Hotplate is pre-order based, which means customers can only order during a drop! A drop is when a limited supply of product becomes available for purchase all at once.

We're built this way because drops are the most profitable and operationally sustainable way to run a food business. It’s also a model that is geared to help you grow. More on that here.

We’ve found that chefs and bakers see more consistent growth when their customers are prompted to purchase on a regular cadence - like each week or every other - and have a limited window in which to place their orders. That sense of anticipation and urgency helps drive repeat sales and attract new customers.

In contrast, an “always-on” storefront - where goods are available at any time - might sound convenient, but it’s actually less efficient. Without a clear ordering rhythm, it’s very hard to plan production or create moments that draw customers back in.

With Hotplate, you can set that rhythm effortlessly. When someone subscribes to your storefront, they’ll get a text every time orders open, and you control all the details in advance: open/close times, inventory, and pickup windows.

Most droppers on Hotplate use the 'duplicate +1 week feature' to quickly tee up the same drop for the following week in just a few clicks. No need to rebuild your menu each time.