivery channels that operate through WhatsApp is Goomer.app, which offers you a platform similar to delivery apps for you to customize your menu and also access it through a personalized link. Your customer will thus access this menu, choose their order, and the output will be a structured message with all the information about their order (items, final price, payment method, and delivery address), which will be sent directly and automatically to your establishment's WhatsApp.

3. Offer advantages and build customer loyalty.

For your final customer, apps end up being a convenience because they allow them to choose from various restaurant options and also take advantage of some promotions. However, once your customer knows your restaurant, appreciates your food, and has advantages ordering through your direct delivery channel, nothing prevents them from following this way next time.

One tip for this is to start including inserts with promotions for your delivery service in the packaging of your orders made through the apps, in case they are ordered directly via WhatsApp. And of course, with your personalized WhatsApp link included! For each customer, you can send a personalized keyword so that they can send this message via WhatsApp and thus acquire the promotion. This also makes your customer feel special and increases your chances of securing their loyalty.

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