Four simple tricks that make delivery way easier
A typical day at your shop: drivers call in sick, orders pile up, and the phone keeps ringing – “Where’s my pizza?” Sound familiar? Delivery can get out of control faster than you think. But don’t worry. There are simple fixes, whether you like using pen and paper or prefer some helpful tech. Let’s explore how pizza owners like you handle the most common delivery headaches.
Problem 1: You don't know which orders to send together
You have 6 orders ready to go out. You only have 2 drivers. Which orders should go together? If you send drivers out one at a time, you waste gas and time. If you group the wrong orders, your driver drives all over town.
Simple way to fix this
Put a local map on the wall. Circle the nearby areas. Make a list of which neighborhoods are close to each other so your staff knows which orders can go out together.
Technology that does it for you
Look for software that helps you group orders together. Some tools even find the best routes for your drivers. Make sure the solution you choose works with your POS system!
Learn more about grouping deliveries via technology like Slice Delivery Management here.
Problem 2: You don’t have enough drivers
It's Friday night and you're swamped. You have 15 delivery orders but only 2 drivers. You can't keep up. Customers are waiting too long and getting upset. You might have to turn away orders or close delivery early.
Simple way to fix this
On busy days, ask friends or family to help out and train a kitchen staff member to handle short deliveries when needed. Offering higher pay or small bonuses for weekend and last-minute shifts may also help keep extra drivers around.
Technology that does it for you
Consider third-party delivery services that can send drivers when you need them most. Look for online ordering tools that let you turn on extra driver support during your busiest times without having to hire full-time staff.
Did you know that Slice Delivery gives you unlimited backup drivers when you’re short-staffed? See how easy it is to turn it on here.
Problem 3: You don't know where your drivers are
A customer calls. "Where's my pizza?" Your driver left 20 minutes ago. But you don't know if they're stuck in traffic, at the house, or coming back. You have to guess. The customer gets mad.
Simple way to fix this
Keep a notebook of who went where and when. Give drivers cheap phones and tell them to call or text when they deliver each order.
Technology that does it for you
Look for software that shows you exactly where your drivers are on a map. Some systems will even text customers automatically when their order gets delivered.
Click here to see how driver tracking tools work with Slice Delivery.
Problem 4: Your drivers can't take credit cards
A customer orders a $30 pizza. They only have $25 cash. Your driver has to come back with no money. You lose the sale. The customer is unhappy.
Simple way to fix this
Ask customers to pay by phone before you deliver. If they want to pay cash, remind them they need exact change.
Technology that does it for you
Get a card reader for your drivers’ phones that allows them to take credit card payments at the door.
Interested in exploring mobile card readers? Slice has one – check it out here.
Start small
You don’t have to fix everything at once. Pick one delivery problem that slows you down the most, and try a simple fix. As your orders grow, add tools to help you move even faster.
The important thing is having a system - even a basic one - so you’re not scrambling when things get busy. A little structure goes a long way in keeping your deliveries on time and your customers happy.
