Uber Eats has become the latest third-party aggregator to introduce new features aimed at supporting its partnership with restaurants during the ongoing pandemic.
As the pandemic nears the start of its third year, restaurants continue to see pickup and delivery grow and grow as a percentage of their business, as well as a sustained growing preference from customers for contactless ordering and payments.
To reflect that climate, and the fact that many of the trends being seen in foodservice and delivery over the last two years appear likely to stick around for the long haul, Uber Eats is introducing what it describes as three new and improved ways to support local restaurants and their business objectives. The features will be rolled out this spring.
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The first is a new three-tiered pricing structure, similar to the one implemented by rival DoorDash a few months ago.
This new structure, says an Uber Eats release, puts more decision-making power in the hands of Canadian restaurants to choose only the services that matter most while continuing to fund their service.
The three tiers are Lite, aimed at restaurants that just want to process and fulfill delivery orders via the Uber Eats app; Plus, which offers restaurants that want to attract new customers in-app feed visibility as well as Lite’s search visibility, as well as lower delivery fees for customers; and Premium, for restaurants that want to build a repeat customer base through in-app campaigns and loyalty programs. The key differentiated offering of the Premium service is the lowest delivery fee for customers, as well as benefits to Uber Pass members included plus matching marketing campaign spend.
Under all three tiers, pickup orders will be subject to a 10 per cent commission, while Bring Your Own Courier remains available at 15 per cent for those restaurants that have their own delivery people but need marketing support.
Meanwhile, a new Dine-in feature, offered at three per cent commission, enables customers to contactlessly browse, order, and pay for food to eat in-venue. For restaurants, Uber Eats says it offers the key advantage of helping to simplify operations by reducing staff time to take orders and process payments. The company says it has seen it lead to higher table turns and order sizes.
Finally, the improved Webshop product enables restaurants to accept orders directly from their customer website or social accounts and have them fulfilled with delivery people on the Uber Eats platform. This is offered for 2.9 per cent.
“Restaurants are looking for more choice than ever before in selecting the services and features that support their business objectives,” says the Uber Eats release. “With these new features, Uber Eats gives restaurants more flexibility, visibility, and insights needed to connect with more people and grow their business.”
“BCRFA appreciates Uber Canada’s proactive industry approach, it is highly commendable, consulting with the restaurant industry and working on innovative approaches to support restaurants during a difficult few years,” added Ian Tostenson, President and CEO, BC Restaurant and Food Services Association. “Delivery increased with the pandemic and today’s announcement gives restaurants options to support this growth and maximize their budgets. It also supports restaurants as they grapple with staffing issues and the need for contactless service.”
