Once Uber Eats and Deliveroo are activated, many restaurateurs start to consider adding a third platform. In France, the two main contenders are Just Eat and Glovo. Each has its own specificities, its own target audiences, and its own commercial terms. Here’s how to decide.
Quick Overview of the Two Platforms
Just Eat
Just Eat (formerly Allo Resto in France) has merged with Takeaway.com and subsequently acquired Grubhub. It is one of the world’s leading providers of food delivery services. Features:
Present in twenty countries Strong customer base of "early adopters" of delivery (users for 10+ years) Hybrid model: some orders are delivered by restaurants, others by Just Eat couriers Dominant position in Germany, Netherlands, UK; more modest in France
Glovo is a Spanish on-demand delivery service company. It was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Barcelona, Spain. Glovo operates in over 20 countries across Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
The company offers a wide range of services, including food delivery, grocery delivery, pharmacy delivery, and even the delivery of other goods such as electronics and household items. Glovo’s app allows users to order from a variety of local businesses, and the company handles the entire delivery process, from order placement to final delivery.
Glovo’s business model is based on a commission taken from the merchants it works with, as well as a delivery fee charged to the customer. The company has experienced rapid growth since its launch, and it is now one of the largest delivery services in the world.
Here are some key features of Glovo:
- Wide selection of merchants: Glovo partners with a vast network of local businesses.
- Convenient ordering: The app makes it easy to order from anywhere.
- Fast delivery: Glovo aims to deliver orders quickly and efficiently.
- Multiple payment options: Users can pay with various methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallets.
Glovo is a Spanish actor that has expanded to Europe and Latin America. Beyond restaurant delivery, Glovo offers delivery of groceries, pharmacies, and non-food products. Features:
"All deliverable" approach: restoration, groceries, pharmacy, flowers… Very present in Spain, Italy, and Eastern Europe In France, a more modest position but growing in some cities Public is often younger and urban
Which platform for which restaurant?
Just Eat is probably better if:
You are in an area around Paris or a large French city. Your clientele is mainly family-oriented (Just Eat has an audience aged 30-50). You are successful with orders on weekends (Just Eat outperforms during these time slots). You offer “comfort food” cuisine (pizza, burger, Asian).
Glovo is probably better if:
You are in a hyperurban area with a young audience. You offer “snacking” or practical products. You want to test a multi-product model (food + non-food). Your concept is modern and photogenic (Glovo emphasizes the visual).
If you're still hesitant: start with Just Eat
For a traditional French restaurant, Just Eat generally has a broader customer base. Glovo can be an interesting complement, particularly in certain areas, but start with Just Eat if you need to prioritize.
Commercial Conditions Comparison
| Just Eat | Glovo | |
|---|---|---|
| Commission marketplace | 14-30 % | 25-35 % |
| Commission livraison incluse | Yes (depending on model) | Yes |
| Self-delivery possible | Yes (reduced commission) | Limited |
| Registration fees | Variable | Variable |
| Engagement | 12 months standard | 12 months standard |
Commissions are indicative and vary depending on your type of cuisine, volume, and negotiation.
The operational aspect
The challenge of multi-platform development
The more platforms you activate, the more complex the management becomes. On 3 platforms, you have:
- 3 menus to keep synchronized
- 3 tablets to monitor in service
- 3 dashboards to consult for your data
That’s precisely why a aggregator like Pepprio becomes essential from the 3rd platform. Without a centralized system, the operational cost of the 3rd platform often exceeds the benefit it generates.
Check compatibility with your stack
Before activating Just Eat or Glovo, check:
- Compatibility with your point-of-sale software (via your aggregator if you have one)
- Activation and onboarding times
- Management tools provided by the platform
Pepprio is compatible with Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Just Eat and Glovo — and allows for the simultaneous management of the 4 platforms.
Test without commitment
Our advice: before signing a long-term commitment with a new platform, ask:
A trial period or favorable conditions for the first few months Market data: how many orders can restaurants similar to yours in your area expect? An accompanied onboarding: menu configuration, photos, settings
If a platform doesn't generate sufficient volume after 3-4 months, it will be simpler to disable it.
The trap of overactive restaurants
Many restaurants are now obsessed with offering an overwhelming number of choices, leading to a confusing and stressful experience for customers. This "menu fatigue" can actually decrease sales, as diners become overwhelmed and less likely to order.
The problem isn't simply a matter of offering variety; it's about too much variety. A smaller, more curated menu, focused on quality and expertly executed dishes, is often far more appealing and profitable.
Here are some key takeaways:
- Reduce the menu: Less is more.
- Focus on quality: Prioritize a few excellent dishes.
- Simplify the experience: Make it easier for customers to make decisions.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a dining experience that is enjoyable and memorable, not one that leaves customers feeling frustrated and defeated.
Some restaurants end up on 5 or 6 platforms simultaneously, hoping to maximize their visibility. This is rarely profitable:
- The management costs explode
- Accumulated commissions erode profitability
- Operational quality degrades
It's better to be excellent on 2-3 platforms than mediocre on 6. Focus your efforts (photos, descriptions, promotions, management) on the channels that actually perform.
Key indicators to monitor after activation
Once Just Eat or Glovo is activated, monitor:
Number of monthly orders: minimum target of 50 orders to validate relevance Average ticket: it varies depending on the platforms (Glovo often lower due to more snacking) Average rating: must remain above 4.3 to remain visible Cancellation rate: must remain below 5% Net margin per platform: commission + average basket quality
Pepprio provides these metrics in a consolidated manner for all your platforms – you can immediately see if a new platform delivers on its promises.
Voici la conclusion :
Il est clair que la situation est complexe et que de nombreux facteurs entrent en jeu. Il n'y a pas de solution simple et rapide. Nous devons faire preuve de patience, de persévérance et de collaboration pour surmonter les défis qui se présentent. Il est essentiel de rester concentré sur nos objectifs à long terme et de ne pas se laisser décourager par les obstacles. Le succès dépendra de notre capacité à travailler ensemble, à partager nos connaissances et à nous soutenir mutuellement. N'oublions pas que chaque petite victoire compte et que chaque effort contribue à l'atteinte de notre objectif final. Ensemble, nous pouvons réussir.
Just Eat and Glovo are two solid options to complement Uber Eats and Deliveroo. The choice depends on your geographical area, your target clientele, and your type of cuisine.
Whatever your decision, anticipate the operational cost of an additional platform. With an aggregator like Pepprio, you can activate a 3rd (or 4th) platform without complicating your management – and fully benefit from the additional volume.