Wolt 101: Essential Guide for Restaurants
Wolt, a popular delivery service in Europe, has teamed with Deliverect. This Wolt 101 guide will review the platform's most important aspects.
Wolt is a delivery platform for food and merchandise, giving customers access to restaurants, groceries, pet supplies, electronics, and more. Founded in 2014 in Helsinki, Finland, and part of DoorDash, Wolt has rapidly expanded beyond food delivery, now serving as a robust delivery platform. A dedication that allowed it to expand across 25 countries while setting a new standard in logistics optimization and service quality.
Wolt: A Delivery Unicorn Company
Wolt began in Helsinki with just ten partner restaurants and a simple pickup service. However, , the company expanded its vision to include delivery services by 2016.
Early on, Wolt attracted attention by exploring innovative solutions, like collaborating with Starship Technologies, to trial autonomous delivery robots. Wolt is committed to sustainable delivery methods and reducing CO₂ emissions.
Wolt also acquired special sponsorships from EQT Ventures, 83North, ICONIQ Capital, and Highland Europe. That allowed it to continue its rapid growth across Europe, eventually entering Eastern Europe, Japan, and Germany. By 2020, Wolt had achieved “unicorn” status and had extended its services to grocery and retail delivery.
Wolt Joins DoorDash
In November 2021, Wolt announced its acquisition by DoorDashin an all-stock deal, extending DoorDash’s presence to 27 countries. Under the new arrangement, Wolt will continue operating its consumer app separately but with DoorDash’s resources. This will allow Wolt to expand its international presence while maintaining an autonomous brand and operational processes.
Business Model
Wolt’s business model stands out due to its technology-driven approach that seamlessly integrates merchants into its platform, enabling them to manage orders and enhance visibility efficiently.
With a focus on algorithmic transparency, Wolt streamlines operations through automation and provides tailored solutions for diverse businesses. The dual delivery model further enhances flexibility, allowing both Wolt and merchants’ delivery teams.
Wolt’s app is available on:
iOS
Android
Their website serves as a marketplace connecting users with local restaurants, stores, and couriers.
Wolt manages all logistical complexities for partners, especially restaurants needing more delivery teams. It also ensures reliable, fast deliveries through a highly optimized route management system, even in less densely populated areas.
How Does Wolt Work for Diners?
Download the app or visit the website
Create an account or log in
Browse local restaurants and stores
Choose your items
Add items to your cart
Order in a few taps
Track your order in real-time
Registering and Setup as a Partner
The onboarding process is designed to facilitate smooth integration for restaurants and retail partners. Wolt’s tools help businesses optimize their online presence, track orders, and coordinate delivery efficiently; an attractive option for partners looking to expand their reach on a few steps:
Select your country
Tap register
Create your restaurant account
Submit business information and get ready to start
Fees and Commissions
Wolt operates with a commission fee structure, charging a percentage of 25% to 30% on orders processed through its platform.
Something to highlight: there are no upfront fees to join, and partners can end their partnership anytime.
Wolt also offers:
Tailored payout options to suit your financial preferences.
Payments every two weeks, once a month, or even every six days to ensure a convenient and adaptable financial experience for your business.
Marketing Benefits
Efficient Operations
Wolt’s algorithms handle repetitive tasks, letting merchants focus on core activities. Automated tools support listing management, order handling, and efficient inventory tracking, making the platform ideal in a challenging economy.
Expanded Customer Reach
The easy-to-use self-service tools bring businesses online, helping merchants reach a wider audience, from small shops to large franchises. Wolt’s open API platform facilitates integration with existing systems, tailored to each merchant’s needs, for seamless operations.
Enhanced Customization and Control
Wolt’s no-code solution lets merchants manage listings without tech expertise, while the API allows developers to customize integrations. The bulk upload feature further simplifies the listing setup process by enabling merchants to upload product data and images simultaneously.
Data-Driven Sales Optimization
Access to sales data, customer reviews, and trend insights enables merchants to make informed decisions. Automated time estimates also improve order preparation efficiency, enhancing customer satisfaction by minimizing wait times.
Effective Ads & Promotions
With performance-driven ad placements, merchants can boost their visibility through discovery, search, and in-app tabs, paying only for conversions. Self-service ad tools offer campaign control, daily performance analytics, and targeted visibility for venues, helping businesses attract new customers and improve growth strategies.
Additional Delivery Options
Merchants can use Wolt Drive for last-mile delivery or Wolt Self-Delivery to leverage in-house couriers, expanding their business reach and customer options.
Wolt’s Value Proposition
Wolt's user-friendly app interface smooths the ordering process for customers, couriers, and partners. It also allows merchants to use their delivery staff to fulfill Wolt Orders. Among its standout features are:
Loyalty Programs
Wolt Promo codes
Convenient scheduling for future orders
Group Orders
In-app Chat Support
User-friendly app interface
Real-time order tracking
Personalized restaurant recommendations
Exclusive discounts and promotions
Seamless payment options
Regular Updates via Email & App Notifications
Exclusive Membership Benefits
Tips to Succeed on Wolt
For restaurants and stores, here are some strategic tips:
Marketing: Promoting your menu with promo codes. Use gift cards and loyalty programs to help you stand out from the competitors and engage with your customers.
Optimize Your Menu: Include items suitable for delivery, with packaging that preserves food quality.
Efficient Preparation: Quick and accurate order preparation improves customer satisfaction and ratings.
Engage With Customer Feedback: Addressing positive and negative reviews shows attentiveness to customer concerns.
POS integrations
Wolt and Deliverect have teamed up to help restaurants automate their order management by integrating with their point-of-sale (POS) systems.
Some benefits of this integration for your restaurants include real-time updates on delivery status, an automated dispatch system, and easy menu management—especially with a platform like Deliverect Restaurants, which allows you to sync your POS menus with Wolt. It’s important to note that a subscription to Wolt and Deliverect is required to integrate this solution into your business.
The Pros and Cons
Pros
Ease of Use with Digital Tools: From online listing automation to self-service ad tools, Wolt simplifies operations, allowing you to focus on what you do best.
Data-Driven Insights: Detailed sales analytics help you better understand customer behavior, optimize operations, and enhance business decisions.
No Long-Term Commitment: Enjoy flexibility with no sign-up fees or long-term contracts so you can test the waters risk-free.
Enhanced Marketing and Visibility: Self-service promotional tools, search ads, and a personalized customer experience boost your visibility and help drive more orders directly to your business.
Cons
Limited Availability in Major Markets: Wolt’s operations primarily focus on Europe and Asia, with a limited presence in North America and other parts of Asia.
Commissions for Partners: Some restaurant partners might find Wolt’s commission fees higher than other platforms, which can strain smaller businesses. However, Wolt’s platform and unique assets are an excellent investment in reaching new audiences.
Closing Thoughts
Wolt is a living example of a start-up with a humble beginning. After the right moves and nonstop effort, it grew into a leading delivery platform that combines logistics innovation with a community-first approach.
Its growth strategy, marked by technological advancement and cultural localization, has enabled rapid expansion even in challenging markets. Today, it’s a multi-service app with ambitions of becoming a full-fledged digital mall that meets various delivery needs.
Understanding how Wolt works can help you consider it an option for your restaurant’s delivery. We hope this guide has given you valuable insights about its features, functionality, and benefits.
