If you're an Indian restaurant owner or entrepreneur trying to reach more customers, you might be wondering about the importance of having a strong online presence. Zomato is a top platform for finding restaurants and getting food delivered. It can help you connect with millions of potential diners who are actively looking for their next dining experience.
Tip: If you're thinking about setting up a cloud kitchen to begin your food journey, Kouzina can help you start and run a franchise successfully.
Let's dive in!
Ready to join the Zomato revolution?
Before you get started on the Zomato journey, let's make sure your restaurant meets a few important requirements. This is your exclusive VIP pass to join the Zomato community. Here's what you'll need to join:
Just like a master chef needs the right tools, your restaurant needs the proper legal permits. A valid FSSAI license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is a must-have, showcasing your commitment to hygiene and top-notch food safety practices.
Depending on your location and business structure, you might also need additional licenses, such as a Shop and Establishment Act license or a Municipal Corporation Trade License.
Before boarding your Zomato registration journey, ensure you have the documents to streamline the process. Here's a checklist to confirm a smooth and efficient registration:
This document verifies your restaurant's compliance with food safety regulations set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). It is a mandatory requirement.
Your Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is a vital tax document that helps Zomato verify your business identity.
If your restaurant's annual turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh (approximately US$26,400), you'll need a Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN) for tax compliance. Zomato will require a copy during registration.
This ensures the smooth processing of any potential revenue generated through online orders and deliveries facilitated by Zomato.
This is your chance to showcase your offerings in the best light. A clear and visually appealing digital menu is crucial—it's exciting. So, make sure to upload a well-formatted PDF or JPG file.
High-quality photos (ideally professional quality) of your most popular dishes are a must-have. These visuals will entice potential customers and give them a taste of your culinary expertise.
Pro Tip: Don't worry about the registration process. Just ensure all your documents are scanned and saved in a readily accessible format. This will make the upload process a breeze.
Also Read: Selling Homemade Food Online Using Zomato
Here are the instructions for signing up for your restaurant on Zomato. We'll explain it in easy steps to make it simple and hassle-free for you.
Zomato charges restaurants a commission-based fee for being listed on their platform. Here's a breakdown of the essential costs to consider:
There are no upfront listing fees for restaurants registering on Zomato in India. Zomato previously charged a fee depending on the number of weekly orders, but this structure has been discontinued.
Zomato charges a commission fee on each order placed through their platform. This commission rate typically ranges between 5% and 22% of the total order value, excluding delivery charges and applicable taxes (GST).
The exact commission rate can vary depending on several factors, including:
Restaurant's Location: Commission rates might differ based on your restaurant's location and the market's competitiveness.
Average Order Value (AOV): Some reports suggest restaurants with a higher average order value might benefit from slightly lower commission rates.
Special Promotions or Negotiations: Zomato occasionally offers promotional commission rates or negotiates custom fees with specific restaurants.
When a customer orders food from your restaurant on Zomato for ₹500 (not including delivery charges and GST), Zomato will take a 15% commission, which amounts to a fee of ₹75. After deducting their commission, you will receive ₹425 from the total order value.
Please note that these ranges are estimates, and the commission rate for your restaurant may vary. We suggest contacting Zomato directly for the most current information on their commission structure and any special offers that may apply to your restaurant.
Payment Gateway Charges: When you pay for your order online through Zomato's payment gateway, there may be extra fees. These fees are usually a small percentage of the total amount and are usually passed on to the restaurant.
Marketing and Promotions: Zomato provides different tools to help restaurants increase their visibility on the platform. Depending on the options chosen, these tools may come with extra costs.
By gaining a comprehensive understanding of Zomato's fee structure and potential additional costs, restaurant owners can make informed decisions about utilizing the platform and estimating their potential revenue.
Listing your restaurant on Zomato is not just about increasing sales, it's about unlocking a world of opportunities that can propel your business to new heights. Let's explore some of these game-changing advantages:
Zomato has millions of users in India who are actively looking for new places to eat. When you list your restaurant, it will be seen by this large audience, making it easier for potential customers to find you.
Zomato makes it easy for customers to order food online and have it delivered to their homes or offices. This helps restaurants increase sales and reach more customers.
Zomato is like an online showcase for your restaurant. Creating a great profile with delicious photos and good reviews helps people recognize your brand and trust your food. It's also important to reply to reviews, both good and bad, to show that you care about your customers and to build a group of loyal customers.
Zomato provides valuable data and analytics tools to help you understand customer behavior and preferences. This information can be a goldmine for strategic planning. Analyze the most popular dishes, track customer demographics, and identify areas for improvement.
Use this information to customize your offerings, improve your menu, and make smart choices based on data to help your restaurant be more successful.
Also Read: Top Cloud Kitchen Startups And Ghost Kitchen Companies In India
Great news! Your restaurant is now active on Zomato and ready to attract customers in the city. But that's just the beginning. It's time to make your restaurant stand out and persuade people to order your amazing food.
Here's your guide to getting the most out of Zomato:
Headline with Hunger Appeal: When naming your restaurant, think of it as coming up with a catchy slogan or a mouthwatering description that captures the essence of your cuisine in just a few words. For example, you could go with something like "Spicy Delights of Kerala" or "Wood-fired Pizzas That Steal the Show."
Visually Delicious: A picture is worth a thousand words, especially regarding food! Showcase your culinary masterpieces with high-quality photos that capture your dishes' vibrant colors, textures, and plating. Invest in professional photography if possible, or ensure clear and well-lit close-up shots that make your food jump off the screen.
The description that Delights: Don't settle for generic descriptions; instead, use vibrant language to create a vivid dining experience. Emphasize your restaurant's distinctive flavors, unique ingredients, and inviting ambiance.
Embrace Customer Feedback: Treat both positive and negative reviews with professionalism and grace. Respond promptly, thank customers for their praise, and address any concerns with a solution-oriented approach. This demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction and builds trust with potential diners.
Turn Reviews into Repeat Business: Encourage customers to share their feedback by providing incentives such as loyalty points or exclusive discounts. Positive reviews enhance your credibility and can sway the decisions of other Zomato users.
Go Beyond the Menu: Zomato allows you to create special delivery menus tailored specifically for online orders. This can be a great way to offer exclusive deals or highlight dishes that travel well.
Online Data: Analyze the most popular dishes in online orders, pinpoint peak delivery times, and comprehend customer behavior. Utilize this information to optimize your menu offerings and tailor your online presence for maximum impact.
If you follow these Zomato tips, your restaurant will stand out and attract new customers who will become regulars. Just remember to keep your profile up to date with new dishes, seasonal specials, and promotions to keep people interested and coming back for more!
Endorse Your Zomato Catalog Like a Pro!
Here's a concise guide to expanding your restaurant's online presence after signing up on Zomato:
Registering your restaurant on Zomato gives you access to a vast user base, unlocks increased sales potential, and taps into valuable customer insights. Crafting an appealing profile, engaging with reviews, and harnessing Zomato's marketing tools can turn your listing into a beacon for hungry diners.
Remember, with a consistent online presence through a website and social media promotion, you're not just keeping your restaurant visible but positioning it for success in the ever-growing online food delivery market.
You can also operate under Kouzina's cloud kitchen empire and utilize their franchise management features to increase your earnings and make running your business a lot easier!