Vancouver-based ClickDishes is working with Alipay, a major digital payment platform in China, to allow users to order food directly through Alipay’s app. The initiative launches in Vancouver, and is geared towards the city’s large Chinese community.
“Alipay gives Chinese consumers peace of mind while they are abroad with a secure payment option they are already accustomed to at home.”
From within the Alipay app, users will be able to order ahead and pre-pay for their food. Users in Calgary and Edmonton will soon be able to use Alipay to order their food as well. ClickDishes is the first North American food-ordering platform on Alipay, which is operated by Ant Financial Service Group.
“Vancouver is a key destination for Chinese consumers who seek out authentic and local experiences, especially in and around the Chinese New Year,” said Yulei Wang, general manager at Alipay, North America. “Alipay gives Chinese consumers peace of mind while they are abroad with a secure and convenient payment option they are already accustomed to at home.”
ClickDishes said that through Vancouver’s large community of Chinese residents, tourists, and students – restaurants with ClickDishes will now receive more exposure to this community, while Alipay customers will feel comfortable ordering with an app they are already familiar with.
Last year, it was announced that Alipay’s partnership with Ottawa-based Motion Pay allowed Canadian retailers to accept Chinese payment. In the same year, Cadillac Fairview began supporting Alipay in its malls.
Launched in 2016, ClickDishes is a food-ordering app that allows users to pre-pay and order ahead at restaurants in Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary. When ordering through the app, ClickDishes may link with colleagues and friends.
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In June last year, ClickDishes was one of 15 startups showcased at Metabridge X, an event demonstrating high growth tech scale-ups.
“We are excited to partner with Alibaba’s Alipay to provide convenience for Chinese tourists to explore local restaurants,” said Alex Wang, CEO of ClickDishes. “We are thrilled to offer consumers simple, in-app ordering with the same security and convenience they have come to expect back home.”
Featured image via Pixabay.