foodpanda, the leading on-demand platform for food and groceries, has announced the launch of its innovative item replacement feature on foodpanda shops. This customer-centric addition aims to streamline the grocery shopping experience by providing seamless alternatives for out-of-stock items.
foodpanda shops, a dedicated platform within the app, allows users to conveniently purchase groceries from a wide selection of partner supermarkets and retailers. The new item replacement feature ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience even when specific products become unavailable.
How It Works?
When an item from your foodpanda shops grocery order is out of stock, you’ll receive a prompt notification via push notification or SMS. This notification will offer a selection of suitable substitutes, allowing you to choose a replacement that fits your needs. Customers have a five-minute window to make their selection before the unavailable item is automatically refunded.
foodpanda emphasizes a commitment to offering the most relevant replacements. Trained pickers analyze customer preferences, product specifications, and real-time inventory levels to curate substitute options that closely match the original item. This ensures a smooth and satisfying shopping experience.
“We are dedicated to enhancing the shopping experience for our customers. Our new Item Replacement feature ensures that when specific products are out of stock, our customers receive suitable alternatives without any hassle. This feature demonstrates our commitment to customer satisfaction and delivering top-notch service,” according to Joseph Wijesekara, foodpanda Philippines Director of Q-Commerce.
The item replacement feature offers significant advantages for both customers and retailers. Customers benefit from the convenience of receiving suitable replacements without needing to contact customer service or adjust their orders. This eliminates frustration and maintains a smooth shopping experience.
For retailers, offering replacements can significantly reduce losses associated with out-of-stock products. A study by the IHG group revealed that retailers globally could lose nearly US$1.2 trillion in 2023 due to unavailable items. Wijesekara highlights that the item replacement feature has the potential to prevent millions in annual sales losses for foodpanda’s retail partners.
The item replacement feature will initially be available for supermarket and grocery chains on foodpanda shops, including popular retailers like Robinsons, Shopwise, and Marketplace. The service will be further expanded to include Southstar Drug, Watsons, and Ever Supermarket in the coming months.