New online takeaway service Marvin.ie records huge growth

By Mary Dennehy

JAMES Galvin and David Evans from Tallaght are part of the project team behind new online takeaway service Marvin.ie, which recorded a 400 per cent growth in business in 2016.

Living in Kilnamanagh, James Galvin is the MD of Marvin.ie, an online delivery service which since its establishment in June of 2015 has already secured around 75 per cent of the takeaway restaurants in Tallaght.

Marvin.ie is set to rival market leader Just-Eat.ie, which James was MD of after being brought in to grow the online business back in 2008.

“I was brought in to help grow Just-Eat from a baby start-up in 2008,” James said.

“We grew the company from between 200 to 300 orders a month to 50,000 orders per month, and that’s when I moved on from the company.”

During his time as the MD of Just-Eat.ie, James met Watergate resident Dave Evans after he was hired as sales manager.

The two lads worked on a few different online projects after Just-Eat.ie and are now in business together in Marvin.ie.

According to James, who is the MD of Marvin.ie: “Just-Eat.ie has been hugely successful but have moved towards the higher end of the market and are now targeting bakeries and patisseries.

“We’re focused on the takeaway market, which has a high level of frequency and repeat business, and we charge half the commission of Just-Eat at 7 per cent.

“Trying to get online orders is notoriously difficult but we are hoping that takeaway restaurants will opt for the cheaper commission and go with us.

“Marvin.ie is so simple for businesses and we are aware that not all small independent food restaurants will have invested heavily in technology so, as part of the annual €200 subscription we install our own technology into shops and look after typing up the menu for the site.”

When an order is placed on Marvin.ie, the system alerts the takeaway, which enters in the length of time the delivery will take – a message is then relayed to the customer.

Locally, Tallaght is an important district for the Marvin team, with between 75 and 80 per cent of takeaway restaurants signed up.

“We have worked really hard on the ground in Tallaght and have a really strong selection of local restaurants.

“We have also worked alongside local businesses to get exclusive deals for customers, ensuring they get the best value.

“We also offer loyalty cards for customers which includes benefits such as a free meal after buying ten takeaways.”

He added: “Last year, Marvin.ie grew by around 400 per cent and we’re seeing similar growth levels this year.”

Visit www.marvin.ie