Redbird Delivery

My friend Melissa told me about a local service called Redbird Delivery. From what I understand they will deliver anything for a small fee. I like the general concept, but after looking over the website and trying to contact them to inquire about a business opportunity, Im starting to believe that this place is too go to be true.

Upon first look at the site, the overall message is quite vague. A list of eight restaurants are tagged on the left and a poor description is posted in the middle. While I agree that this business would thrive in this community-Im convinced that those who started it never worked in a restaurant.

So Im offering my free advice to those in charge, in hopes that they may make a few changes-so that their business may thrive and I may find them to be a necessity, not a silly, extravagant expense.

In the service industry (note-I didnt say restaurant) people want e-a-s-y. If they have to dig for the info-they move on. You have 30 seconds to make your impression face-to-face and when they go online-15 seconds. If you dont like it-find another gig. Thats life.

We are in a world of people who have been trained to skim the headlines and NOT read the fine print. At first glance on the website-there is too much introduction, unclear navigation and if I want to order something that isnt on your list of eight places-an $8 charge!!! Outrageous! No thank you.

So here are my recommendations;

1) Put your hours back to cater to the late night crowd. Then, understand if you want your business to thrive-you have to work crappy hours in the beginning. Plus, changing your hours immediately says that business isn't good. And while you are growing its extremely necessary to stay consistent.
2) When people email you about business opportunities-you may want to return an email to them promptly. Many people see that as a sign of an inefficient business person, especially when you are an online business.
3) Put every restaurant, fast food, mom n pop menu on your site. They survive without you, not the other way. When they see that you are serious-then they may consider throwing you 20% of their profit. But you need to understand-20% is all that some restaurants make off of their food. Their overhead isn't your bargaining chip.
4) My solution: charge the consumer-you are anyway. Have a $3 charge for the first $15-20 and $1 for each additional $5 spent. If they spend $25 at KFC, you charge an additional $4-5. It may not sound like a lot, but it will encourage business. Whats better? One $8 delivery charge or five $4?. Plus, the customer will be more inclined to add an additional tip for a $4 delivery, they may be a little less inclined after paying $8. Also, I would have a $10 minimum order.
5)Cheap or free advertising is the best way to market your business. People are excited about this idea-they will do all the work for you! Thats how I found out! You dont have to do much to get the word out! Contact ISU and get a little flier stuck in every welcome packet they hand out. Contact McLean County Chamber of Commerce and do the same thing. Tell the Convention and Visitors Bureau what you're doing. Paper State Farm and Country Companies!!! You will be shocked at the response!

I do want to clarify a few things I did like. First of all, I do like that you offer soda on your own. I think that is smart decision. I like how you have structured the online order pad. Also, I think offering an advance order option is wise and will really help the behind-the-scenes organization.

I truly hope that Redbird Delivery does thrive in this community. I order delivery quite often, but am very exhausted with Chinese and pizza. Also, there is restaurant support-the few owners I have talked to are pleased with the idea and really do hope for the success of Redbird Delivery.