Turn One-Time Delivery Customers into Regulars: The $3 Strategy

The Acquisition Trap

Here's the uncomfortable truth about delivery platforms: you're paying $8-10 to acquire each customer, and the platform owns the relationship.

They have the customer's email. Their phone number. Their order history. You have... a ticket.

Every order is a new acquisition cost. You're running on a treadmill, and the platform controls the speed.

Breaking the Cycle

The solution is simple: turn delivery customers into YOUR customers.

When a customer orders directly from you (even through your own delivery), you:

The challenge? Getting them there.

The $3 Package Insert Strategy

This costs about $3 per order and converts 10-15% of delivery customers to direct ordering. Here's the exact system:

The Insert Components

1. Thank You Card ($0.50)

2. Menu Card ($0.75)

3. Incentive Offer ($1.50 value)

4. Business Card ($0.25)

Total cost per insert: ~$3

The Psychology

When someone opens their food delivery, they're:

This is the perfect moment to introduce an alternative to the delivery app.

The Follow-Up System

Package inserts are step one. Here's how to maximize conversion:

If You Capture Their Info

SMS Follow-Up (Day 3):

"Hey [Name], thanks for ordering from [Restaurant]! Reply YES for 15% off your next order when you order direct."

Email Follow-Up (Day 5):

Subject: "Your [Favorite Item] is waiting..."

Body: Personalized based on what they ordered + incentive

SMS Reminder (Day 14):

"Miss us yet? 🍕 Your 15% off code expires in 3 days. Order at [website]"

If You Don't Have Their Info

Use the package insert to drive:

Measuring Success

Track these metrics:

Insert Reach

Conversion Metrics

Revenue Impact

Real Results

A taco restaurant we work with implemented this system:

The $1,500/month spent on inserts generated $4,500/month in direct order revenue.

Getting Started

Week 1: Design and print materials (use Canva + local print shop)

Week 2: Set up QR code landing page and tracking

Week 3: Train team to include inserts in every delivery order

Week 4: Launch and measure

The math is simple: spend $3 now, save $7-10 on every future order from that customer.

Start this week.