Direct ordering vs delivery apps
Delivery marketplaces are great at bringing new customers. They're expensive at keeping them. Here's how your own ordering website compares.
| Delivery marketplace | Your own ordering website | |
|---|---|---|
| Commission per order | A percentage of every order | No marketplace commission |
| Customer data | Owned by the app | Yours: names, contacts, history |
| Branding | Your logo inside their app | Your brand, your domain |
| Competitors on the page | Rivals one scroll away | Only your restaurant |
| Pricing control | Often inflated to cover fees | Set your own prices |
| Marketing to repeat customers | Not possible directly | Build repeat business your way |
| Discovery by new customers | Large existing audience | Promote via your own channels |
How much commission are you paying?
Your numbers
Estimate only. Commission rates vary by marketplace, plan and country.
You could be paying marketplaces
$45,000
per year in commission · $3,750 per month
Move even 30% of those orders to your own website and keep about $13,500 a year.
Use both, and keep more
Keep marketplaces for discovery. Use your own website for loyalty.
- 1New customers find you on a delivery app
- 2Your packaging and receipts point them to your own website
- 3Their next order comes direct: no marketplace commission
- 4You keep their details and build repeat business
Should I leave delivery apps completely?
Not necessarily. Marketplaces are good for discovery. The smartest approach for most restaurants is hybrid: stay listed, and move regulars to your own website where orders carry no marketplace commission.
How do I move customers to order direct?
Add your website to packaging inserts, receipts, menus, Google Business Profile and social media. Customers who already love your food are happy to order direct.
Isn't running my own website complicated?
Not with us. We set it up, host it, secure it and keep it updated. You just manage your menu and orders from a simple dashboard.
Add your own direct-order channel
Book a free demo and see your restaurant's ordering website.