Introduction:
The restaurant industry has been steadily adding some innovative features across its business ecosystem ever since the demographics of frontline operations have undergone an evolution.
The future demands quick-service restaurants, and restaurant brands must adapt to these ongoing changes without impacting the financial profile of their businesses.
Of course, the outstanding convenience driven by technology and innovation in the workplace is a good thing, but the enormous investment capital requirement bothers.
Luckily, there are some extra opportunities in the form of online ordering systems by App2Food and DoorDash. These alternatives to privately-owned applications and websites have been attracting restaurant operators in recent years.
With their dedicated services and well-built business models, both platforms have delivered some excellent outcomes to restaurant operators.
Both platforms might be serving the same sector, but before you end up with the wrong selection, it’s worthwhile to review App2Food vs. DoorDash.
The article has thoroughly evaluated the business models of App2Food and DoorDash, so eventually you will make the best choice. Read to figure out the best option:
App2Food vs. DoorDash: Business Overview
App2Food
App2Food’s online ordering system provides customers with the ability to place an order directly from the restaurant rather than through a third-party platform or aggregator.
It sounds unrealistic, but it’s the reality. We digital nomads are familiar with online aggregator platforms that make it easier for customers to connect with their food and desired menu, but not with the restaurants.
But App2Food’s online ordering system is winding up this culture. Now restaurants and customers can seamlessly interact and meet each other’s demands.
In simple words, the platform helps restaurants own their digital storefront where they can upload, update, and market their brand and services to their customers. Similarly, customers can place their order without facing any interruption in their buying and decision-making activities.
The America-based company doesn’t charge commission or fee against its services. Customers will be placing orders from the privately owned app or website-like interface.
App2Food’s online ordering system for restaurants is more meaningful and helpful to customers because, unlike aggregator platforms, the restaurant brand will have exposure to branding benefits and analytics. Simultaneously, it aids in the subsequent evolution of your business.
DoorDash
Rather than calling DoorDash “an online ordering system,” you can better call it a “delivery network,” which connects customers with local restaurants via its offline and online network. Through its services, the platform has taken dine-in and pick-up facilities to the next level.
DoorDash’s business model is well known to most Americans. Still, there are certain interesting things about the company that make it remarkable compared to others.
The American-based company’s delivery services are no longer reserved just for restaurants. In addition to restaurants, its delivery services are available for the below-mentioned sectors, such as:
- Grocery
- Alcohol
- Convenience
- Flower shops
- Pet stores and retails
DoorDash has recently started providing delivery services to these sectors. Its separate business venture, “online ordering systems,” is particular to the restaurant industry. The business model, services, and benefits offered to restaurants are nearly identical to those of App2Food.
How Do DoorDash and App2Food Work?
App2Food
App2Food basically helps restaurants build an online presence. The platform could be a best alternative to applications and websites that can cost thousands of dollars in one round.
If you are a food startup, or a brand with no dine-in facility. Your business model occupies only takeaway and dine-out options, and has no limited capital to invest. In these cases, you can use App2Food.
Even if you have a dine-in facility, you can still deploy App2Food in your digital operation. Using the App2Food system, you can attract customers on your own digital platform and create more sales in the business.
How does it happen? The steps given below might teach you well –
Step 1# you own a restaurant at App2Food website or app for FREE
Step 2# you update your menu and related details for order placement
Step 3# customers visit your online store, place an order
Step 4# the order is distributed, and you retain 100% of the profits.
Isn’t that simple? The system eliminates the need for website arrangements or an initial process related to online branding. Simply showcase your food items on the online storefront and generate revenue.
DoorDash
DoorDash’s business model is widely known for its services to restaurants. But it’s worth noting that the brand is working on a hybrid business model now. Rather than providing value and helping the restaurant industry, the food delivery service provider helps people in the following ways:
You can become a Dasher.
If you are looking for a part-time job beside your existing occupation to support yourself financially in any of the US cities, you can become a DoorDash delivery guy. The company has set certain pay rates offered to dashers on every delivery and order.
You can try the app.
But if you own a restaurant, you can list your brand on the DoorDash application. It is quite similar to listing on aggregator platforms. The application exposes you to customers, providing you with a platform to showcase your menu items and restaurant specialties to attract more customers.
You can become a partner.
The most notable and noteworthy feature is its partner program. DoorDash lets you own a storefront in the digital world. The particular offering is similar to the online ordering system of App2Food. But you can only access a web-based system and not an application-based one. On the other hand, App2Food helps you own a storefront at both app/web based platforms.
App2Food Vs DoorDash: Online Ordering System
App2Food
App2Food online ordering system has been designed to adapt to the diverse restaurant industry requirements. Thanks to the software-powered ecosystem that transforms your website into a customer acquisition channel as soon as it is brought to action.
The system allows restaurant operators to accept and collect payment from distance while enabling customers to get their favorite food delivered to their place in utmost convenience. Your customer can browse the menu on their device and pick the order whatever they like.
Restaurant operators keep meal instructions and order details ready so only click and make payment activities are left for the customers. However, the overall system looks like a privately owned website or application.
The user will be allowed to publish their brand logo, and access all personal branding benefits which are supposed to be absent on most online ordering systems.
Not only will you get free access to the website, but you will also get free access to the App2Food mobile application for restaurants, which will help you convert customers faster. There’s no room for errors, everything in the backend is managed by industry-leading developers.
DoorDash
In addition to its delivery services, DoorDash allows you to earn your own digital storefront. In technical language, it is also an online ordering platform. Again, if you access branding benefits, credit will be entirely yours.
It is worth noting that DoorDash also works as an aggregator platform where restaurants can list their businesses separately. If you don’t like it, you have the option to own a storefront or website through DoorDash.
And the best thing is, you can customize the storefront as per your own personal needs. As such, you can customize the logo, change the colour scheme, and add other branding touches. DoorDash has made a concerted effort to make it more personalized for the user.
But there’s a catch. You can enjoy this service at 0% commission for only 30 days. After that, a credit card processing fee of up to 2.9% plus $0.30 will be charged. On the contrary, App2Food provides this service for free, and it appears to be ideal for food startups and restaurant brands.
App2Food vs. DoorDash: Delivery Services
App2Food
App2Food doesn’t own its delivery fleet. The platform relies on food delivery service providers like DoorDash. The brand itself assists you in the successful run of your food delivery business via DoorDash delivery services.
However, if you prefer to use your own delivery fleet, App2Food will support you in this. Simply put, your website and application will remain unchanged. App2Food will simply add some new features with a restaurant delivery system, such as GPS tracking and other intriguing features, at no additional cost.
Simultaneously, it will add more professional touches to your business profile. In the future, if the company plans to include delivery fleet services, you can access significant benefits by being one of its existing customers.
DoorDash
DoorDash delivery services are famous nationwide for being the largest food delivery service providers in the US. But sadly, you don’t access any big benefits upon owning a DoorDash storefront.
You will pay the same commissions and charges as you do on other platforms when you use DoorDash for food delivery. Still, fewer benefits are offered, like a $100 credit for your first customer. The credit is basically split into small figures, which can be distributed to multiple customers and not just a few.
Simultaneously, this gives your business an initial push on your own website. Still, delivery charges suck. DoorDash charges a flat fee of $6.99–$10.99 per order. If you don’t own a delivery fleet, you can take DoorDash services additionally.
Don’t worry; owning a door-to-door storefront along with delivery services isn’t necessary. You can still access the service regardless of whether you are using the online ordering system of another company like App2Food.
App2Food vs. DoorDash: Marketing and Promotion
App2Food
- SMS Marketing
Mobile messages have relatively higher chances of being seen by customers. They have a direct route to customers and provide your business with direct exposure to their needs and wants. With this in mind, App2Food software helps you through an automated SMS marketing feature that instantly messages your customers as soon as an interaction happens or an offer arrives at your restaurant.
- Email Marketing
Over 41.5% of brands say that email marketing is one of the most powerful tools they have to boost customer engagement with their business. Customers do not open emails. At the same time, if the email contains something attractive and delicious, like your restaurant’s menu item, they tend to take action. It can be a game-changing feature offered for free by App2Food.
- Gift Cards
Customers can also purchase restaurant gift cards from your website. The fun element of App2Food works like an Amazon Gift Card that’s exclusively intended to keep customers engaged within your business. Notably, the unique feature can also push referral sales into your business.
- Loyalty Programs
App2Food loyalty programs for restaurants are awesome. The online ordering system offers multiple features and functions that make loyalty program management smooth. Restaurant operators can even track the progress of these programs live on their dashboard.
- Push Notification
The push notification is another notable thing. The feature will boost the engagement rate of customers with your online shop. The best thing is that these are also automated. It will keep customers in your business, attract more sales, and even encourage repetitive orders. But it also depends on how frequently you bring in new offers and keep pushing the entertainment level of your customers.
- QR Codes
QR codes are also a special thing App2Food clients are exposed to in its restaurant marketing suite. It will attract sales and desired responses from customers that are a bit lazy at searching or don’t have much time to download the App2Food dedicated app.
- Promotional Material
The list of promotional materials is also remarkable. There’s an array of promotional tools, banners, and other interesting stuff available that promotes your restaurant’s growth in the web world.
- Safeguard Your Google Listing
Although not a marketing tool, App2Food’s initiative is still beneficial. If you have listed your business on Google Business Profile, you will give it added security with App2Food.
DoorDash
You can target new, existing, and/or lapsed customers with a discount or offer that fits your business goals. However, any special attention to notification, SMS, or email marketing isn’t available. Still, DoorDash’s marketing and promotional benefits to restaurants are remarkable.
For example, DoorDash offers some of the coolest items with which you can incentivize your new, existing, or lapsed customers to order from your store and receive a discount, free delivery, or a free item. Let us get into more specifics.
- Discount for customers
As part of its marketing strategy, DoorDash encourages its clients to offer discounts to customers so that they begin noticing and tasting their food items. But whether or not it will work depends on your food.
- $0 Delivery Fee
To support its restaurant partner’s business, the brand charges no delivery fee on the first few customers.
- Free Items with Discounts
Free, discounted items are another clickbait technique used by DoorDash to entice customers to your online storefront. For the objective, the brand provides a $100 credit to its restaurant clients so that they don’t have to pay for it out of their own pockets and make a loss.
- In-app Advertising
Restaurants will be featured in the Offers tab of the DoorDash app and tagged with a promotion badge. However, the feature is paid, so consider evaluating the charges first.
- Gift Cards
Like App2Food, DoorDash also offers gift cards with which customers can gift DoorDash’s services and other interesting items to their family and friends.
App2Food vs. DoorDash: Integration and Order Management
App2Food
It might be easier for your kitchen team to manage ingredients and prepare tasty cuisine. But the managerial activities in the rest stand the test of time. It would be even more challenging as you are planning to include online ordering facilities in your business model.
Fortunately, App2Food identified this major challenge and has been successfully addressing it with software. The online ordering system is easy to integrate with your integrated POS system. All sales, payments, and rewards to customers as per loyalty programs are easy to manage on one screen.
Analytics and exposure to other critical data metrics are accessible on the dashboard of the App2Food mobile application and website.
DoorDash
DoorDash also provides integration with point-of-sale systems. Like App2Food, the platform also aids in improved order management for restaurants. Food corporations can accurately manage their day-to-day operations without having any adverse impact on their menu and its flavors.
Aside from POS, a restaurant’s sales can be tracked live on a smartphone or desktop computer. All these things assist restaurant operators in the smooth handling of their online business activities. Still, App2Food can be seen providing additional benefits in the form of loyalty reward distribution and customer success tracking tools. On the contrary, order management and integration are somewhat basic in DoorDash.
App2Food vs. DoorDash: Analytics and Insights
App2Food
While you use App2Food, the critical data you gather from customers will be your property. Restaurant operators will have complete exposure to real-time reports, customer trends, what they like most, and the conversion rate of the given campaign. All such things will be available in the analytics section.
The feature aids in the improved decision-making of restaurant operators, and since every bit of information and data is 100% accurate, there’s no room for errors or confusion. However, App2Food will still be exposed to this data, but the ownership will be entirely with the restaurant operator. Your customers will be only yours, and their contact details will be limited to your booklet.
DoorDash
DoorDash also provides some valuable insights that contribute to the growth of your restaurant business online. Through its analytics, the company provides you with a detailed chart of ongoing and former financial activities.
This data reveals the reviews and overall response rate of customers towards your business and the services you provide, including the zip code for delivery. The best thing is that all insights are centralized and are viewable from any device owned by the restaurant operator.
App2Food vs. DoorDash: Mobile Application
App2Food
Mobile applications are regarded as a powerful tool for any restaurant brand looking to elevate their business. It aids in the development of a direct relationship with customers and distinguishes you from the competition. It gives your restaurant a chance to be more personalized with the customer and make them a repeat buyer or user of your service.
With this in mind, App2Food incorporates a mobile application in its online ordering system—and that’s too free. The application is installable on both Android and iOS devices. With push notifications, the app provides further marketing benefits.
DoorDash
On the other hand, DoorDash has no application exclusively designed for restaurants. Only an application-based ecosystem benefits the food delivery company more than others.
Simply put, the application is a kind of listing platform where restaurants can choose to list their brand and benefit from the giant audience base of DoorDash.
Its charges are extra and not covered in the online ordering system. There will be no personalized benefit until you are ready to pay for the special campaign.
App2Food vs. DoorDash: Pricing Structure
App2Food
App2Food is an entirely free online ordering system. Company compares competitors, aggregators and their charges with its own charges that are indeed $0. On the basis of its unique business model, the company is introducing this special offer where you will access the website and application with a dedicated support network for absolutely free.
App2Food only makes money when you make money. If it isn’t working for you, you will be free to leave anytime.
DoorDash
As previously stated, DoorDash services are only available with paid plans. The partnership plan has been divided into three sections: “Basic,” “Plus,” and “Premier.” In every plan, delivery commission charges change gradually. But it makes it quite similar to an aggregator platform because you will lose margin on every order.
Also, if you are just a beginner and can be satisfied with the limited services of DoorDash, you can start with the basic one. But if you don’t want to sacrifice on other valuable services of DoorDash designed exclusively for restaurant partners, you can pay slightly more. Delivery charges are extra.
Conclusion
Customer support might have missed it, but both online ordering systems are awesome in that respect. App2Food vs DoorDash, the debate probably has got us some valuable points. DoorDash is probably a giant and well-known food delivery service provider, but its latest business venture, storefront-to-restaurant, seeks more improvement. But overall, the pricing structure is no different from that of aggregator listing platforms. It turns out to be an expensive deal and meaningless as you go with higher packages.
On the other hand, the App2Food system is free to use for restaurants, and no hidden charges daunt you until you make extensive profit from the online ordering system.