New delivery service with a difference launches in Oxford
Oxford Orders launched to connect local businesses with local customers.
The online (www.oxfordorders.co.uk) and mobile based platform is the first in a series of local marketplace solutions intended to bring restaurants and businesses together under a single e-commerce platform.
Unlike aggregators such as Just Eat and Uber Eats, Oxford Orders intends to open up the platform to a variety of businesses, from restaurants to bakeries and allows customers to pre-order.
Managed by ForPOS and powered by Preoday, the platform is designed to be a part of the wider 'locavore' movement. Consumer psychology expert, Patrick Fagan, an Associate Lecturer at Goldsmiths, explains "We consumers are all hardwired to prefer local businesses. In psychology, this is known as the proximity principle...Humans crave convenience, local businesses are easier to get to, theoretically they deliver quicker, and because they are seen frequently, they remain front-of-mind. The people of Oxford will gravitate towards platform like Oxford Orders that give to local businesses because they perceive them to be in line with their own attitudes and values".
Andrew White, CEO of Preoday, comments: “We want to provide a genuine alternative for local businesses to aggregators such as Just Eat. These national aggregators charge huge commission rates to the companies they partner with. These fees have the potential to push venues out of business, especially if commissions continue to rise. We are looking to connect local businesses with local residents, champion regional enterprise and help companies prosper. Oxford Orders will help local businesses take their first independent step with digital orders...Although we are starting in Oxford, this local network concept is of great interest to other towns too".
Roger Foran, owner of ForPOS added: “So many people order their food and goods online, but they don’t need an Amazon, Just Eat or Deliveroo to do this. Most people's favourite restaurants and stores are only a few miles away from their home, so a national aggregator is redundant to them. By using Oxford Orders, they’ll be helping their favourite businesses retain the money they spend, so the companies can continue to serve them well into the future”.
Fees for businesses to use the platform are £2 per month, after a nominal set up fee.
