The UK version of an idea that has expanded across the world, Just-eat.co.uk is an online service that offers customers a one-stop-shop for takeaway restaurants. In the UK alone, it now represents more than 10,000 eateries, although there are hundreds more in other countries including The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Italy and India. Discount codes for Just-eat.co.uk only apply to restaurants in the UK, however.
The idea was also conceived by another firm in 2000, a Danish company called FoodZoom. Given the size of the market however, the two companies decided to merge and expand to the UK, which quickly became the largest market. In the UK alone, the site covers all types of food from Indian to Italian. Discount vouchers can earn customers savings on meal deals at Just-Eat.co.uk.
The service uses a three-step process which begins with the hungry customer entering a postcode. The search tool then suggests takeaway options in the vicinity. Once the customer chooses, orders can be paid for either with cash upon arrival or a bank card online. Just-Eat.co.uk also boasts apps for iPhones and android Smartphones.
The company is the market leader in the UK and in a number of other countries. It raised �10.5 million in a share issue in July 2009 which has recently expanded as far afield as India. There has even been a discount voucher offering customers of Just-Eat.co.uk the chance to win a holiday to India.