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What do you do, when you feel like munching on your favorite food but without going out? You just go to the food delivery app and order to eat. Simple and quick. But to build such advanced online food delivery solutions like Zomato or Swiggy, APIs (Application Programming Interface) help the apps to stand out from the crowd. APIs are the way to communicate with online software with numerous tools to allow their app for better functionality and user experience. Your app is incomplete without the integration of a third-party app.
Why Invest in a Food Delivery App?
You must be wondering in the first place, why one should invest in the Food delivery industry as the market is already filled with competition. Let’s dive into the research report of Stastia about the Online Food delivery industry:
By 2022, the revenue generated by the Online Food delivery industry will be $343.80 bn.
The annual growth rate will be 8.38 for 2022-2026 leading to a volume of $474.30bn by 2026.
Online Food delivery users are expected to reach up to 2691bn by 2026.
In the platform-to-consumer delivery segment, the market value of the food delivery industry will be $217 bn by the end of 2022.
How Do Third-Party Integrations Work?
API describes how one program interacts with another, and classes, structures, functions, and procedures are part of it. A third-party API is located on a server belonging to a 3rd party service. The developers can access its functionalities by linking to a JavaScript library or making an HTTP request to a listed URL pattern. Once the connection is made, the user’s request is sent from the app to a server through API and back – it’s a two-way path.
1. Google Maps
One of the most important and can say basic API requirements is Google Maps. A prominent geolocation API for Android devices. Google Maps are used in several industries, but for the food delivery business; it's a must to have in the on-demand food delivery app.
The geolocation API helps the users to deliver food at the right time and in the right place. Google Maps help the delivery partner to navigate the destination and provide services on time.
This will help on-demand food delivery operators to enhance the user experience with quick and safe delivery.
2. Email & SMS
Email & SMS API is one of the best ways of marketing and connecting with users. By sending them creative mails/SMS you can inform them about the food delivery status, and discounts and can show gratitude for being loyal customers. Email/SMS provides a customized experience to the users and also helps Online Food delivery apps to collect their feedback.
3. Push Notification
If you are selling something like clothes, shoes, food, or any other daily required product/services, push notification is a must. Without this API, you can’t update your users with special offers, discounts, new food menus, restaurants, coupons, and the status of their order.
They might ignore the emails or SMS, but users will surely read the push notification. The best way to be on their most-used app list is by reminding them that you are still offering your food delivery services.
4. Payment Gateway
One of the most-used APIs for all the online services whether it's an e-commerce website, a clothing store, or any food delivery app to make transactions hassle-free. All the online products/services use a third-party APIs payment gateway. Almost all online businesses have made their payment method flexible by accepting credit cards, digital transaction apps, and in-app wallets.
Indeed, cash is a good method for food delivery apps, but online payments reduce the long and tiring process of collecting cash. Moreover, if a customer is not available at their destination, the food delivery partner can leave the food at their door steps without wondering about the payment. Third-Party APIs are quite safe and don’t ask you to add your card details and also manage refunds, changing currencies, quick payments, etc. In India, third-party API payments like Paytm, Phone Pe, and Google Pay are commonly used by online restaurant delivery apps. Also, India’s digital payment system is considered the best in the world.
5. CRM Integration
Customer Relationship Management integration with your app will help to manage the relationships with both loyal and new customers. CRM API helps to store customer data, monitor the entire food delivery process, manage marketing campaigns, etc.
Also, it will give you a rough idea about the activities of your loyal customers and connect with them for regular services.
6. Chat API
Chat API has eased the long and tiring process of customer service. Before the chat API, there was only a call option available where it usually took a minimum of 15 minutes for the user to reach out to customer help. But, now with the chat option, users get quick responses from the customer service of food delivery apps.
Nowadays, big online restaurant food apps use the most popular messaging app - Whatsapp. Moreover, with this operators can take customer feedback about their delivery and services.
7. Call API
Call API is equally important as message API because sometimes a user and food delivery app failed to communicate problems at their end. In case a user doesn’t know how to type messages, Call API comes to the rescue.
Moreover, by contracting with a food delivery partner, users can give important instructions and can know their delivery status. Food delivery app developers like RG Infotech are well-versed with the market demands and solutions to assist you with some best APIs while developing a food delivery application for you.
Behaviour Tracking API
The study of user experience and behavior patterns is the primary need of any online business to improve its services. By integrating a third-party behavioral tracking API, online food delivery apps can easily monitor the response of customers to their services.
Apps can use behavior tracking APIs like Google Analytics, Heap, Segment, etc.
Summing Up
The mobile ordering/delivery business has a bright future. If you are planning to invest in an On-demand food delivery app, it's the right time to hit the bottom. The mentioned third-party integration will assist your app with outstanding functionality and customer experience. RG Infotech, the app development experts can help you to determine your niche, technology used, and integration of API in your Food delivery app.