Third-party delivery apps charge restaurants a commission on every order, and it is often a significant share of the order value. On a busy weekend, that adds up quickly. A direct ordering website lets customers order from you without a marketplace taking a cut.
A simple way to see the difference
Take your own numbers and try this quick calculation:
- Look at how many app orders you take in a typical month.
- Multiply by your average order value.
- Apply the commission rate from your marketplace agreement.
That figure is what those orders cost you in commission each month. Even moving a portion of your regulars to ordering direct can make a noticeable difference over a year.
The savings are only half the story
Keeping more of each order is great, but the bigger long-term win is what you learn and keep:
- Customer data. Every direct order gives you a name and contact details, so you can invite that person back.
- Your brand, front and centre. Customers see your restaurant, not a list of competitors one scroll away.
- Loyalty built in. Points, membership perks and coupon codes reward people for ordering direct.
- Control over your menu. Update dishes, prices and availability instantly, without waiting on a platform.
Should you leave the apps completely?
Usually not. Marketplaces are a useful way to reach people who haven’t discovered you yet. The goal is balance: use apps for discovery, then give customers a good reason to order direct next time — a loyalty reward, a direct-only offer or simply a faster, easier experience.
What a good direct ordering site needs
- A fast, mobile-first design — most orders happen on phones.
- A clear, photo-led digital menu that’s easy to update.
- Simple checkout with as few steps as possible.
- Loyalty, membership and coupon codes built in, not bolted on.
- A connection to your SMS and email campaigns, so every order grows your customer list.
Grow Order builds branded, commission-free ordering websites for restaurants and takeaways, with loyalty, membership and coupons included. Tell us about your restaurant and we’ll show you what it could look like.
