Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why use Dinnerbell for local delivery?

Dinnerbell is a locally built courier and delivery network serving the Grand Traverse region.

Instead of forcing restaurants into national marketplace systems, Dinnerbell provides delivery infrastructure while allowing businesses to remain in control of their own ordering systems.

Restaurants keep their menus and pricing, drivers operate independently, and customers support local businesses directly.

Dinnerbell exists to make local delivery simpler, fairer, and more transparent.

What makes Dinnerbell different?

Dinnerbell is not a food marketplace.

We do not set restaurant prices, control restaurant menus, process restaurant orders, or take commissions from restaurant sales.

Restaurants stay in control of their business while Dinnerbell coordinates delivery logistics with local drivers.

Why don't I order food directly through Dinnerbell?

Dinnerbell is designed as a courier network, not a restaurant marketplace.

Customers request a local driver through Dinnerbell, then place and pay for food directly with the restaurant after a driver has been secured.

This keeps restaurants in control of their menus, pricing, and customer relationships while still providing convenient delivery.

Do I have to place my food order before requesting a driver?

No. Submit a free driver request first.

Once Dinnerbell secures a local driver, you will receive instructions to place and pay for your food order directly with the restaurant.

Customers should not place food orders until a driver has been secured.

Does Dinnerbell mark up restaurant prices?

No. Dinnerbell does not control restaurant menus or pricing, and we never mark up food prices.

Customers pay restaurants directly and pay Dinnerbell separately for delivery services.

We encourage customers to compare the full cost of marketplace delivery apps against Dinnerbell's transparent delivery model.

Why is Dinnerbell often cheaper?

Dinnerbell follows a simple rule of thumb: the more food you want delivered, the more money you save.

Most delivery platforms charge restaurants high commissions, which often leads to higher menu prices and multiple fees for customers.

Dinnerbell removes those layers. Customers pay restaurant prices, and Dinnerbell coordinates delivery separately.

That means more food for the same budget, more money staying in the local economy, and more support for local restaurants and drivers.

What restaurants are available on Dinnerbell?

Dinnerbell prioritizes locally owned and operated restaurants.

Some larger brands may participate, but the focus of the platform is supporting the local food economy.

Our goal is to help independent restaurants compete in a delivery-driven world without relying on national marketplaces.

When is Dinnerbell available?

Dinnerbell operates whenever local drivers are available.

Service may be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week depending on driver availability in your area.

If no drivers are available right away, customers may still submit a driver request and be notified when driver offers are ready.

How does ordering work?

Step 1: Submit a free driver request through Dinnerbell.

Step 2: Dinnerbell secures a local driver.

Step 3: Once a driver is confirmed, the customer receives a text message and email with a link to continue.

Step 4: The customer places and pays for food directly with the restaurant.

Step 5: The customer returns to Dinnerbell, provides restaurant information, and pays the delivery fee.

Step 6: The assigned driver completes delivery.

Important: Customers should not place food orders until a driver has been secured.

How long does delivery usually take?

Delivery times vary based on restaurant preparation times, distance, traffic, and driver availability.

Dinnerbell should display the average time required to secure a driver based on previous requests.

When am I charged?

You are not charged when requesting a driver.

Payment is only collected after a driver has been secured and the customer decides to proceed.

What happens if no driver is available?

Dinnerbell will notify the customer if no driver offers are available.

No delivery fee is charged unless the customer chooses a driver and proceeds to payment.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Dinnerbell accepts major credit and debit cards for delivery services.

Cash is not accepted for delivery payments. Drivers may accept cash tips if customers choose to provide one.

Do you offer contactless delivery?

Yes. Drivers can complete contactless delivery by placing the order at the designated drop-off location and notifying the customer once the delivery has arrived.

What happened to Green Delivery?

The Green Delivery Opt-In program has been discontinued.

With increased order volume, efficient routing now occurs naturally through standard delivery operations without delaying service.

What happened to Dinnerbell Points?

Dinnerbell Points are no longer active.

Previous balances were honored during the transition, and we continue exploring new ways to reward customers aligned with the current platform.

How much does Dinnerbell cost for restaurants?

Dinnerbell does not charge restaurants commissions, platform fees, or percentage-based order fees.

Customers pay restaurants directly and pay Dinnerbell separately for delivery services.

Restaurants remain in full control of their pricing and ordering systems.

Does Dinnerbell charge restaurant commissions?

No. Restaurants keep their sales revenue.

Customers pay restaurants directly and pay Dinnerbell separately for delivery services.

How are drivers paid?

Drivers currently receive $5 base pay, $2.00 per mile, and optional customer tips.

How can I work with Dinnerbell?

Drivers can apply through the Driver Portal at driver.ringdinnerbell.com.

Restaurants, local businesses, delivery contractors, and community partners are welcome to work with Dinnerbell.

Restaurants can participate without commissions or platform fees.

For questions, contact service@ringdinnerbell.com.