Unlock New Revenue With Shipping
One key way to grow your business is by unlocking new revenue streams and distribution channels. Here’s one new channel that can catapult your business to new heights: strategic shipping. This week, let's dive into how shipping can not only streamline your operations but also amplify your brand's reach, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, your bottom line.
Why Shipping Matters
When leveraged correctly shipping can become a powerful tool in growing your meal delivery business. Shipping is not just about getting your product from point A to B; it's about enhancing customer experience, expanding your market reach, and differentiating your brand.
The Case for Expanded Reach
Recently, Eric Stein from Mama Meals joined a Bottle Coffee Chat to discuss all things shipping. It was so awesome to hear about Eric and his wife Holly’s success growing Mama Meals, a meal delivery service specializing in organic, postpartum meals. Initially, Mama Meals started with local deliveries out of a home kitchen. However, as they transitioned to nationwide shipping, their market and reach dramatically expanded.
By using strategic partnerships and simplified shipping solutions, they could cater to a niche audience across the country, tapping into unexplored markets and scaling their business exponentially.
In the same vein, you might consider how shipping could unlock a new revenue stream for your business.
Here are some things to consider launching shipping as a channel:
Start local: Local delivery can be a stepping stone to understanding the complexities of shipping and delivery before you scale. Use this phase to perfect your packaging, delivery times, and customer communication.
Go regional, then Nationwide: Start by shipping in your region. Then, like Mama Meals, consider expanding your reach with nationwide shipping. Investigate carriers like FedEx or UPS for the best rates and service quality. Don’t forget to explore bulk shipping discounts or partnerships for better rates.
Temperature-controlled shipping: For meal delivery services, maintaining the right temperature is crucial. Invest in quality packaging that includes insulated liners or dry ice, ensuring your meals arrive in perfect condition, enticing first-time customers to become regulars.
Offer perks for subscribers: We’ve talked a lot about thinking beyond the traditional subscription model. Offer a membership for free shipping or discounts on recurring orders. This not only builds customer loyalty but also provides a steady revenue stream.
Real-time order tracking: Customers appreciate being in the loop. Use software to provide real-time tracking for orders. This added touch can enhance the customer experience and reduce the anxiety associated with waiting for deliveries.
The Bottom Line
As we've seen with Eric Stein's journey, shipping can be a game-changer for meal delivery businesses. By adopting a strategic approach to shipping, you're not just sending out meals; you're delivering experiences, convenience, and, most importantly, value to your customers.
Of Interest: Scream Truck Is Using SMS to Modernize The Ice Cream Truck Experience
Have you heard about Scream Truck's unique approach to selling ice cream? This New Jersey-based company is redefining the classic ice cream truck experience by utilizing SMS marketing to drive demand and plan profitable routes. Here’s how they do it:
We create demand by sending text alerts to registered households within a pre-defined neighborhood to announce we'll be visiting later that day. Customers simply reply with the letter Y (for YES!) to reserve a stop at their house. We continue to text adjacent and nearby neighborhoods until we reach 10-14 reservations each hour (depending on travel time and projected order prep time at each stop).
Generating demand, ensuring density and operating profitably are cornerstones of the brand. Read more here.
On Deck: Planted Table Coffee Chat
On April 25th, we’ll be joined by Megan Scott, owner of Planted Table. Megan and her sister have grown Planted Table into one of the Bay Area’s most successful and innovative meal delivery businesses. We’ll talk about how she built Planted Table, building an environmentally sustainable business and how to use Yelp reviews to grow your business. This is sure to be an awesome chat with an incredible business owner.
Bottle’s Coming To Nashville!
We're thrilled to announce that Bottle is heading to Nashville for our very first Owner's Roundtable! Join us in one of our favorite food cities for a day filled with learning, connection, and growth.
Event Details:
Date & Time: The roundtable will run from approximately 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Wednesday, 5/8.
Activities: The day will feature talks from 3-5 experts in marketing and advertising, focused on strategies to grow your local food business. Additionally, there will be plenty of opportunities for networking. We're organizing small group sessions where owners can share best practices and learn from one another.
Food: A delicious lunch will be served to fuel our discussions and networking.