Google is the latest of many tech companies to help struggling F&B businesses in Singapore during this difficult times.
On Tuesday (April 28), the tech giant launched new food discovery feature to its local payments app, Google Pay Singapore, with an initial listing of 250 eateries across the island.
Food discovery platform for hungry users
Users can peruse the menus of diners closest to their area and add their selections to cart, just like other delivery apps. At that point, the application will show the total costs before giving two alternatives to place the order – phone call or WhatsApp message.
The customer will then liase directly with the restaurant on payment and pick-up/delivery matters. Additional charges, if any, will also be informed by the restaurant.
It is not necessary for users to pay via Google Pay Singapore. Instead, users can opt to pay via different methods that are accepted by the merchant such as PayNow and bank transfers.
Free listing for merchants
According to Business Insider, Google Singapore is not charging merchants to list their menus on the app. There is also no commission or charge for orders successfully placed. Interested local eateries keen to be included on the platform can sign up online.
This is good news for food establishments that are worried about forking out high commissions to other food delivery apps, but still would like to reach out to potential customers who are likely to be staying home during this time.
Any halal options?
As Google Pay Singapore does not exclude non-halal merchants on the platform, a variety of food establishments can be found on the platform. So please do your own due diligence.
Whilst there are not many halal eateries yet (and the halal filter isn’t exactly robust), a quick scroll will reveal some halal favourites such as Burger King, Epikebabs, Kintamani, and Omar’s Thai Beef Noodle & Rice.
Given time, we might be able to see more and more halal options available.
Top image from Google Singapore
