It can be tempting to sign when a new supplier promises an easy solution, better visibility or more sales. But a partnership agreement is not merely a formality. It can contain commitments and terms that affect your restaurant long after the agreement has been signed.
A contract can certainly be both fair and relevant. But when it is 30 pages long and includes a relatively lengthy commitment period, it is a good idea to pause. Read the agreement carefully and ask about the parts you do not understand. This is especially important if the agreement concerns your online presence and the channels your guests use to find and order from you.
What happens to your digital profiles?
We have seen some of our customers sign agreements that give the new supplier a role in managing the restaurant’s Google My Business profile, now known as a Google Business Profile. In some cases, this means that Lenius is removed from the profile and links to services including Lenius and Wolt are deleted.
This may sound like a minor change, but the links and information on your profile help guests find the places where they can view your menu or order. When these links suddenly disappear, the restaurant can lose visibility and revenue. Most frustratingly, it is not always clear what has changed or why fewer guests are finding the restaurant.
Ask before you sign
Before accepting a new partnership agreement, make sure you know what the supplier is allowed to change and what happens if the partnership ends. Consider asking:
- Who owns and manages your profiles and accounts?
- Which links and information may the supplier change or remove?
- What happens to your data, profiles and access when the agreement ends?
- How long is the commitment period, and how can the agreement be terminated?
- Can the agreement be explained to you before you sign?
You do not have to be a lawyer to ask critical questions. A serious supplier should be able to explain the agreement in clear language and give you time to consider it. If something remains unclear, it may also be a good idea to have the agreement reviewed by an adviser.
Protect your restaurant’s visibility
Your Google profile and ordering links are important points of contact between your restaurant and its guests. They should therefore not be changed without a clear agreement and an understanding of the consequences. Have links or information disappeared after you changed supplier? Contact Lenius if you would like to discuss your situation with us.
