After several years in the restaurant business and a few stints in pizza places, I’ve learned how to get the best possible price when ordering pizza for carry-out or delivery. I once had a co-worker who said, “Anyone who buys pizza without a coupon is crazy!” Well, call me “crazy,” because I frequently find the coupons do not suit my needs. Usually, pizza coupons offer discounts for a larger volume than one or two adults could (or should) consume in a single sitting. Here are some tips to get better deals and service when ordering pizza.
Coupons – The pizza coupon is a valuable tool to getting a great deal for a family or larger group. It is also a means to increase sales for the restaurant. If your coupon has expired recently, check to see if the pizza shop will still honor it. Most restaurants allow a few days or even weeks past the expiration date or you may still be offered a discount since you missed out on their coupon offer. If the coupon is for a competitor, ask if they’ll honor it. If they want your business, they’ll find a way to make you happy with the cost.
No Coupon? Ask About Specials! – If you don’t have a coupon, don’t despair. Ask your order taker if there are “any specials.” Unlike other types of restaurants that have a “special” to get rid of products before they spoil, pizza shops use them to introduce new menu items and increase sales. Many pizza establishments will also have Manager’s Specials. These may be for a particular meal period like a lunch special or a certain day of the week that business is slow.
Location, location… – While you are asking about specials, check on “local discounts” or “business discounts”. If your delivery will be to a large business complex, a shopping center, hospital or other institution, the pizza place may have an automatic discount available. The pizza manager has this type of bargain to insure sales at the location on a regular basis. It is more likely that multiple orders can be sent together, which is good for the delivery driver and the restaurant. This type of deal will usually be a percentage off on the total order.
Know the order to save – While the order in which you tell what items you want doesn’t usually matter, it may if you are getting items that are Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) or one at regular price and the second at a discounted rate. Always order the least expensive item first with the higher price next. Why? Because the register is programmed to put the discount on the second item entered, not the higher priced product. Most order takers will enter the pizzas as you tell them what you want and even if they were trained to put the more costly item first, they don’t. It’s not that they are lazy it’s more likely they are busy. Be nice to the order taker – it will work in your favor.
Avoid “Add-On” Items – The suggestive selling done by the order taker is done in an effort to drive sales and it may not be a bargain for you. It’s important to listen carefully and ask questions before getting the “add-ons.” If you are on a budget, the extras will add up quickly. As example, soft drinks delivered with your pizza order can be twice the cost of the same item at your local grocery.
It’s not over when dinner is done – Before the empty boxes are tossed, check them for coupons! Those coupons could be the deal that is dinner next week. If your delivery was wrong, the driver was rude or anything else made your experience unsatisfactory – call the pizza shop and speak with the person in charge. In a pleasant manner, express your disappointment. Chances are good you will be offered a refund or similar amount off on your next order. Restaurants survive on repeat business – they want you to be a satisfied repeat customer. Don’t hesitate to call when things are great as well. Praise employees who give superior service. The return will be excellent service every time you call.
Obviously, pizza restaurants must make money to stay in business. Giving away food to everyone just won’t work. But the pizza business is built on a system of discounts, volume sales and suggestive selling. Make it work to your advantage – you’ll be happy and the pizza shop will be too.
