Although food-delivery apps may not suit every business, they provide a unique opportunity to promote your business in a new way (think positive ratings leverage and digital menus), while cutting down on the traditional costs and headaches usually associated with food delivery.
There is huge potential to turn casual users into loyal customers with the repeated brand exposure associated with delivery apps. In the current climate, businesses who pay attention to details like packaging and presentation will have a real advantage over those who are slower to recognise the branding opportunities.
The numbers are staggering. On average, Australians eat out or buy takeaway meals 3 to 4 times a week, not including any workplace orders (these currently represent 16% of all orders placed through delivery apps). Source AHA.
In order to increase the likelihood of takeaway customers converting into loyal (or even physical) patrons, it’s important to design a packaging experience that conveys your brand values, aesthetics and market position clearly.
Think about your dine-in experience and the way you present your food, your restaurant’s decor and the general atmosphere of the space. Ideally, this experience should extend to your dine-out packaging. The easiest way to recreate this is with branded packaging.
Branded takeaway accessories, such as paper wrappers, and burger belts (a belt that slips over generic packaging) offer plenty of advantages over plain packaging as they are highly visible. Business owners should keep in mind that every order that leaves the kitchen is an opportunity to drive home your market position and overall brand feel.
Taking the time to select packaging that really communicates who you are and what you’re about is essential if you want to make the most of the limited time a customer will be exposed to your brand as a takeaway product. While you’re packaging your order it’s also the perfect time to add something special to surprise, delight or convert customers. A retro burger flag, a paper bag carry handle, or something creative like a sticker or fortune can go a long way to endear your brand to customers if done right.
What’s available?
There are now literally thousands of custom packaging options available now for all budgets. Including custom printing and branding belts, eco-friendly or recycled boxes, clamshells, trays and more. As well as personalised options for takeout staples such as paper bags. The possibilities are endless. It’s never been easier to serve up innovative and memorable packaging.
