Currently, the popularity of delivery services has increased dramatically due to Covid 19. People used to use a delivery app to order food before, but since last year, these platforms are in high demand. Additionally, many niche markets need a reliable delivery service, which means a small business can be successful.
Contents10 Important Steps to Building a Delivery ServiceWhy is a delivery app crucial for success? What should a delivery app have?Conclusion
But what do you need to create your delivery? There are a few things you should consider, and we'll take a closer look at them in this article.
10 important steps to creating a delivery-service
Below you can find ten steps following which you can develop a wonderful delivery service:
- You need to plan your business. This is the first thing you need to do, and it involves the costs of opening a new delivery service, ongoing expenses, target market, how the service will make money, how much your customers will be charged, profits, etc.
- You must form a legal entity. There are different business structures. For example, it can be an LLC, sole proprietorship, etc. At this stage, it is also necessary to register for taxes. Then you can proceed to the next step.
- You must register for taxes as soon as the previous step is completed. For this purpose, you can apply for an EIN, which is an easy thing to do.
- You need to open a credit card or account for your business. Obviously, a delivery app and a website are crucial, but such accounts are vital for the protection of personal assets. This means that this step should never be skipped.
- You should never forget about business accounting. If you record both expenses and income, you will be able to understand the financial performance of your delivery service.
- It is important to obtain the required permits and licenses. If you don't, you are very likely to pay hefty fines, or they may even shut down your business.
- You should take out business insurance. Your delivery app will work safely and legally if you have insurance, as it can protect it in the event of a covered loss.
- You need to define your brand. If you manage to create a strong brand, you are more likely to stand out.
- It is important to develop both a delivery app and a website. Thanks to this, you will attract more customers and the company will be considered reliable.
- You need to set up your work phone system. It's the best thing you can do to keep your work and personal life private and separate.
Why is a delivery-app crucial for success?
Building a delivery app for your business is essential, or you're less likely to succeed. The reason is that modern people prefer to use applications regardless of the type of service. Such a platform makes things easier and faster as they can quickly access the needed service. This means that when they want to order something, they don't have to open a browser and search for a website. Instead, they'll open your delivery app and choose what they want. In fact, a user-friendly app is even more important than a website; therefore, this step should not be skipped.
What should a delivery-app have?
When the previously mentioned steps are done, it's time to find an app delivery development company, such as Purrweb. You will discuss your expectations with the developer team, and they will create the first version of the application. Most entrepreneurs prefer separate apps for restaurants, customers, and couriers for Android and iOS. However, do not be afraid that there are many platforms because Purrweb works with ReactNative. It is a framework to develop a delivery application in a short period of time and using JavaScript code and a single team for Android and iOS. So you might get three apps instead of six, or there might be just one app with different interfaces. The advantage is that you can always discuss it with the team who will help you find the best possible solution.
The feature set may differ from one delivery app to another as it depends on your expectations and requirements. However, some functions are essential for any application. So, let's take a closer look at them.
A client's application must have the following functionality:
- Registration page. The registration form is crucial for a delivery service, but it should not be too long. People generally don't like to spend three minutes providing the required details. They want it fast.
- Restaurant catalog which should show filters, search bars and ratings.
- Payment settings. The best thing you can do here is provide your customers with a few options, which should include credit/debit card, cash, GooglePay, and ApplePay.
- Delivery area. Thanks to this, they can choose a destination by typing their address or by putting a marker on the map.
- Talk. This feature should allow people to contact customer support or a driver to discuss updates or specify delivery instructions.
- Push notifications. Thanks to this, consumers will stay informed of the status of their order. It also helps them to share promo codes to increase retention rate.
- The order history is a handy tool, which can save time if they decide to place the same order in the same place.
Here are some essential features for a courier delivery app:
- Registration page.
- Actual order basis, which allows them to get reserved delivery.
- Order delivery status. Thanks to this, they can see if it is ready to be picked up or if it has already been delivered.
- Order History, which is used to show payments and completed orders.
The following features are important if you decide to use a restaurant app:
- An administrative panel, which is needed to control orders.
- Push notifications which are needed to let couriers know when they can pick up the order.
- Payment menu, which is used to generate invoices in the delivery app and send them to customers.
Conclusion
As you can see from this article, it is not difficult to start your own business with a delivery app. Even though there are many services in the market these days, you shouldn't be afraid of the competition. If you follow the steps outlined above and create a unique brand, you have every chance of success.
