Plates Creator On-boarding Guidelines
Tips and tricks to get you up and running on the platform!
Start with simple dishes, it takes some time for people to discover you!
When starting an online food business, choosing simple dishes and high-shelf life products is important to make the process more manageable. This will help you focus on perfecting your recipes, ensuring quality control, and reducing the risk of food spoilage or customer complaints.
There are an endless number of good ideas for attracting new customers, here are a few to inspire your creativity:
Salads: Salads are a great choice for an online food business because they are relatively easy to prepare, can be made in bulk, and can be customized to meet individual preferences.
Pickled Veggies: pickled vegetables and fermented food are shelf-stable and a great choice for users new to the platform.
Baked Goods: Baked goods, such as cookies, muffins, and bread, can be made in advance and stored in the freezer. They can then be thawed and reheated before delivery.
Cold Cuts: Cold cuts, such as sandwiches and wraps, can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. They are also a good source of protein and can be a quick and easy meal for busy customers.
Jams and Jellies: Jams and jellies can be made in large batches and stored for months. They are a great way to add sweetness and flavor to baked goods or as a spread for toast.
Dried Fruit: Dried fruit is a healthy and flavorful snack that can be stored for long periods. It is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
New chefs have to build a reputation from the ground up. This can be challenging, as it takes time to get people to know about your skills and experience. We will help you every step of the way to make sure your products are seen and appreciated by the users near you! Don’t hesitate to contact the Plates team if you have any questions or need help marketing your products. Just keep in mind that it might take some time but if you have a great product people will eventually notice the difference!
Good Photos and detailed descriptions matter
Ordering food online is a visual experience, and high-quality photos can make a big difference in how attractive your offerings appear to potential customers. A well-composed and high-resolution image can help to capture attention, make your food look appealing, and entice customers to order from you.Detailed descriptions can provide customers with more information about your food, such as ingredients, preparation methods, and nutritional information. This can help to build trust and confidence with potential customers, and it can also help them to make informed decisions about their orders.
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Here are some instructions to help you take better photos:
Use Natural Light: Natural light is often considered the best for food photography because it produces soft, flattering illumination that enhances the natural colours and textures of your dishes. Position your food near a window or outdoors on a sunny day. Avoid harsh overhead lighting, which can cast unflattering shadows and make your food appear flat.
Clean and Sleek Background: A simple, uncluttered background will draw attention to your food and prevent viewers from getting distracted. Choose a clean white or grey-green background or a neutral-colored surface that complements the colors of your food. Avoid backgrounds with too much pattern or color that might compete with the visual appeal of your dishes.
Proper Composition and Angles: Careful composition and angle selection can make a big difference in capturing the essence of your food. Avoid shooting from straight above or below, as these angles can distort the shape and proportions of your dishes. Instead, slightly elevated angles create a more inviting and visually appealing perspective.
Use Props and Staging: Incorporating props and staging can add depth, context, and personality to your food photos. Use props like utensils, napkins, plates, or serving-ware that complement the theme of your food and enhance its presentation. Avoid using too many props, as they can distract from the main attraction: your delicious food.Proper Camera Settings: Even with a basic smartphone camera, you can take great food photos with the right settings. Adjust the focus to ensure the main elements of your dish are sharp and clear. Play with different exposure settings to balance the lighting and achieve a natural, balanced look.
Edit with Purpose: Light editing can enhance the overall quality of your food photos without altering the natural appearance of your dishes. Adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance to ensure your food looks its best. Use subtle selective editing to enhance specific elements, such as the glistening of sauces or the vibrant tones of fruits and vegetables.
Center the subject: When taking product photos to put on the app, it is generally better to center the subject in the frame. This is because the center of an image is a stable and straightforward place, which makes it easier for the viewer to focus on the product. However, it is important to note that the subject does not have to be perfectly centered, and off-center compositions can also be engaging if done correctly.
Communicate with your customers
Engaging with customers online and answering their questions is crucial for chefs to establish a strong online presence and foster a supportive community around their culinary expertise. Make sure you allow notifications and try to stay on top of messages and orders. This active interaction serves several key purposes:
Building Relationships and Trust: By directly communicating with their customers, chefs can build personal connections and rapport, fostering a sense of trust and loyalty among their patrons. This personal touch goes a long way in establishing a strong customer base that is more likely to return and recommend the chef's services to others.
Addressing Queries and Concerns: Promptly responding to customer questions and concerns demonstrates the chef's commitment to customer satisfaction. This active engagement can help resolve issues quickly and efficiently, preventing potential negative reviews or complaints. It also shows customers that the chef values their feedback and is willing to go the extra mile to provide excellent service.
Collecting Valuable Feedback: Engaging with customers online provides an opportunity for the chef to gather valuable feedback about their food, service, and overall dining experience. This feedback can be used to identify areas for improvement, refine menu offerings, and enhance overall customer satisfaction.
Building Brand Awareness and Reputation: Proactive interaction with customers showcases the chef's passion for their craft and their dedication to providing a memorable dining experience. This engagement helps to build a positive public image and strengthens the chef's brand reputation, attracting new customers and solidifying their position in the culinary industry.
Nurturing a Community of Food Enthusiasts: By engaging with customers online, chefs can create a vibrant community of food enthusiasts who share their passion for culinary creations. This online community can serve as a platform for sharing recipes, exchanging cooking tips, and fostering a sense of camaraderie among fellow food lovers.