App integrations consist of various types of restaurant tech that can contribute to a digital transformation. Online ordering for restaurants is a huge revenue source, and app features make it more efficient.

From 24 7 food delivery to contactless payments, there are many app integrations to use. But first, let’s discuss app integrations and their benefits for food delivery processes.

App Integrations: Definition

App integrations are connections between digital systems to create an all-inclusive platform. Within the restaurant industry, we often use app integrations when ordering food.  

Thanks to innovative restaurant technology, there are numerous ways to boost customer satisfaction. From QR codes to self ordering kiosks, emerging tech and food trends revolve around making the casual dining experience even simpler.

Convenience is the key to maximizing the restaurant profit margin in the digital age. With this in mind, consider ways to enhance the user experience for your food delivery app.

Examples of App Integrations

Want to boost mobile food ordering? Opt for one of the many POS partners that offer app integrations that serve customers and restaurant staff. Keep reading to learn about thirteen app integrations that can help maximize profits.

1. Pay On The App

Though it might sound like one of the most obvious app integrations, allow customers to pay for their orders on the app. Some platforms require customers to pay upon delivery, which isn’t the most efficient option.

In addition to making payments, ensure that customers can also leave a tip through the app. In the event that a customer doesn’t have cash, not offering this feature can deter them from ordering altogether.

Want to take it one step further to help delivery drivers? Integrate tip amounts based on percentages so that they earn an appropriate amount of money.

2. Push Notifications

Push notifications are a standard feature of smart devices. Ensure that they’re one of the app integrations for your delivery platform.

Order reminders are easy ways to provide positive customer service. Plus, it eliminates questions about orders in progress.

Alerts can include messages about accepting orders, preparing food, and once the order leaves the restaurant. If you want to maximize your efforts, send an alert shortly after the delivery time asking for a review.

3. Exchange Customer and Delivery Driver Information

Perhaps a delivery driver cannot find the destination. Or, customers may forget to add delivery instructions. For matters like these, customers and delivery drivers should be able to contact each other.

By allowing customers and drivers to send messages through the app, there’s little risk for calls to the eatery. It’s a simple way to help streamline restaurant operations.

For drivers, allow the app integrations to have voice-to-text and call features. You don’t want drivers to text while driving, so avoid this risk.

4. In-App Loyalty Programs

If a business uses delivery apps, customers should still be able to use a restaurant loyalty program. So, ensure that rewards can apply to online orders.

Studies show that people spend more on online food orders than they do in brick and mortar restaurants. Though there isn’t a ton of data on the matter, we hypothesize that it’s because they don’t feel pressure to order from the wait staff. Customers take their time, and end up ordering more than usual.

With this data in mind, customers can collect more rewards from delivery apps. Since the main goal of loyalty programs is to incentivize people to place orders, these kinds of app integrations would be perfect.

5. Reorder Past Purchases

Consumers tend to gravitate toward things they’re familiar with, including restaurant orders. Just think about the number of times you browse a menu, knowing what you’re going to order. The same idea applies to delivery apps.

Install app integrations that prompt customers to repurchase a past order. It will save time, increase profits, and lessen the risk of them jumping to another restaurant’s menu.

Plus, it’s super convenient for customers who have their go-to favorites. Why make them spend time customizing orders and adding items to their cart if it can all be ready to order?

6. Live Order Monitoring

Live order monitoring is useful for customers and restaurant staff. Real-time GPS tracking enables both parties to track orders with a timeline.

Live order monitoring is helpful for restaurants to organize deliveries. Different routes can take drivers out of their way, so having GPS tools can lessen time-sensitive issues.

Customers waiting on their food can use similar app integrations to track their order status. Maybe an order is running a bit late. Or, perhaps a customer receives a message from their driver that they’re lost. Whatever the case may be, displaying a route with an ETA is efficient.

7. Favorites List

As customers scroll through menus, they may want to save certain items for later. For this reason, make a favorites list as one of the app integrations.

By clicking a heart or bookmark icon, people can make a list of all their favorite things from different menu types. This feature can speed up the checkout process for customers. It will also help boost cart values, as it can serve as a reminder of the most delicious-sounding menu items customers can choose from.

8. Customer Service Chat

Technology isn’t always perfect, even if we hope it will be. With this said, customers may have questions or concerns about the app. In the event of this occurring, allow customers to contact a customer service team member on the app.

A team member will be able to help customers in real-time with a view of their profile. Whether they need a refund or payments won’t process, an agent can offer immediate solutions.

Don’t confuse a customer service chat with direct messaging a restaurant. One is for the delivery app company, while the other is for the eatery.

9. Secure Payment Methods

Ensure that your delivery app offers secure payment methods. Payment processing is a vital part of online ordering apps. With this in mind, it should accommodate all your customers.

Data encryption is vital to protect customer payment data. The best payment processing software options should have secure payment gateways, too (see: what is payment gateway). Meeting PCI standards is mandatory, so be mindful of these protocols.

Contactless payments are one of the best delivery app features. Not requiring a signature or payment upon delivery makes it a much simpler process. With this in mind, ensure that your delivery app allows options such as credit cards, gift cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.

10. Review Library

Customer reviews are effective marketing assets. Showing people scrolling your menu what past customers have to say can benefit sales.

Create a tab on the restaurant’s home screen that shows star ratings and reviews. Potential customers will appreciate the transparency. Past customers will also enjoy having a platform to voice feedback.

If you create a review library, ensure that staff can reply to reviews. Responding to all types of activity will show that your business is responsive, which is always a good trait to acquire.

11. Social Media Feed

Entice customers by sharing real-life social media content on delivery apps. App integrations with images boost branding efforts, too.

The way it works is when customers visit the restaurant’s page on a delivery app, there’s a tab to view a feed. This feed will showcase content from one or more of your social media profiles.

If you include photos that past customers tag you in, this feature can also help build a sense of trust. It shows customers that you’re confident in your dishes to display them online.

Is social media marketing a big part of your restaurant business plan? Be sure to learn how to calculate the social media ROI to track results.

12. Customer Profiles

Customer profiles are a great tool for businesses and consumers.  It provides customers with the ability to save their information. Plus, businesses can have access to useful data.

As customers make an account, the app might require them to add their email address and phone number. Such consumer data can be beneficial for restaurant promotions, such as an email marketing strategy.

App integrations that request data can impact long-term restaurant marketing strategies. So, consider using them for your delivery app. And remember, the more insight you have, the more you can strategize.

13. Direct Messaging With Restaurants

Maybe there was a mix-up on an order. Or, perhaps a customer has a question about a menu item. Direct messaging as one of your app integrations can simplify contact for both parties.

Another great feature of direct messaging is that the business can view the customer profile. If someone asks a question about an order or payment, the staff will have the information to help.

Stellar customer service should be a top priority. Remember that you can achieve this with direct messaging app integrations.

Contact us for a demo now to see how our off-premise solutions can help grow revenue and earnings of restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions About App Integrations

What Is Integration In App Development?

App integrations combine multiple applications into one system. Its purpose is to house numerous features in a single platform.

What Is An Integration App?

An integration app is a mobile system that allows for the sharing of data and processes. These platforms connect on and off-premise apps for seamless operations. (see on premise vs off premise software)

What Do Integrations Do?

Integrations allow various digital systems to connect. App developers connect features from multiple apps to create an all-inclusive platform.