Big tech companies know restaurant owners fear falling behind, so they use a sneaky sales pitch: “Everyone else is doing it.” By making you think your competitors are already on board, they push you to sign up without thinking twice. In this article, part of our series Big Tech Sales Tricks: How They Fool Restaurant Owners, we’ll explore how this tactic works, why it’s effective, and how to avoid it.
What Is the “Everyone Else Is Doing It” Pitch?
This tactic involves sales reps claiming that “everyone else” in your area or industry is using their platform. They might say, “All the top restaurants in your city use our system,” or “Your competitors are growing because they signed up with us.” The goal is to make you feel like you’re missing out or falling behind if you don’t join immediately.
Examples of This Pitch in Action
ChowNow sales reps might tell you, “Over 22,000 restaurants are already using our platform—you don’t want to be left behind.” But as we noted in Is ChowNow a Scam?, ChowNow shares customer data with third parties, which can hurt your business. DoorDash Storefront reps might say, “Restaurants using our platform are seeing more orders than ever,” as we discussed in How DoorDash Storefront Uses Data Mining to Target Your Restaurant Customers, without mentioning they use that data to drive orders to their app.
Why This Tactic Works on Restaurant Owners
This pitch is effective because it plays on your fears and desires:
- Fear of falling behind: Hearing that “everyone else” is using a platform makes you worry you’ll lose customers to competitors if you don’t join.
- Social proof: The idea that other restaurants are succeeding with the platform makes it seem trustworthy, even if the reality is different.
- Desire for growth: You want your restaurant to grow, and the pitch makes it seem like signing up is the key to staying competitive.
This tactic exploits your need to stay competitive, as we’ve seen in What Happens to Restaurants If Third-Party Apps Like DoorDash Win?, where big tech aims to dominate the industry.
The Risks of Falling for This Trick
Believing the “everyone else is doing it” pitch can lead to problems:
- Data risks: Platforms like ChowNow share customer data, as we covered in How No-Commission Ordering Systems Sell Your Customer Data to Big Tech, which can lead to lost customers.
- Misleading success: Not all restaurants see the same results. Your experience may differ, leaving you with unmet expectations.
- Loss of control: Signing up can undermine your customer relationships, as seen in How Third-Party Apps Like DoorDash Steal Your Restaurant Customers.
How to Protect Your Restaurant
Don’t let this pitch pressure you into a bad decision. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Verify claims: Ask for specific examples of restaurants like yours that have succeeded, and research their results independently.
- Choose secure platforms: Use platforms like Food Order Pro, which avoids deceptive pitches and protects your data.
- Focus on your goals: Don’t let fear drive your decisions—prioritize platforms that align with your long-term success.
Stay Smart and Protect Your Restaurant
The “everyone else is doing it” pitch preys on restaurant owners’ fears of falling behind. By staying informed and focusing on your needs, you can avoid these traps and protect your restaurant’s future.
Learn more in our series, Big Tech Sales Tricks: How They Fool Restaurant Owners, and explore related articles like The Price of Free: How Big Tech’s Offer of No-Commission Ordering Comes With a Cost.
Ready to take control of your online ordering? Contact Food Order Pro for a demo to find a solution that prioritizes your restaurant’s success.
