After the pandemic, having anything delivered to your home became commonplace. Thanks to the improvements brought about by digitalization, customers can contact you with a couple of taps on a screen. But this has significantly impacted users' shopping habits. Now they prefer to have their groceries delivered to their homes through delivery-supermarket partnerships.
It's normal to tell yourself that you already cover local areas and your business is thriving without needing this niche. However, it's proven that the more specific or the more areas a service covers, the more customers will prefer it. That said, we decided to show you some advantages of offering grocery and supermarket delivery.
The grocery niche and its concerns
Although delivering food requires care, large companies that specialize in grocery delivery follow a simple logic. Customers order directly from supermarkets or grocery stores, and these stores then contact the delivery company .
Competition to fill this niche is on the rise, and for good reason. The delivery business is projected to generate revenues exceeding $1.7 billion. This figure is largely comprised of revenue from prepared food deliveries, of course. But the delivery of products, including groceries, is becoming increasingly lucrative.
Reliable payments to the delivery service
When considering expanding a business, the first details to clarify and secure will always be the financial aspect. When working with supermarkets, it's logical to assume that the owners will only be concerned with receiving payment for the food. Whether or not the delivery service is fulfilled remains the responsibility of the company itself.
These kinds of doubts can be resolved. If the other partner isn't concerned about both of you getting a fair share, it's best to rule them out. Payments are simple thanks to apps; talk to a software provider for your delivery service . ToolRides offers apps for partners and drivers where payments are clean and direct—one less thing for you to worry about.
To be attractive to the grocery niche
Customers currently know what to expect from the type of service you plan to provide, so you just need to meet those expectations. However, if you want to scale up from a supermarket chain to a simple grocery store, it's a different story. Nevertheless, if you've already been operating for a considerable time, you already have attractive features to offer.
-
The fact that you offer to deliver their products directly to their customers is already quite functional and appealing. Because you're covering a new niche while they reach customers who wouldn't have considered them otherwise, since they couldn't travel to your location.
-
Discounts: It's worth noting that offering discounts or coupons for free items occasionally doesn't ruin a business. Rather, it makes it more attractive to potential customers, because who doesn't like a good deal? If you already offer these types of discounts or coupons, share them with potential partners as a customer loyalty strategy.
-
Being much more accessible to customers in terms of hours is key. It's well known that supermarkets cover night shifts, and after a certain hour, only those with vehicles or who live nearby can shop. By hiring delivery services, the store can still sell to these customers without the expense of public transportation, safely and without risk.
Just like you are, there are many other features that will capture the attention of your future partners; you just need to evaluate your company. It's also worth remembering that using apps for them and their customers to contact you is a necessity in this digital age. If you get custom delivery software like the kind we develop at ToolRides, you'll both avoid those stressful and unreliable phone calls.
What do good delivery services currently offer?
Now that you know how to make yourself attractive to a potential partner, it's important to understand what the competition typically offers. All aspects of a good delivery service are linked to customer satisfaction and ensuring that products arrive in good condition, without any problems.
For example, offering simple payment methods that, above all, give customers the assurance that they won't be scammed. Enabling them to track the driver's route in real time, including delivery location and method. Providing convenient communication with the driver, along with 24/7 customer support. Prompt deliveries, and simple, hassle-free return processes.
Extra advertising for your company
One often overlooked benefit of the partnership is the mutual advertising it generates. Simply mentioning the delivery service on the supermarket's social media or on in-store signs is already a win. This not only encourages customers to request home deliveries but also attracts potential partners. It could even lead to your delivery fleet needing to expand to meet the demand.
Grow with partners
Food delivery, whether prepared or not, has always existed, but never with the force it gained during the pandemic. Reaching every corner, niche, or business that needs to expand its reach is the way to grow today. Don't be afraid of partnerships; they're the best way for your delivery service to achieve its goals.
