The following information applies to all shefs who are using self delivery to customers for Shef orders.
A limited number of shefs in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Dallas, DC, and Houston can choose to use self-delivery for all Shef orders. This option allows a much smaller order range (smaller customer base) compared to door-to-door delivery. If you select the ‘I will deliver myself’ option, you will be responsible for delivering your orders directly to customers on each delivery day.
Please note: we are phasing out this fulfillment option, due to the much larger delivery range (larger customer base) allowed by door-to-door delivery.
How to offer self delivery to customers?
You can get started with self delivery simply by changing the settings in your Shef Dashboard! Please follow these instructions:
Select the ‘I will deliver myself’ option in the ‘My Profile’ page of your Shef Dashboard.
Input the address you would like to use for orders. This address will be used to determine your delivery range for orders.
Select all time windows you would like to offer for delivery. 3:00-5:00 pm is most popular with customers.
Set your availability for orders in the My Availability page of your Shef Dashboard. You can select any day of the week.
Customers will see a logo on your Shef menu page indicating that you are offering delivery. Self delivery allows all customers within 10 miles to order from your menu.
How will delivery day work?
Here's an overview of how delivery day for self delivery will work:
Prepare, cool, and package orders as usual, using Shef delivery bags or your own insulated bags (here is a link to order more insulated bags). Include 2 frozen water bottles or ice packs in each bag.
You can still print Shef order labels from your Dashboard (here is the link to order more Avery labels). If you do not use Dashboard labels, please hand-write each customer name on a piece of masking tape for the outside of each bag.
On delivery day, you will deliver each order directly to the customer during the time windows selected. You are responsible for fulfilling and paying for the cost of every delivery using this option.
Shef will continue to process your payments on a rolling basis through Stripe, as usual. For the time being, Shef will not take any part of the price of the order.
FAQs
Can I offer both pick-up and delivery?
No, for now, you can only choose one of these three options. We strongly recommend using door-to-door delivery, due to the larger (20 mile) delivery range and the popularity of delivery with customers. Shefs using our new door-to-door delivery option in DC earned 5x more in October, compared to shefs using self delivery and pick-up!
How should I package the orders?
You will prepare, cool, and package orders as usual, using Shef delivery bags or your own insulated bags (here is a link to order more insulated bags). Include 2 frozen water bottles or ice packs in each bag.
You can still print order labels from your Dashboard if you choose (here is the link to order more Avery labels). If you do not use Dashboard labels, please hand-write each customer name on a piece of masking tape for the outside of each bag.
Do I need to take food to a drop-off location?
No, you will deliver each order directly to the customer's address. You are responsible for coordinating and paying for the cost of every delivery using this option.
Can I change the order radius to more/less than 10 miles?
No, the 10-mile order radius has been selected to keep delivery distance and costs reasonable and predictable for shefs. We will let you know if we expand this order radius in the future.
How will payments work?
Shef will continue to use Stripe to process and deposit your payments for each order directly to your bank account. For the time being, Shef will not take any part of the price of the order - you will keep 100% of the order subtotal and 100% of your tips.
What if there is an issue with an order?
Our Support team will communicate directly with your customers to resolve any issues.
What if self delivery does not work for me?
If you would like to switch to another fulfillment option, you can change the settings in your Shef Dashboard at any time! Please note: this change will only apply to future orders. Please plan to fulfill any existing orders as they were originally scheduled.