Chownow.com Reviews

Based on looking at the website, ChowNow.com presents itself as an online ordering system specifically designed for independent restaurants.

Their core value proposition revolves around helping restaurant owners minimize reliance on third-party delivery apps, which often come with high commission fees, and instead drive direct, commission-free orders.

The platform aims to boost takeout sales, increase overall profits, and foster diner loyalty by providing tools like branded mobile apps, customizable websites, and automated marketing features.

They emphasize empowering restaurants to own their customer data and relationships, contrasting this with the model of many popular delivery services that prioritize their own brand loyalty.

Ultimately, ChowNow positions itself as a comprehensive solution for restaurants looking to streamline operations, cut costs, and build a more sustainable direct-ordering business.

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ChowNow.com Review & First Look

When you first land on ChowNow.com, the message is clear: they want to help restaurants reclaim their profits from high-commission third-party delivery services. The site immediately highlights the problem of losing revenue to external platforms and positions ChowNow as the solution for direct, commission-free ordering. It’s designed to appeal directly to independent restaurant owners who are feeling the squeeze.

The website offers a straightforward navigation, with clear calls to action like “Book a Demo.” The visual design is clean and professional, using restaurant imagery and testimonials to build credibility.

They showcase impressive statistics from various restaurant partners, such as “$68k Saved in Commission Fees” and “358%+ More Revenue,” which immediately grab attention and speak to the financial benefits they promise.

Key takeaways from a first look:

• Problem-solution focused: They identify a pain point high fees, lack of data ownership and present their platform as the antidote.
• Restaurant-centric: The language, features, and examples are all tailored specifically for restaurant operations.
• Emphasis on direct ordering: This is the core of their business model – empowering restaurants to build direct relationships with their customers.
• Data-driven claims: They back up their value proposition with specific numbers and success stories, adding a layer of perceived reliability.

Understanding the Core Offering

ChowNow’s fundamental promise is to provide restaurants with the tools to accept online orders directly from their customers, bypassing traditional high-commission third-party apps. This means building a proprietary ordering channel for each restaurant. Torrousa.com Reviews

• Commission-free orders: This is the big draw. Restaurants pay a flat fee or subscription to ChowNow, rather than a percentage of each order.
• Customer data ownership: Unlike third-party apps that often keep customer data, ChowNow states that restaurants retain full access to their diner information, allowing for targeted marketing and relationship building.
• Brand control: Restaurants maintain their own branding on their online ordering platforms, rather than being one listing among many on a generic marketplace.

User Experience for Restaurant Owners

Based on the website’s claims, ChowNow strives to offer a user-friendly experience for restaurant owners.

They mention “easy” ways to boost takeout sales and simplify day-to-day operations.

• Dedicated guidance: They promise dedicated advisors to help with setup and optimization.
• 24/7 support: Award-winning customer support via phone, chat, and text is highlighted, which is crucial for busy restaurant environments.
• Streamlined management: Tools like centralized menu management and order aggregation are designed to reduce operational complexity.

ChowNow.com Features

ChowNow offers a suite of features designed to help restaurants manage and optimize their online ordering, marketing, and overall operations.

These features are presented as a comprehensive solution to drive direct orders and enhance profitability.

• Online Ordering System: This is the bedrock, allowing customers to place orders directly through the restaurant’s branded channels.
• Branded Mobile App: For restaurants looking to provide a seamless mobile experience, ChowNow can create a custom mobile app for ordering.
• Restaurant Websites: They offer to build or optimize branded websites for restaurants, ensuring they are mobile-friendly and conversion-optimized.
• Automated Email Marketing: Built-in tools for re-engaging diners, sending promotions, and fostering loyal customer relationships.
• Rewards Program: A customizable loyalty program to incentivize repeat orders and maximize profits from loyal diners.
• Print Marketing Materials: Custom flyers, inserts, and promotional materials to encourage direct ordering.
• POS Integrations: Seamless integration with leading POS systems like Toast, Square, Revel, and Clover to sync orders.
• Advanced Analytics: A performance dashboard and self-serve reports to track what’s working and identify areas for improvement.
• Order Aggregation: A centralized system to manage orders from ChowNow and other third-party platforms in one place.
• Centralized Menu Management: Easily push out menu changes across multiple ordering channels.
• Fraud and Chargeback Protection: Full coverage for credit card fraud and chargebacks, providing financial security to restaurants.

Boosting Direct Orders

ChowNow’s primary goal is to shift customer behavior from third-party apps to direct ordering channels. This is achieved through a multi-pronged approach: Instacart.ca Reviews

• Dedicated Online Presence: By providing restaurants with their own website and branded app, ChowNow gives them a distinct and controlled digital storefront. This stands in contrast to being just one listing on a crowded third-party marketplace.
• Marketing Tools: The automated email marketing and rewards programs are designed to actively encourage repeat business directly. For instance, email campaigns can announce new menu items, special offers, or simply remind past customers to order again, driving them back to the restaurant’s direct channels. The rewards program creates an incentive structure for loyalty, making direct ordering more attractive than going through a third party.
• Print Marketing Integration: This might seem old-school, but providing custom flyers and inserts allows restaurants to physically encourage direct ordering right at the point of sale, effectively converting in-person diners into online direct customers. This can be a highly effective, low-cost way to promote their preferred ordering method.

Operational Efficiency & Support

Beyond just taking orders, ChowNow aims to streamline restaurant operations:

• POS Integration: This is a critical feature. By integrating with existing POS systems, orders placed through ChowNow flow directly into the restaurant’s kitchen display system or printer, eliminating the need for manual re-entry. This reduces errors and speeds up order processing. For example, a busy restaurant might handle hundreds of orders a day. manual entry for each one is a huge time drain and source of mistakes.
• Order Aggregation: For restaurants that still use third-party apps, the ability to see all orders from ChowNow and others in one dashboard simplifies order management. This provides a single pane of glass view for all incoming orders, regardless of their origin.
• Centralized Menu Management: This feature saves significant time and effort. Instead of updating menus on multiple platforms individually, restaurants can make changes once within ChowNow, and those changes are pushed out to all their integrated channels. This is especially useful for daily specials, temporary unavailability, or seasonal menu updates.
• Dedicated Support: The promise of 24/7 support and dedicated advisors indicates a commitment to helping restaurants troubleshoot issues and optimize their use of the platform. For a restaurant, downtime due to technical issues can mean lost revenue, so reliable and prompt support is paramount.

Data Ownership & Marketing Control

A significant advantage highlighted by ChowNow is the restaurant’s ownership of customer data.

• Full Access to Diner Data: Restaurants get access to customer ordering data and contact information. This allows them to understand customer behavior, identify their most valuable customers, and pinpoint popular ordering channels. This data is invaluable for strategic decision-making.
• Targeted Marketing: With customer data, restaurants can implement highly effective, personalized marketing campaigns. Instead of generic promotions, they can send targeted emails based on past order history, dietary preferences if collected, or frequency of visits. For example, if a customer hasn’t ordered in a month, an automated email with a small discount could re-engage them. This level of personalization is often impossible with third-party platforms that guard customer data.
• Compliance & Security: ChowNow states they comply with data processing laws, do not sell data to third parties, and keep information secure, which is crucial for building trust and ensuring privacy. This is particularly important given increasing scrutiny on data privacy regulations globally.

ChowNow.com Pros & Cons

Like any service, ChowNow.com has its strengths and potential drawbacks.

Understanding these can help a restaurant owner determine if it’s the right fit for their specific needs.

The Upsides Pros

ChowNow’s primary appeal lies in its ability to empower restaurants to take control of their online ordering process. Siscp.com Reviews

• Significant Cost Savings: This is often the biggest selling point. By switching from commission-based third-party apps which can charge 15-35% per order to ChowNow’s flat-fee model, restaurants can drastically reduce their overhead. The website itself cites partners saving an average of $16,000 in commissions annually, with some saving significantly more, like $288,000 for 4Top Hospitality. This directly impacts the bottom line and improves profit margins, especially for high-volume establishments.
• Direct Customer Relationships & Data Ownership: With ChowNow, the customer data belongs to the restaurant. This means businesses can access email addresses, order history, and preferences, enabling them to build direct loyalty programs, send targeted marketing campaigns, and understand their customer base better. This data is gold for long-term growth and customer retention.
• Brand Control and Consistency: Restaurants can maintain their unique brand identity through custom-built websites and branded mobile apps. This ensures a consistent look and feel across all digital touchpoints, reinforcing brand recognition rather than being just another listing on a generic marketplace.
• Comprehensive Features: From online ordering and marketing tools email, loyalty programs to operational efficiencies POS integrations, centralized menu management, ChowNow offers a robust suite. This means restaurants don’t have to piece together multiple disparate solutions.
• Fraud and Chargeback Protection: The promise of 100% fraud and chargeback protection without any limits is a substantial benefit. This alleviates a significant financial risk for restaurants, especially in an era of increasing online fraud.
• Dedicated Support: 24/7 customer support and dedicated advisors can be incredibly valuable for busy restaurant owners who need prompt assistance or guidance on optimizing their online presence.

The Downsides Cons

While ChowNow offers compelling benefits, there are aspects that might not suit every restaurant.

• Subscription Fee: Unlike third-party apps where restaurants only pay when an order comes in a pay-as-you-go model, ChowNow requires a monthly or annual subscription fee. For restaurants with very low online order volume, this fixed cost might initially seem higher than the variable commission fees, especially if they are just starting out with online ordering.
• Marketing Effort Required: While ChowNow provides the tools, restaurants are primarily responsible for driving traffic to their direct ordering channels. This means actively promoting their website and app to customers, which might require additional marketing spend or effort e.g., in-store signage, social media campaigns. Third-party apps, conversely, often provide a built-in marketplace with millions of users, offering immediate visibility without extra marketing effort.
• Building Brand Awareness: If a restaurant relies heavily on the discoverability offered by large third-party marketplaces e.g., a new restaurant trying to get discovered by local diners, shifting to a direct model requires them to invest more in their own SEO and local marketing to ensure customers can find their direct ordering channels. The website mentions built-in SEO features for their Squarespace templates, but actual ranking depends on many factors.
• Customer Adoption: Customers are often accustomed to using a few dominant third-party apps for all their food ordering. Educating and incentivizing customers to switch to a restaurant’s direct app or website can take time and effort. There might be some initial resistance or inertia from diners.
• Potential for Feature Overlap: Some larger restaurant chains might already have sophisticated POS systems or marketing automation tools. While ChowNow integrates with many POS systems, there might be some feature overlap or a learning curve in integrating ChowNow’s functionalities with existing robust internal systems.
• Not a Marketplace: ChowNow is not a marketplace like DoorDash or Uber Eats. It builds your ordering system. This means it does not provide a built-in stream of new customers discovering your restaurant through its platform. The restaurant must actively promote its own direct channels.

ChowNow.com Alternatives

For restaurants exploring online ordering solutions, ChowNow is one option among many.

The best alternative often depends on a restaurant’s specific needs, budget, and priorities regarding commission structures, marketing effort, and customer acquisition.

Direct Ordering System Alternatives

These platforms, similar to ChowNow, focus on providing restaurants with their own online ordering capabilities, aiming to reduce reliance on commission-heavy third-party marketplaces.

1. Toast Online Ordering: Playerresearch.com Reviews

   • Overview: Toast is a comprehensive POS system that also offers integrated online ordering, loyalty programs, and delivery management. For restaurants already using Toast POS, this is a seamless extension.
   • Pros: Deep integration with Toast POS, robust reporting, unified system for front-of-house, back-of-house, and online orders. Strong ecosystem.
   • Cons: Can be more expensive as a full POS system. online ordering might not be as standalone as ChowNow for non-Toast users.
   • Pricing: Varies based on POS hardware and software packages.

2. Square Online Store / Square for Restaurants:

   • Overview: Square offers online ordering capabilities as part of its Square Online platform or its dedicated Square for Restaurants POS system. It’s known for its user-friendliness and affordability, especially for smaller businesses.
   • Pros: Easy setup, integrates well with Square POS and payments, affordable plans including a free tier with transaction fees, good for quick service and small restaurants.
   • Cons: Less specialized for large, complex restaurant operations compared to dedicated platforms. some advanced marketing features might require third-party integrations.
   • Pricing: Free plan available with transaction fees. paid plans offer lower transaction fees and more features.

3. GloriaFood:

   • Overview: GloriaFood is a free online ordering system that allows restaurants to take commission-free orders. They monetize through optional paid services like branded apps, marketing services, and sales-optimized websites.
   • Pros: Completely free for commission-free orders, easy to set up, good for restaurants on a tight budget.
   • Cons: Limited features on the free plan. premium features can add up. less comprehensive support compared to paid platforms.
   • Pricing: Free online ordering. add-ons like branded apps, online payments, and marketing tools are paid.

4. Menufy:

   • Overview: Menufy provides commission-free online ordering and branded restaurant websites. They charge a flat monthly fee or a transaction fee based on the plan.
   • Pros: Focus on commission-free model, offers marketing tools, integration with various POS systems.
   • Cons: Not as widely known as some larger players. overall feature set might be less extensive than ChowNow.
   • Pricing: Varies. often flat monthly fees or transaction fees.

Third-Party Marketplace Alternatives with Considerations

Restaurants might use these for customer acquisition while using ChowNow for direct orders.

1. DoorDash / Uber Eats / Grubhub:
   • Overview: These are the dominant food delivery marketplaces. Restaurants list their menus, and customers can discover and order from a vast selection.
   • Pros: Massive customer base and built-in discoverability. They handle delivery logistics, marketing, and customer support.
   • Cons: High commission fees often 15-35% or more per order, loss of customer data, limited brand control, strong competition within the marketplace.
   • Pricing: Commission-based, with varying tiers and additional fees for delivery or marketing.

Holistic Digital Solutions

Some platforms offer broader digital marketing and operational tools beyond just online ordering. Sonicdental.co Reviews

1. Olo:

   • Overview: Olo is a leading digital ordering platform primarily for large restaurant chains and multi-location brands. They offer online ordering, delivery, and marketing solutions.
   • Pros: Highly scalable, robust integrations, advanced features for large operations, strong analytics.
   • Cons: Not designed for small independent restaurants. more expensive and complex implementation.
   • Pricing: Enterprise-level, custom pricing.

2. Punchh now part of PAR Technology:

   • Overview: While not an ordering system, Punchh specializes in loyalty and engagement platforms for restaurants, allowing them to build custom rewards programs and marketing campaigns.
   • Pros: Deep customization for loyalty, advanced segmentation and personalization, strong analytics on customer behavior.
   • Cons: Primarily a loyalty platform, requires integration with an existing ordering system. not a standalone online ordering solution.

When choosing an alternative, restaurants should consider their volume of online orders, budget, desire for brand control, capacity for self-marketing, and existing tech stack POS systems. For many independent restaurants, a hybrid approach might be best: using third-party apps for new customer acquisition and a direct ordering system like ChowNow or its alternatives for loyal customers and higher-margin orders.

How to Maximize ChowNow.com’s Benefits

Simply signing up for ChowNow isn’t enough.

Actively leveraging its features and integrating them into your restaurant’s operations and marketing strategy is key to realizing its full potential and maximizing profitability. Italianhandbagcompany.co.uk Reviews

1. Drive Traffic to Your Direct Channels

Since ChowNow is not a marketplace, your primary focus should be on directing customers to your ChowNow-powered website or branded app.

• In-Store Promotion:
  • Table Tents & Stickers: Place QR codes or direct website links on table tents, menus, and on payment terminals. Make it visible and easy to scan.
  • Receipts: Print your direct ordering website URL and app download links on all customer receipts.
  • Staff Training: Educate your staff to politely encourage direct orders. They can say, “For your next order, you can save money by ordering directly through our website/app!” or “We offer exclusive rewards when you order direct!”
  • Packaging Inserts: Use the custom print marketing materials ChowNow provides to include flyers or cards in every takeout and delivery bag. Highlight the benefits of ordering direct e.g., “Save on fees!”, “Earn loyalty points!”.
• Online Presence & SEO:
  • Website Optimization: Ensure your ChowNow-built website is fully optimized for search engines SEO. Use relevant keywords for your cuisine and location. ChowNow mentions built-in SEO features. utilize them.
  • Google Business Profile: This is crucial. Ensure your Google Business Profile formerly Google My Business prominently features your direct ordering link. This is often the first place customers look for ordering.
  • Social Media: Regularly post your direct ordering link on all your social media platforms Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok. Run campaigns specifically promoting direct ordering.
  • Email Sign-ups: Encourage customers to sign up for your email list integrated with ChowNow’s email marketing to receive promotions and updates.

2. Leverage Automated Marketing & Loyalty

ChowNow’s built-in marketing tools are powerful but require activation and strategic use.

• Automated Email Campaigns:
  • Welcome Series: Set up an automated email series for new customers who order directly.
  • Re-engagement Campaigns: Target customers who haven’t ordered in a while e.g., 30, 60, 90 days with special offers to bring them back.
  • Birthday/Anniversary Emails: Personalized touches can significantly boost repeat business.
  • Promotional Emails: Announce new menu items, seasonal specials, or upcoming events.
• Customizable Rewards Program:
  • Incentivize Direct Orders: Design your loyalty program to reward customers specifically for ordering directly from your website or app. For example, “Earn double points when you order via our app!”
  • Clear Value Proposition: Make the rewards appealing and easy to understand e.g., “Buy 9, get 1 free,” or “$10 off after spending $100”.
  • Promote Heavily: Ensure customers know about the loyalty program through all your marketing channels.

3. Utilize Data & Analytics

ChowNow provides access to diner data and advanced analytics.

Use this information to make informed business decisions.

• Identify Top Customers: Use the data to identify your most loyal and high-spending customers. Consider offering them exclusive perks.
• Analyze Ordering Patterns: Understand peak ordering times, popular menu items, and preferred ordering channels. This can help with staffing, inventory management, and menu optimization.
• Optimize Menu Pricing: Use data on popular items and profit margins to adjust your menu for maximum profitability.
• Track Marketing Effectiveness: Monitor which marketing efforts e.g., email campaigns, social media posts are driving the most direct orders.

4. Seamless Integration with Operations

Ensure ChowNow integrates smoothly with your existing restaurant operations. Zelocreatives.com Reviews

• POS Integration: Fully utilize the POS integration to ensure orders flow directly to your kitchen. This reduces manual entry errors and speeds up service. Test it regularly.
• Centralized Menu Management: Keep your menu updated across all platforms from the ChowNow dashboard. Ensure accuracy and reflect current availability.
• Staff Training: Train your kitchen staff, front-of-house, and management on how to process ChowNow orders, manage cancellations, and utilize the system’s features efficiently. Ensure everyone understands the importance of direct orders.
• Leverage Support: Don’t hesitate to use ChowNow’s 24/7 support and dedicated advisors for troubleshooting, optimization tips, and feature guidance.

By actively implementing these strategies, restaurants can significantly boost their direct online orders, reduce commission fees, and build a stronger, more profitable relationship with their customer base through ChowNow.

ChowNow.com Pricing

Based on the information available on their website, ChowNow’s pricing model is primarily based on a subscription fee, designed to be commission-free for restaurants on a per-order basis. This contrasts sharply with the percentage-based commissions charged by major third-party delivery apps.

While the exact pricing tiers and monthly costs are not explicitly displayed on the public-facing homepage which is common for B2B SaaS companies that prefer a “Book a Demo” approach, the core message is clear: restaurants pay a flat fee to ChowNow and keep 100% of the revenue from direct orders.

• Subscription Model: ChowNow operates on a subscription model, where restaurants pay a recurring fee likely monthly or annually to use their platform and its suite of features.
• Commission-Free Orders: The key benefit is that once subscribed, all orders placed through the restaurant’s ChowNow-powered website, branded app, or ChowNow’s marketplace app with Profit Protector enabled are commission-free. This means restaurants avoid the 15-35% commission fees often levied by competitors like DoorDash or Uber Eats.
• Potential Savings: The website emphasizes potential savings. They state that “ChowNow restaurant partners save an average of $16K in commissions a year,” and highlight individual examples like “Emporium Thai | LA $68k Saved in Commission Fees.” These figures are based on the premise of restaurants successfully migrating a significant portion of their online orders from commission-heavy platforms to their direct ChowNow channels.
• What the Subscription Likely Covers: The subscription fee typically covers:
  • Access to the online ordering system.
  • Branded website and/or mobile app creation and hosting.
  • Use of marketing tools email marketing, loyalty program.
  • POS integrations.
  • Access to analytics and reporting.
  • 24/7 customer support.
  • Fraud and chargeback protection.
• Variations in Pricing: It’s common for such services to have different tiers or customizable plans based on:
  • The restaurant’s size or number of locations.
  • The specific features required e.g., just online ordering vs. full suite with branded app and advanced marketing.
  • Contract length e.g., annual commitments often come with a lower effective monthly rate than month-to-month.

Why ChowNow doesn’t display exact pricing:

Many B2B services, especially those involving custom setup and ongoing support like ChowNow, prefer to discuss pricing directly with potential clients after understanding their specific needs. This allows them to: Spitfiremotorcompanyltd.co.uk Reviews

1. Tailor Solutions: Offer a package that best fits the restaurant’s unique operational and marketing requirements.
2. Highlight ROI: Directly demonstrate the potential cost savings and return on investment ROI based on the restaurant’s current commission expenses.
3. Manage Expectations: Address any concerns or questions about the fixed fee versus variable commission model.

For a restaurant interested in ChowNow, the next step would be to book a demo to get a personalized quote and understand the cost structure relevant to their business. The upfront subscription fee is an investment, but the promise is that it’s offset by the significant savings on commissions, ultimately leading to higher profit margins on online orders.

How to Cancel ChowNow.com Subscription

While ChowNow’s website focuses heavily on encouraging restaurants to sign up, details on how to cancel a subscription are not explicitly laid out on the public-facing pages.

This is typical for B2B services that operate on contracts.

However, based on industry standards and general service agreements, the process typically involves direct communication with their support or account management team.

Here’s a general approach one would likely follow if a restaurant decided to cancel their ChowNow subscription: Soberciety.de Reviews

1. Review Your Contract: The absolute first step is to check your original service agreement or contract with ChowNow. This document will outline the terms of your subscription, including:

   • Contract Length: Whether you’re on a month-to-month, annual, or multi-year agreement.
   • Notice Period: The required amount of time you need to give before cancellation e.g., 30, 60, or 90 days’ notice.
   • Cancellation Fees: Any potential early termination fees if you’re breaking a long-term contract.
   • Process: Specific instructions on how to initiate a cancellation request.

2. Contact ChowNow Support/Account Manager:

   • Dedicated Advisor: ChowNow mentions providing dedicated advisors. Your best bet is to reach out directly to your assigned advisor if you have one.
   • Customer Support: If you don’t have a dedicated advisor or can’t reach them, contact their general customer support. The website lists:
     • Phone: 888-707-2469
     • Email: [email protected]
     • Chat/Text: Likely available through their platform or website support section once logged in.
   • Be Prepared: When you contact them, have your account details ready restaurant name, account number, contact person. Clearly state your intention to cancel the subscription.

3. Submit a Formal Request if required:

   • Some companies require a formal written request, even if initial contact is by phone or chat. Follow any instructions given by the support team regarding this. Sending an email to [email protected] stating your intent to cancel, referencing your account, and noting the date is a good practice for documentation.

4. Confirm Cancellation:

   • Get Confirmation in Writing: Always request a written confirmation of your cancellation, including the effective date of termination and confirmation of any final charges. This is crucial for your records.
   • Account Access: Understand when your access to the ChowNow platform will cease and how long you’ll have to download any customer data or reports you need.

Important Considerations for Cancellation

• Data Migration: If you’re switching to another online ordering platform, plan for the migration of your customer data, menus, and any other relevant information. ChowNow states “Your diners, your data,” implying you have access to your customer database, which is valuable.
• Website/App Status: Understand what happens to your ChowNow-built website and branded mobile app upon cancellation. Will they be taken down immediately, or is there a grace period? If you built your primary online presence with ChowNow, you’ll need an alternative ready.
• Impact on Orders: Ensure you have an alternative online ordering system in place before your ChowNow service is terminated to avoid any disruption to your business and lost orders.

While the exact steps might vary slightly, proactive communication with ChowNow’s team and careful review of your contract are essential for a smooth cancellation process. Onephysion.com Reviews

How to Cancel ChowNow.com Free Trial

ChowNow, like many SaaS businesses, might offer free trials or demo periods to allow potential restaurant partners to experience their platform before committing.

The process for canceling a free trial is generally more straightforward than canceling a full subscription, as there’s typically no long-term contract involved.

Here’s how one would likely go about canceling a ChowNow free trial:

1. Check Trial Terms: The first and most crucial step is to review the terms and conditions of the free trial that you agreed to when you signed up. This document will specify:

   • Trial Duration: How long the trial lasts e.g., 7 days, 14 days, 30 days.
   • Automatic Conversion: Whether the trial automatically converts into a paid subscription if not canceled. This is a common practice.
   • Cancellation Method: The specific steps required to cancel before the trial ends. This might be as simple as an in-app setting or require contacting support.

2. Look for In-App Cancellation if applicable: Diamondridgeai.vip Reviews

   • Many free trials for software services allow users to cancel directly within their account settings or dashboard. Log into your ChowNow account if you were given one for the trial and navigate through sections like:
     • “Account Settings”
     • “Billing”
     • “Subscription Management”
     • “My Plan”
   • Look for an option to “Cancel Trial,” “Manage Subscription,” or “Downgrade.”

3. Contact ChowNow Support Directly:

   • If you cannot find an in-app cancellation option, or if the terms explicitly state you must contact them, reach out to ChowNow’s customer support.

   • Email: [email protected] is a reliable channel. Send an email stating your full name, restaurant name, and that you wish to cancel your free trial before it converts to a paid subscription.

   • Phone: You can also call their support line at 888-707-2469.

   • Be Proactive: It’s always best to initiate the cancellation process a few days before your trial is set to expire to avoid any accidental charges. Pockt.co Reviews

   • Always request a written confirmation via email that your free trial has been successfully canceled and that you will not be charged. This provides a record in case of any future billing discrepancies.

Important Trial Cancellation Tips

• Set a Reminder: Put a reminder in your calendar a few days before the trial ends, especially if it automatically converts to a paid plan.
• Note Down Key Information: Keep records of when you started the trial, the trial duration, and any confirmation emails you receive.
• Be Clear: When communicating with support, be very clear that you are on a free trial and wish to cancel it to prevent being charged.

By following these steps, a restaurant can effectively manage and cancel a ChowNow free trial, ensuring they don’t incur unwanted charges if they decide the service isn’t the right fit for their business.

ChowNow.com vs. Competitors

Comparing ChowNow with its competitors requires looking at different categories of online ordering solutions. ChowNow primarily positions itself as a direct online ordering system that helps restaurants own their customer relationships and avoid high commissions. This puts it in a distinct category from third-party marketplaces.

ChowNow vs. Third-Party Marketplaces DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub

This is ChowNow’s main competitive battleground, as they directly challenge the business model of these giants.

Feature	ChowNow Direct Ordering	Third-Party Marketplaces DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub
Business Model	Flat monthly/annual subscription fee. commission-free orders for the restaurant.	High commission fees 15-35%+ per order. delivery fees often passed to customer.
Customer Data	Restaurant owns all customer data emails, order history.	Third-party platform owns customer data. limited access for restaurants.
Brand Control	Full brand control on branded website/app. consistent branding.	Limited brand control. restaurant is a listing among many on a generic platform.
Customer Loyalty	Tools rewards, email marketing to build direct loyalty for the restaurant.	Loyalty built for the marketplace. customers loyal to the app, not necessarily the restaurant.
Customer Acquisition	Requires restaurant to drive traffic to its own channels SEO, marketing.	Built-in customer base and discoverability from millions of users.
Delivery Logistics	Can integrate with third-party delivery services or restaurant’s own drivers.	Handles all delivery logistics drivers, tracking.
Cost to Restaurant	Fixed cost, higher profit margin per order.	Variable cost, lower profit margin per order.
Fraud Protection	Offers 100% fraud and chargeback protection.	Varies by platform. some protection, but chargebacks can still be an issue for restaurants.
Best For	Restaurants wanting to maximize profits, build brand, and own customer relationships.	Restaurants focused on new customer acquisition and offloading delivery logistics.

Key Difference: ChowNow aims to make restaurants independent digital entities, while marketplaces thrive on centralizing demand and offering convenience at a cost. Many restaurants use a hybrid approach, using marketplaces for discoverability and ChowNow for repeat customers and higher-margin orders. Yellowgorse.co.uk Reviews

ChowNow vs. Other Direct Online Ordering Systems Toast, Square, GloriaFood, Menufy

This is where ChowNow competes with other solutions that offer similar direct ordering capabilities.

• Toast Online Ordering:
  • Advantage of Toast: Deeply integrated with Toast POS, providing a truly unified system for all restaurant operations. Strong for full-service, larger establishments already on Toast.
  • ChowNow’s Niche: More focused on just the online ordering and marketing aspect, potentially more flexible for restaurants not using Toast’s full POS suite, or those wanting a standalone solution. ChowNow highlights its fraud protection, which Toast might offer but not as prominently.
• Square Online Store / Square for Restaurants:
  • Advantage of Square: Very user-friendly, excellent for small to medium-sized businesses, offers a free tier with transaction fees, and is highly accessible. Strong payment processing integration.
  • ChowNow’s Niche: Might offer more specialized marketing tools like advanced loyalty programs and a more tailored approach specifically for restaurants compared to Square’s broader e-commerce focus. ChowNow also builds a dedicated branded app, which Square might require more customization for.
• GloriaFood:
  • Advantage of GloriaFood: Offers a completely free basic online ordering system, making it very attractive for budget-conscious startups.
  • ChowNow’s Niche: Provides a more comprehensive, premium solution with dedicated website building, branded mobile apps, advanced marketing automation, and robust support, which GloriaFood offers primarily as paid add-ons. ChowNow is a more “all-in-one” package for direct ordering.
• Menufy:
  • Similarities to ChowNow: Both focus on commission-free online ordering with branded websites.
  • Distinguishing Factors: ChowNow often emphasizes its robust marketing suite and white-label mobile app development more prominently. Menufy’s pricing structure can sometimes be transaction-based rather than purely flat-fee, depending on the plan. User reviews might indicate differences in support or feature depth.

Overall Competitive Stance:

ChowNow differentiates itself by heavily emphasizing profit protection, brand control, and customer data ownership. They aim to be a comprehensive partner for restaurants looking to build a sustainable, direct-to-consumer online ordering channel. Their strength lies in combining an intuitive ordering platform with integrated marketing and operational tools, backed by dedicated support and fraud protection. They are a strong contender for independent restaurants seeking to break free from high third-party commissions and invest in their own digital presence.

How ChowNow.com Helps Restaurants Cut Commission Fees

The core promise of ChowNow.com, and arguably its most compelling benefit, is its ability to help restaurants significantly reduce or eliminate the high commission fees charged by third-party delivery marketplaces.

This is achieved through a strategic shift in how online orders are facilitated. Swifdoo.com Reviews

The Problem: High Commission Fees

Before into ChowNow’s solution, it’s essential to understand the problem it addresses. Major third-party delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub typically charge restaurants commissions ranging from 15% to as high as 35% or even more per order. This percentage is deducted directly from the restaurant’s revenue for every order placed through their platform.

Consider a simple example:

• An order total is $50.
• A 25% commission means the restaurant loses $12.50 on that single order.
• For a restaurant doing $5,000 in online orders daily via these apps, that’s $1,250 lost in commissions every day, totaling over $450,000 annually.

These high fees significantly cut into already thin restaurant profit margins, making it difficult for businesses to thrive, especially independent ones.

ChowNow’s Solution: The Flat-Fee, Direct-Ordering Model

ChowNow’s approach counters this by offering a subscription-based model rather than a commission-based one.

1. Subscription Fee, Not Per-Order Commission: Retractablebannerdisplays.com Reviews

   • Instead of paying a percentage on each order, restaurants pay ChowNow a flat monthly or annual fee. This fee gives them access to ChowNow’s full suite of tools.
   • Once this subscription is paid, all orders placed through the restaurant’s ChowNow-powered channels are commission-free. The restaurant keeps 100% of the revenue from those orders.

2. Empowering Direct Channels:

   • Branded Website: ChowNow builds or optimizes a professional, mobile-responsive website for the restaurant, optimized for online ordering. Customers order directly from your website, which you control.
   • Branded Mobile App: They can also create a custom mobile app for the restaurant. This provides a dedicated, direct ordering channel that lives on a customer’s phone, reinforcing brand loyalty.
   • Google Ordering Integration: ChowNow integrates with Google Ordering, allowing customers to order directly from Google Search or Maps listings, bypassing other platforms.

3. Encouraging Customer Migration:

   • Marketing Tools: ChowNow provides built-in email marketing and loyalty programs. Restaurants can use these tools to incentivize customers who previously ordered via third-party apps to switch to direct ordering. For example, offering a discount for first-time direct orders or double loyalty points.
   • Print Marketing: Physical flyers and inserts for takeout bags remind customers to order directly next time, often highlighting the benefit of supporting the local business directly or earning rewards.
   • Data Ownership: Since restaurants own their customer data with ChowNow, they can retarget customers with promotions specifically designed to encourage direct ordering, a capability often unavailable with third-party apps.

4. Proof of Savings:

   • ChowNow actively showcases success stories on its website. For instance, Emporium Thai | LA saved $68,000 in commission fees, and Ollie’s | New York saved $2 million. These figures illustrate the tangible financial impact of shifting orders to a commission-free model. They even state that “ChowNow restaurant partners save an average of $16K in commissions a year.“

By providing the technology and tools for restaurants to build and promote their own direct online ordering channels, ChowNow allows them to bypass the exorbitant fees of marketplace apps.

This shift from a variable, high-percentage cost to a fixed, predictable subscription fee can dramatically increase a restaurant’s profit margins on every single online order, making their online sales significantly more sustainable and profitable.

ChowNow.com for Restaurant Profitability & Growth

It involves building customer relationships, optimizing operations, and leveraging data for smarter business decisions.

Boosting Profitability Through Direct Channels

The most immediate impact on profitability comes from the elimination of commission fees on direct orders. As discussed, shifting just a fraction of online orders from 20-30% commission platforms to a flat-fee ChowNow system can lead to significant savings.

• Example: A restaurant with $100,000 in monthly online sales paying a 25% commission loses $25,000 to fees. If they shift 50% of those sales to ChowNow even with a subscription fee, they could save tens of thousands of dollars annually, directly boosting their bottom line. The ChowNow website states partners save an average of $16,000 annually in commissions.
• Improved Unit Economics: With every direct order, the profit margin per order is significantly higher. This allows restaurants to either pocket the extra profit, reinvest it into marketing, staff, or ingredients, or even offer more competitive pricing or value to their customers, creating a virtuous cycle.

Driving Repeat Business & Customer Loyalty

Sustainable growth is driven by repeat customers, who are inherently more profitable than new ones.

ChowNow offers tools designed to cultivate this loyalty:

• Rewards Program: Customizable loyalty programs encourage diners to return. For example, “Earn a free appetizer after 5 orders” or “Get 10% off your next order after spending $100.” This incentivizes continued direct ordering.
• Automated Email Marketing: Re-engaging past customers through targeted email campaigns is highly effective.
  • “We Miss You” campaigns: For customers who haven’t ordered in a while.
  • Special Offers: Announcing new menu items or exclusive discounts for direct orders.
  • Personalized communication: Sending birthday offers or recommendations based on past purchases.
  • Data: Restaurants with access to their diner’s data can send these personalized emails. A study by Constant Contact found that segmented and targeted emails generate 58% of all revenue.
• Branded Experience: A dedicated website and mobile app reinforce the restaurant’s brand, making it more memorable and building a stronger connection with the customer than a generic marketplace listing.

Operational Streamlining & Efficiency

Profitability isn’t just about revenue. it’s also about managing costs and efficiency.

• POS Integrations: Seamlessly integrating online orders into the existing POS system e.g., Toast, Square reduces manual errors, speeds up order processing, and frees up staff time that would otherwise be spent on data entry. This can lead to faster turnaround times, better order accuracy, and improved customer satisfaction.
• Centralized Menu Management: Updating menus across all channels from a single dashboard saves significant time and reduces the risk of outdated information, preventing customer frustration and potential refunds.
• Order Aggregation: For restaurants still using third-party apps, the ability to view all orders in one place streamlines workflow, reducing the need to constantly switch between different tablets or systems. This improves overall kitchen efficiency and order fulfillment.

Data-Driven Decision Making

ChowNow emphasizes that restaurants own their customer data, which is crucial for strategic growth.

• Advanced Analytics: The performance dashboard and self-serve reports provide insights into:
  • Popular Menu Items: Identifying best-sellers can inform purchasing decisions and menu adjustments.
  • Peak Ordering Times: Optimizing staffing levels during busy periods.
  • Customer Demographics/Behavior: Understanding who your loyal customers are and what they prefer allows for more targeted marketing.
  • Marketing Campaign Effectiveness: Tracking which email campaigns or promotions are generating the most direct orders.
• Optimizing for Upsells: By analyzing ordering data, restaurants can identify opportunities for suggestive selling or bundling items to increase average order value.

By empowering restaurants with these tools, ChowNow aims to help them move beyond just taking orders to actively growing their business, enhancing customer relationships, and significantly boosting their bottom line in a highly competitive market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ChowNow.com?

ChowNow.com is an online ordering system designed for independent restaurants, providing tools like branded websites, mobile apps, and marketing features to enable commission-free direct orders.

How does ChowNow help restaurants save money?

ChowNow helps restaurants save money by charging a flat subscription fee instead of a percentage-based commission on every order, allowing restaurants to keep 100% of the revenue from direct sales.

Does ChowNow charge commissions on orders?

No, ChowNow customers can take unlimited commission-free orders directly from their website, branded mobile app, and other integrated channels with a paid subscription.

Does ChowNow offer branded mobile apps for restaurants?

Yes, ChowNow offers the service of creating a custom, branded mobile app for restaurants, allowing customers to order directly from the restaurant’s own app.

Can ChowNow build a website for my restaurant?

Yes, ChowNow can build and optimize a branded website for restaurants, especially for those who don’t have one or are looking to improve their current site.

Does ChowNow integrate with existing POS systems?

Yes, ChowNow orders integrate with leading POS systems such as Toast, Square, Revel, Clover, and others to streamline order management.

What kind of customer support does ChowNow offer?

ChowNow offers 24/7 award-winning customer support via phone, chat, and text for both restaurants and diners, along with dedicated advisors for restaurant partners.

Does ChowNow protect against fraud and chargebacks?

Yes, ChowNow offers full credit card fraud and chargeback protection without any limits, covering costs if a restaurant is subject to fraud or chargebacks.

Can I get ChowNow if I already use other third-party delivery apps?

Yes, ChowNow is designed to complement existing third-party app usage by helping restaurants drive more profitable, commission-free orders to their direct channels, while also offering order consolidation tools.

Does ChowNow offer a loyalty program for restaurants?

Yes, ChowNow offers a customizable rewards program designed to drive repeat orders from loyal diners on the restaurant’s most profitable channels.

What happens to my customer data with ChowNow?

With ChowNow, restaurants get full access to diner ordering data and contact information, allowing them to retarget diners, identify valuable customers, and optimize their menu.

ChowNow states they do not sell data to third parties.

Is ChowNow a marketplace like DoorDash or Uber Eats?

No, ChowNow is not a marketplace. it provides the tools for individual restaurants to create their own direct online ordering channels, aiming to reduce reliance on large third-party marketplaces.

How can restaurants drive more direct orders using ChowNow?

Restaurants can drive more direct orders by promoting their ChowNow-powered website and app in-store table tents, receipts, through social media, email marketing, and utilizing print marketing materials provided by ChowNow.

Does ChowNow help with search engine optimization SEO for restaurant websites?

Yes, ChowNow states that its website templates, built by Squarespace, come with built-in SEO features to help maximize visibility on search engines.

Can I manage multiple restaurant locations with ChowNow?

Yes, ChowNow’s features like centralized menu management are designed to easily push out menu changes to one or multiple apps, suggesting it supports multi-location restaurants.

Does ChowNow offer automated email marketing?

Yes, ChowNow includes built-in email tools to help restaurants re-engage diners, send promotions, and build loyal customer relationships.

What are the main benefits of using ChowNow over third-party delivery apps?

The main benefits include significant cost savings commission-free orders, ownership of customer data, full brand control, and tools to build direct customer loyalty.

How can I find out ChowNow’s exact pricing for my restaurant?

To get exact pricing, you need to book a demo with ChowNow, as their pricing is typically subscription-based and may vary depending on the restaurant’s specific needs and services utilized.

What is “Profit Protector” on ChowNow?

“Profit Protector” is a feature within ChowNow that enables restaurants to take unlimited commission-free orders directly from various channels, including ChowNow’s marketplace app.

Where can I find case studies about restaurants using ChowNow?

ChowNow’s website features a “Case Studies” section where they highlight how various restaurants have cut commission fees, increased revenue, and achieved growth using their platform.