RestroFood Delivery Availability Checker allows customers to confirm before they start ordering whether your restaurant delivers to their location. One way to run this check is by ZIP code: the admin defines which ZIP codes are served, and the storefront checks each customer’s entered ZIP code against that list.
Here’s how it’s configured on the backend and how it appears to customers on the frontend.
1. Enabling and Configuring Zip Code-Based Delivery (Admin Side)
In the WordPress admin, this is managed under:
RestroFood → Location Settings → Location tab
On this screen:
- Delivery Availability Checker Active – a toggle at the top of the Location Options section. This must be switched on for the checker to appear on the storefront at all.
- Location Type – a dropdown used to choose which method the checker uses to verify availability. Selecting Zip Code tells RestroFood to check customer locations using zip codes rather than another location method.
- Add Single Branch Shop Zip Code – once Zip Code is selected as the Location Type, this section lets the admin build the list of serviceable zip codes:
- Each zip code is entered into its own field (e.g., 1200, 1205).
- An Add Zip Code button adds a new blank field for entering another zip code.
- A Remove button next to each entry deletes that zip code from the list.
- After adding the desired zip codes, the admin clicks Save Setting (top right of the page) to apply the changes.
Every zip code entered here becomes a “valid” delivery zip code that the storefront checker will match against.
2. What the Customer Sees (Frontend Modal)
When a customer opens the storefront (for example, from the “Search your favorite food” page), the Delivery Availability Checker appears as a popup modal.
Step 1 – Choose a Delivery Type: The modal first asks the customer to pick a Delivery Type, with options such as:
- Delivery
- Pickup by me
- In-Restaurant
Step 2 – Select a Zip Code: Once “Delivery” is chosen, the modal displays “Select Your Location Zip Code” with selectable zip code options pulled directly from the zip codes the admin configured in Location Settings (e.g., 1200 and 1205). The customer picks the one matching their location.
Step 3 – Availability Result: As soon as a zip code is selected, RestroFood checks it against the admin’s configured list and shows the result immediately in the same modal:
- A message such as “Delivery is available” is displayed when the selected zip code matches one in the admin’s list.
- A highlighted bar (e.g., “Delivery is available”) confirms the match, and the modal now shows Back and Order & Payment buttons, letting the customer either change their selection or continue to place their order.
3. How the Check Works, End to End
Put simply, the feature connects the backend setup to the frontend check in three steps:
- Admin sets the rules – turns on the Delivery Availability Checker, sets Location Type to Zip Code, and lists every zip code the restaurant delivers to.
- Customer provides their zip code – selected from the options shown in the storefront modal, after choosing “Delivery” as their delivery type.
- RestroFood matches it instantly – the entered/selected zip code is compared against the admin’s saved list, and the modal updates in real time to show whether delivery is available, allowing the customer to proceed to checkout only once availability is confirmed.
This gives customers an upfront answer about delivery coverage and gives restaurant owners full control over exactly which zip codes their delivery service covers, without needing to touch code or wait for manual confirmation.
Benefits of Using Location Type Zip for Delivery Availability
The Location Type Zip feature offers multiple benefits, especially for restaurants and retail businesses with specific delivery areas:
- Improves Accuracy: By confirming service availability based on zip codes, you reduce the risk of accepting orders in non-serviceable areas. This saves time and resources, ensuring your team can focus on the correct locations.
- Enhances Customer Experience: Customers appreciate the transparency provided by a zip-based checker. They’ll know immediately whether their location qualifies, reducing frustration and increasing trust in your service.
- Streamlines Checkout: Integrating the delivery checker on the checkout page simplifies the ordering process, allowing customers to confirm availability without navigating away from their cart.
- Reduces Delivery Errors: By avoiding orders in areas you don’t serve, you cut down on errors and customer complaints. This leads to smoother operations and fewer refunds or cancellations.
- Supports Marketing Efforts: Knowing your serviceable areas allows you to better target marketing efforts, focusing on customers within your delivery range and improving local SEO.
Additional Tips for Optimizing Location Type Zip
To get the most out of the Location Type Zip feature, consider these additional optimization tips:
- Regularly Update Zip Codes: Keep your list of serviceable zip codes updated, especially if your delivery area changes. Promptly removing or adding zip codes prevents customer confusion.
- Track Serviceability Requests: If customers frequently request delivery to an area outside your range, keep track of these requests. High demand in a neighboring area may justify expanding your delivery zone.
- Promote Local Deliveries: Leverage the zip code feature in your marketing efforts by creating promotions or offers specifically for certain zip codes. Hyper-local promotions can increase brand loyalty and drive business within your range.
- Provide Customer Support Options: If a customer encounters an unavailable zip code but still wants service, ensure they have options to contact your support team for guidance. This flexibility can help convert some unserviceable areas into opportunities for pickup or alternative solutions.
