Hotplate

Hotplate help

Many chefs like to offer local delivery to their customers in addition to pickup locations. At the moment, you can’t set this up through your portal but our team will be happy to help set it up on our end.

We are actively working on a self-serve delivery feature so you can better manage delivery on your own, but in the mean time keep in mind that you’ll need to contact us to request set up or make any changes to your delivery settings.

1.Create a delivery zip codes spreadsheet

The way we set up deliveries for you is based on zip codes. Open up an Excel file or Google Sheet, and set up a spreadsheet with 2 columns:

Column 1: the zip codes you want to deliver to

Column 2: the delivery fee for each zipcode (don’t include $) 

Be sure to attach the delivery zip codes spreadsheet, and the answers to the following questions:

Do you want there to be a minimum subtotal to be eligible for delivery? (e.g. $25.00)

Do you want there to be a minimum subtotal for 

What is the best way for customers to contact you (phone/email/IG handle)? We’ll show this to customers who try and request delivery to a zip code that was not included in your spreadsheet so they can contact you.

Our team needs to manually set this up in our system, so we really appreciate your patience. We’ll reach back out once everything’s ready to go. In the meantime, it’s also helpful for you to create the Event for which you want to offer delivery.
 

When we set up delivery, it’s configured as a type of delivery window for a specific Event, rather than a global setting applied to your account. In order to preserve all those same settings for future events, you’ll have to 

 the event we configure, then make any changes. 

If you create an entirely new event, you will not see Delivery as an option.

To duplicate an event, just click the three dots that’s on the right of the Event and you’ll see a little menu like this pop up:

If you offer multiple delivery windows, be sure to 

 within the event, rather than adding a new window. Do this by clicking the three dots on the right to see a menu like this:

2. If you accidentally delete all delivery windows, we'll need to set up delivery again so please reach back out. You’ll know that delivery is properly configured when you see the yellow 

How to request delivery set up 

Many chefs use Hotplate both for pre-orders and to take orders in person at markets or events. You can quickly change a setting to accept walk-up orders for any one of your Events.

When you enable walk-up ordering for an Event, customers can scan the Event’s QR code from their phone, quickly select items from your menu, and checkout using their credit card details or Apple Pay.

Why Hotplate rather than a traditional POS system?

If you’re already using Hotplate for pre-orders, you’ll love us for walk up ordering. Here’s a few reasons:

Your new walk-up customers can be added to your SMS list so they hear about future sales

You can easily keep track of current inventory and number of items sold

You can offer discount codes or sell gift cards

This is a setting you’ll turn on, likely before you head out to your in person event. Here’s how:

There are two different ways you can take walk-up orders:

 this means customers won't select a specific window to pickup their food, and their tickets will be marked as ASAP. This works great for baked goods or packaged food.

 means customers will select a specific window for pickup. This works great for hot food that’s prepared on the spot.

Most chefs who use walk-up ordering create a poster or printout with their Event’s QR code on it. That way customers can simply scan it on the spot, complete the checkout on their phone, and leave with their order!

: You can always preview what this will look like for your customers by scanning the code with your own phone!

How to take orders in person (walk up ordering) 

Most of the tickets you’ll see in your Hotplate portal will come from customers placing orders through your storefront, but there may also be times when its helpful to manually enter in an order. Some common reasons chefs add manual orders are:

Accepting cash or outside payment methods for an order

 tab on the left side of your Hotplate portal, then switch to 

Click the 3 dots in the top right, then click 

Enter the customer and order details. The required details are outlined in yellow

Once your order is created, the items you’ve added will automatically be included into your Prep lists, and you’ll see the order ticket in your Packing list.

They do not trigger automated texts reminders to customers

Because no payment is processed on Hotplate for manual orders, the prices of items are shown as $0 on manual order tickets

📺 Don't feel like reading? Here's a quick video to walk you through creating a manual order: 

Manual order

📺 How to add a manual order

A great way to keep orders organized and ready for customer pickup is to print out packing tickets directly from Hotplate and attach them to order bags or boxes.

Click the three dots on the top right corner

The default way to print tickets arranges them on a standard 8.5” x 11” piece of printer paper. If you use a label maker, you can also export the tickets to print in one of these sizes: 

Orders, Pickups & Delivery

How to request delivery set up

How to take orders in person (walk up ordering)

📺 How to add a manual order

How to print your packing tickets or labels