Inflation be damned, consumers are ordering more delivery and takeout orders today than they were prior to the recent increase in the cost of living.
New global research shed light on consumer behavior and delivery trends amid inflation. The survey – commissioned by SaaS company Deliverect and conducted by Censuswide – found that, in the U.S., 44% of consumers are now purchasing up to three takeout orders per week, up 2% prior to the increase in inflation.
Globally, 57% of consumers are purchasing up to three takeout orders per week, up 8% from prior to the rise in inflation.
The research reveals that, while consumers are undoubtedly putting more thought into how they spend money, they’re most likely to cut back on activities like going out for dinner (47%) or buying clothes (44%).
“The continued popularity of ordering out is a result of convenience but, according to the data, consumers are still looking for quality delivery orders and are becoming more selective when it comes to what they spend their hard-earned money on,” Noah Hayes, GM of U.S. & Canada with Deliverect, told The Food Institute.
“During the era of inflation, other factors that influence why consumers choose one restaurant over another include specific menu item availability, appealing photos of the food online, and the restaurant’s presence on social media,” Hayes added.
Among the survey’s other interesting findings:
- Respondents said they’re most likely to be frustrated by restaurants with long delivery times (31%)
- Consumers aged 45-54 (40%) are most likely to choose a restaurant based on special offers
- 52% said customer reviews and restaurant ratings are more important than ever
- 90% said quality ingredients are more important now than before the rise of inflation
Approximately 7,000 consumers were surveyed by Censuswide. A common theme from the survey’s feedback: speed is a necessity, now more than ever. Fast delivery is likely to encourage customers to order from a restaurant again (41%), and 38% of people agree that 21-30 minutes is the maximum average time to wait for orders to arrive.
Deliverect said the findings note that consumers’ expectations for delivery and takeout food continue to increase.
“Consumers are continuing to prioritize delivery and takeout orders,” Hayes said, “but restaurants need to continue to focus on providing customers with quality, consistency and speed to keep them coming back for more, especially as inflation continues to rise.”
