How Waitlist Management Apps and Virtual Waiting Rooms Help Delivery Run Seamlessly

A deliveryman in a face mask packs food in a thermal bag, showcasing safe practices during the pandemic.

Overwhelmed by third party delivery apps?

You’re not alone. Demand for delivery has accelerated significantly in the past few years. This increased demand has created both a third-party delivery company boom and a whole new set of challenges for the restaurant industry.

Without getting into commission fees, the increased demand for delivery apps has made the pickup process increasingly hard for restaurants to manage. There are over 10 (and counting) major delivery apps out there. If a restaurant is accepting orders (willingly or not) from these companies, several delivery drivers from different companies are often coming by at peak hours to pick up orders. 

Managing the chaos

Restaurants and tech companies (not the delivery app ones) are finding creative solutions to adapt to this new environment. Waitlist management apps have come out with new features like self check-in options and virtual waiting rooms. These awesome features, however, are primarily used to manage the customer intake process. Self check-in features provide convenient and streamlined options for the guest to check-in on their own. Virtual waiting rooms keep guests informed and engaged during their wait. Both reduce negative reviews, build brand image and most importantly, increase efficiency. Can self check-ins and virtual waiting rooms be used with delivery drivers?

How to use NextMe’s waitlist management app for your delivery drivers

Step 1. Delivery drivers check themselves in when they arrive for the order using either a QR code posted outside or by clicking on a simple link sent to them in the automated message through the third party delivery app.

Step 2. They fill out your custom intake form, including their mobile number, third party delivery company, order number, or anything else you would like to include.

Step 3. Delivery drivers wait in their cars instead of clustering around your door. While they wait, they enter your virtual waiting room, learning about your pickup processes and staying updated on the status of their order.

Step 4. Once the order is ready, the driver is simply notified with a second text to come pick up their order. 

Using NextMe’s filtering features, you can separate your delivery drivers by company into separate queues for better organization. You can even add “order number” and “customer name” fields into the custom intake form to maximize your pickup process. At last, your staff can breathe a sigh of relief. 

A solution for restaurants big and small

NextMe’s waitlist system is being used to manage delivery drivers at restaurants big and small across North America. A Jet’s Pizza Franchise, located in Ohio, recently implemented NextMe at their business. Since then, they have effectively organized and streamlined their pickup process. Request a demo or give us a call at (877) 639-8631 for more info.

Ready to modernize your waiting experience?

Browse our case studies and reviews to learn why top brands are turning to NextMe to manage their queues with confidence. Reduce perceived wait times and deliver powerful waiting experiences that keep customers engaged from the moment they arrive. Book a demo or get in touch today and our team of experts will be happy to discuss your use case.