The Reasons Behind the Rise of Online Food Delivery Platforms

In today’s modern world, convenience is key. The rapid development of internet technology has made it possible to order goods and services from the comfort of our own homes to arrive in a matter of minutes. Online food delivery platforms in particular have experienced a meteoric rise. Continue reading to find out why and how they are expected to influence consumer behavior and trends on a global scale.

Convenience

Convenience is a key driving force behind the popularity of online food delivery platforms. From busy work schedules to childcare commitments, a growing number of people are struggling to find the time to cook healthy nutritious meals for themselves and their families. According to a recent study, two-thirds of Brits feel a constant sense of dread due to the mounting stress of their daily lives. Furthermore, six out of ten admitted to finding it difficult to maintain a sense of organization on a day-to-day basis. With online food delivery platforms promising meals in a matter of minutes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be delivered to your doorstep in just a few taps. With more choice than ever before when it comes to choosing which online food ordering system to order from, you can enjoy restaurant-quality food from a wide range of cuisines in the comfort of your own home.

Payment options

Cash is no longer the norm when it comes to paying for goods and services. Brick and mortar stores and restaurants are, however, still much more likely to offer a limited range of payment options. As with most e-commerce websites, online food delivery platforms benefit from a wide range of payment options. This ensures they appeal to the vast majority of consumers and can be the difference between a customer ordering food through a specific online domain or continuing their search elsewhere. There is a variety of payment options available to customers of online food delivery platforms. They include credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Some platforms also now give customers the opportunity to pay for goods and services with cryptocurrency, although at the time of writing it isn’t widespread - yet.

Time

With research confirming consumers are busier than ever before, it has become increasingly difficult to take a step back from work and find time for tasks that bring us joy. As a result, cooking does not tend to rank highly on our daily to-do lists. Online food delivery platforms, on the other hand, prioritize time and strive to ensure high-quality meals are delivered within minutes. With no need to even step foot in the kitchen, you can sit back and relax and wait for your food to come to you. Customer satisfaction levels are also directly related to delivery time. As a result, if an online food delivery platform fails to deliver on its promise of delivering your food within a predetermined period of time, you may be entitled to compensation or be offered a one-off discount when you make your next purchase.

Variety

Online food delivery platforms offer a wide range of dishes from a wide range of cuisines. As a result, you can sample a variety of meals from the comfort of your own home. From Thai and Korean to Italian and Moroccan, there is guaranteed to be a restaurant out there to suit consumers of all ages and palettes. Online food delivery platforms can also be a great way to introduce yourself to a brand-new cuisine for the first time. With a hotbed of culinary delights to choose from and no need to commute to and from the restaurant, online food delivery platforms are a great choice for those looking to spice up their usual dinner time routine.

Promotions

Eating out can be an expensive affair. But with delivery fees and minimum order requirements, online food delivery platforms can also end up leaving you out of pocket. It can deter customers from ordering food online and is one of the main reasons why hungry consumers end up abandoning their carts at the checkout. A growing number of websites, however, are giving their customers the opportunity to benefit from promotions and offers so they can save time and money. By cutting down on the final cost of their order, customers are much more likely to use the platform again and recommend it to their peers. The restaurant is therefore able to up its prices and boost its revenue over time.

The restaurant industry is just one of the latest sectors to benefit from modern technological advancements. It is no secret that online food delivery platforms have taken the world by storm in recent years, and it is easy to see why. With greater convenience, a wide range of payment options, less time, more variety, and the opportunity to qualify for a series of offers and promotions, online food delivery platforms are here to stay.