The Optimization Opportunity
Most restaurants leave money on the table with delivery. Small improvements add up to big profits.
We've compiled 50 proven strategies to optimize your delivery operations. Implement even 10 of these, and you'll see significant profit improvements.
Here's your complete checklist.
Menu Optimization (10 Strategies)
1. Price Delivery Items 15-20% Higher
Delivery platforms take 25-30% commission. Price accordingly to maintain margins.
2. Create Delivery-Specific Items
Items that travel well, hold temperature, and package easily.
3. Bundle High-Margin Items
Create combo meals that increase AOV and margins.
4. Remove Low-Margin Items
If an item doesn't make money on delivery, remove it or reprice it.
5. Optimize Item Descriptions
Clear, appetizing descriptions increase orders by 10-15%.
6. Use High-Quality Photos
Items with photos get 30% more orders. Invest in professional photography.
7. Highlight Best Sellers
Feature your most profitable items prominently.
8. Create Limited-Time Offers
Scarcity drives orders. Use LTOs strategically.
9. Optimize for Search
Use keywords customers search for in item names and descriptions.
10. Test and Iterate
Regularly test new items, prices, and descriptions. Keep what works.
Pricing Strategy (8 Strategies)
11. Implement Dynamic Pricing
Adjust prices for peak hours, events, and weather.
12. Use Psychological Pricing
$9.99 vs. $10.00. Small differences, big impact.
13. Offer Multiple Price Points
Give customers options at different price levels.
14. Bundle Strategically
Create value bundles that increase AOV.
15. Test Price Elasticity
Small price increases on popular items often don't reduce volume.
16. Monitor Competitor Pricing
Stay competitive but don't race to the bottom.
17. Adjust for Platform Fees
Different platforms, different fees. Price accordingly.
18. Use Promotions Strategically
Promotions drive volume but reduce margins. Use wisely.
Operations (12 Strategies)
19. Optimize Prep Times
Accurate prep times = faster deliveries = happier customers.
20. Reduce Driver Wait Time
Drivers who wait less accept orders faster. Target under 3 minutes.
21. Implement Quality Control
Check every order before it leaves. Reduces refunds by 30-50%.
22. Use Proper Packaging
Leak-proof, temperature-maintaining packaging prevents issues.
23. Create Dedicated Pickup Area
Separate area for drivers speeds up process.
24. Train Staff on Delivery
Staff should understand delivery operations and priorities.
25. Batch Similar Orders
Prep multiple orders together when possible.
26. Monitor Order Accuracy
Track errors and address root causes.
27. Optimize Kitchen Layout
Layout that supports delivery operations.
28. Use Kitchen Display System
Clear order display reduces errors and speeds service.
29. Implement Order Tracking
Keep customers informed about order status.
30. Reduce Food Waste
Better inventory management and prep planning.
Customer Experience (10 Strategies)
31. Respond to Reviews Quickly
Respond to all reviews within 24 hours.
32. Personalize Orders
Notes, special requests, personal touches.
33. Include Package Inserts
Convert platform customers to direct ordering.
34. Provide Clear Instructions
Delivery instructions, reheating tips, etc.
35. Use Tamper-Evident Seals
Builds trust and prevents disputes.
36. Include Receipts
Itemized receipts in every order.
37. Surprise and Delight
Occasional free items or upgrades.
38. Follow Up After Orders
Thank you messages, feedback requests.
39. Handle Complaints Proactively
Reach out before customers complain.
40. Build Brand Experience
Packaging, messaging, overall experience.
Marketing and Retention (10 Strategies)
41. Capture Customer Emails
Package inserts, receipts, website.
42. Build Email List
Regular communication with customers.
43. Create Loyalty Program
Reward repeat customers.
44. Use Social Media Effectively
Regular posts, engagement, promotions.
45. Run Targeted Promotions
Based on customer behavior and data.
46. Partner with Local Businesses
Cross-promotions and partnerships.
47. Leverage User-Generated Content
Customer photos, reviews, testimonials.
48. Create Content
Blog posts, videos, behind-the-scenes.
49. Use Retargeting Ads
Bring back website visitors who didn't order.
50. Measure Everything
Track what works and double down.
Implementation Plan
Week 1: Quick Wins
Focus on easy, high-impact changes:
Week 2: Pricing
Week 3: Operations
Week 4: Marketing
Month 2: Optimization
Measuring Success
Track these metrics:
The Bottom Line
Delivery optimization isn't one big change—it's many small improvements that add up.
Start with 10 strategies from this checklist. Implement them over 4 weeks. Measure results. Then add 10 more.
The restaurants that optimize systematically see 20-30% improvement in delivery profits.
For a restaurant doing $50k/month in delivery:
Worth the effort? Absolutely.
Pick 10 strategies. Start this week. Measure results. Scale what works.
Your delivery profits will thank you.
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Marcus Chen
Co-Founder & CEO
Marcus Chen leads restaurant success at Chowfly, helping hundreds of restaurants optimize their delivery operations and recover lost profits.