SMS template · Utility

Order Out for Delivery SMS Template for Restaurants & Cafes

A ready-to-adapt SMS message for restaurants, cafes and cloud kitchens, with placeholders, sample values and compliance notes.

When to Send This Message

Send when the order leaves the kitchen. For restaurants, cafes and cloud kitchens, this is one of the everyday messages that keeps diners informed without a phone call. It can be sent manually from a panel at first and automated later through an API.

Diners choose restaurants from maps, reviews, delivery apps and social media, often within minutes.

The SMS Template

India (DLT format)

Header: [6-character header]-S · Category: Service Implicit

Hi {#var#}, your order {#var#} from [Business Name] is on the way with {#var#} ({#var#}). Enjoy your meal.

International (plain text)

Hi {guest}, your order {order_id} from [Business Name] is on the way with {rider} ({phone}). Enjoy your meal.

Example with sample values

Hi Priya, your order RS412 from [Business Name] is on the way with Suresh (98XXXXXXXX). Enjoy your meal.

With these sample values the message is 106 characters in the standard GSM-7 character set, which is 1 SMS part (square brackets count as two characters each). Long links or local-language (Unicode) text increase the count, as Unicode SMS allow 70 characters per single part.

Replace [Business Name] with your registered brand name. Links shown use example.com as a placeholder; use your own domain.

Placeholders and Sample Values

PlaceholderMeaningSample value
{#var#}GuestPriya
{#var#}Order idRS412
{#var#}RiderSuresh
{#var#}Phone98XXXXXXXX

Filling in each placeholder

  • Guest (sample: Priya): Use the first name or the salutation the customer gave you; fall back to a neutral greeting if the field is empty.
  • Order id (sample: RS412): Use the same reference format that appears on your invoices, receipts or software, so customers and staff can match it quickly.
  • Rider (sample: Suresh): Keep the value short and specific; test the longest realistic value to check the message still reads well.
  • Phone (sample: 98XXXXXXXX): Use a number the customer can actually reach during business hours, ideally one already shown on your website.

This template has 4 placeholders and a body of 109 characters before values are filled in. Shorter messages cost less and are more likely to be read in full; aim to keep the filled-in message within one or two SMS parts.

Category and Approval

In India this type of message is usually registered as Service Implicit: it relates to an existing transaction or relationship and can be delivered to numbers on the DND registry. It must not contain promotional content.

Compliance Checklist

  • Any link uses a domain whitelisted for your header, as TRAI requires for URLs in commercial SMS.
  • The brand name in the message matches your registered business or header.
  • Promotional versions are sent only within the permitted hours and only to recipients who have not opted out.

Rules to keep in mind for Restaurants & Cafes

Food businesses must display their FSSAI licence number, and menu and offer messages should state prices inclusive of applicable taxes. Promotional messages need opt-in, and alcohol advertising is prohibited in India.

General guidance, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm current requirements before launch. See our SMS compliance guide for India.

Tips for Better Results

  • Use the customer's name and a reference number so the message is easy to trust and to search for later.
  • Send it as close as possible to the event it relates to, such as right after booking or the day before an appointment.

Getting the order out for delivery message right

Give the delivery agent's name and masked number, the estimated arrival time and the amount to pay if it is cash on delivery. Food orders are time-sensitive, so keep the message short. Ask guests to keep the phone reachable.

Where this message fits for Restaurants & Cafes

Diners search 'restaurants near me', check menus, photos and reviews on Google Maps, Instagram or delivery apps, and then book a table or order online. Regulars are won through good experiences, loyalty offers and remembering their preferences.

Google Maps and delivery apps drive discovery; Instagram and TikTok show dishes and atmosphere; WhatsApp takes reservations and orders; SMS sends booking confirmations and loyalty offers; email shares event and menu news.

Campaign ideas that pair with this template

  • Birthday offers for loyalty members
  • Quiet-day promotions on Monday and Tuesday evenings
  • New menu launch invitations to regular diners

Need this SMS template set up?

We register, submit and connect templates for you, and send test messages before launch.

WhatsApp UsCall +91 88890 28885Enquiry Form

Quotes in USD for international clients.

Questions About This Template

When should a restaurant send the order out for delivery message?

Send when the order leaves the kitchen. If customers reply, make sure someone on your team monitors and answers.

Can I send this SMS in India without DLT registration?

No. Commercial SMS in India must use a header and a content template registered on a DLT platform. Messages that do not match a registered template are blocked by the operator.

Which DLT category should I choose for this order out for delivery message?

Usually Service Implicit. The final category depends on your entity type, the consent you hold and your operator's guidelines, and we confirm it during registration.

Can DND Teams set this up for my restaurant?

Yes. We adapt the template to your business, register or submit it, and connect it to your software or our panel. Share your use case on WhatsApp or through the form.

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