The All-in-One Delivery Service Software
for the food service industry

Before launching your own delivery service, there are a few key points to address. First, you will need to register your business and ensure that your existing restaurant license covers delivery operations. You should also decide whether you will handle deliveries yourself or hire an external courier service, as this will impact insurance, liability, and costs. You will need suitable packaging that keeps food warm and hygienic. A clearly defined delivery area, realistic delivery times, and a well-structured digital ordering system are the foundation for a successful launch. Finally, plan your kitchen capacity carefully to ensure that both in-house dining and delivery operations run smoothly in parallel.

Digitizing your delivery service starts with an integrated online ordering systemthat automatically forwards orders to your POS system and the kitchen. This eliminates manual entry and significantly reduces errors. A kitchen display system (KDS) prioritizes orders and speeds up preparation. Digital driver assignment and route optimization ensure that deliveries arrive quickly and efficiently. You should also offer your customers automatic status updates via SMS or app—this significantly reduces inquiries and improves customer satisfaction. Many modern POS systems already offer all these features integrated.

The cost of setting up your own delivery service depends heavily on how you operate it. A simple start with your own online ordering system costs between 50 and 300 euros per month for the software. On top of that, there are packaging costs, which can range from 0.20 to 1.50 euros per order depending on volume. If you employ your own drivers, you also have to factor in personnel costs as well as vehicle and insurance expenses. If, on the other hand, you use external delivery platforms like Lieferando, you pay commissions of up to 30 percent per order—this sounds simple, but it significantly reduces your margins. With a regular order volume, an in-house system often pays for itself within just a few months.

Fast and reliable delivery is the most important factor for customer satisfaction in the delivery sector. Start with a realistic estimate of your delivery times—it is better to communicate a slightly longer window and surprise customers positively. A clear kitchen workflow for delivery orders prevents unnecessary wait times. Invest in thermal bags and appropriate packaging so that food arrives in top quality even after 20 to 30 minutes. For route planning, it is worth using software that efficiently navigates drivers to multiple stops. Regular customer feedback also helps you identify weaknesses early and make targeted improvements.

Attracting new customers to your delivery service requires a combination of digital visibility and targeted marketing. Ensure your Google Business Profile is complete and lists delivery as a service. Run local Google Ads that specifically target users in your delivery area. Social media—especially Instagram and Facebook—is perfect for sharing appetizing photos of your dishes and promoting special offers. Discount codes for first-time orders lower the barrier for new customers. Additionally, partner with local businesses, offices, or venues that regularly require catering or lunch services.

For a professional delivery service, you need several software components that work in harmony. At the heart of it is a modern POS systemthat centrally consolidates orders from various channels. This is complemented by an online ordering systemthat allows customers to order directly from you, saving you from paying commissions to third-party platforms. A kitchen display system (KDS) ensures that orders reach the kitchen in the correct sequence and without any paper clutter. Optional driver apps for route planning, as well as a CRM system for customer communication and loyalty programs, are also useful. Make sure all systems are integrated with each other to avoid duplicate data entry and errors.

Whether it makes more sense to run your own delivery service or use platforms like Lieferando depends on your volume and strategy. Platforms offer the advantage of broad reach and a ready-made logistics system—ideal for a quick start or testing the market. However, they charge commissions of up to 30 percent, which puts significant pressure on your margins. Running your own delivery service requires more effort to set up, but it gives you full control over customer data, brand experience, and margins. For many restaurants, the best solution is a hybrid approach: use platforms for reach while simultaneously building your own channel to which you can actively steer repeat customers.