In a world where speed and convenience have become paramount, Food Delivery is emerging as an undeniable trend in the Swiss gastronomic landscape. For restaurateurs, it's both an exciting opportunity and a challenge to meet. Let's take a closer look at what this means for our local establishments.
A Growing Demand
With the evolution of our lifestyles, increased mobility, and rapid digitalization, more and more Swiss people are opting for home-delivered meals. This trend offers restaurants a unique chance to expand their clientele without having to enlarge their dining room.
Imagine a small Geneva bistro, "Chez Jeanne", which struggled to fill its tables during the week. Since offering delivery, its delicious quiches have been delighting nearby offices, nearly doubling its turnover!
The Advantages of Food Delivery
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Focus on the essentials: Ordering and delivery platforms allow restaurateurs to focus on what they do best - cooking. No need to manage delivery logistics!
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Tax benefits: Good news, the VAT rate for Food Delivery in Switzerland is only 2.5%, compared to 7.7% for meals served on-premises.
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Flexibility: It's the perfect opportunity to test new dishes or concepts without disrupting your in-house menu.
Challenges to Overcome
Of course, not everything is rosy in the world of Food Delivery. Here are some points to consider:
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Consistent quality: Your dishes should be as delicious at home as they are in the restaurant. For example, the "Café des Alpes" in Lausanne had to rethink its menu to offer only dishes that travel well.
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Peak hour logistics: How to manage the influx of orders while serving your on-site customers? Flawless organization is necessary.
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Costs and margins: Platform commissions can be high. You need to calculate your prices carefully to remain profitable.
Are You Ready for Food Delivery?
Before diving in, ask yourself these essential questions:
- Is your geographical area well-served by delivery services?
- Do you have the capacity to handle additional orders without compromising quality?
- Is your cuisine suitable for delivery?
Choosing the Right Partner
Many delivery services operate in Switzerland, from small local bicycle couriers to international giants. When choosing, consider:
- Costs (commissions, registration fees...)
- Delivery area
- Service reputation
- Alignment with your brand image
- Additional services offered (ordering system, customer support...)
Adapting Your Offer
To succeed in Food Delivery, your menu needs to be rethought:
- Focus on speed: Dishes that can be prepared quickly, even during busy periods.
- Prioritize quality: Choose recipes that travel well.
- Pay attention to packaging: It must preserve the freshness and appearance of your dishes.
The Right Price
Calculating your delivery prices requires special attention. Don't forget to factor in platform commissions and packaging costs, while taking advantage of the reduced VAT rate.
In conclusion, Food Delivery represents a real opportunity for Swiss restaurants to develop their business. With careful preparation and a well-thought-out strategy, you can turn this challenge into success. So, are you ready to conquer this new market?
Remember: as with any evolution in your business, make sure you comply with current legislation, particularly regarding food hygiene and alcohol sales. Success is within reach... or rather, just a click away!
Source: https://gastrosuisse.ch/fr/branche/restauration/food-delivery Image: Ambitious Studio* | Rick Barrett
