Why Direct Online Ordering Matters More Than Ever for Restaurants
Third-party delivery apps have made it easier than ever for customers to order food.
BUT, behind that convenience, there’s a cost that many restaurant owners feel every day.
A recent article from First Alert 6 highlights how much of each order can go toward third-party fees—and why more restaurants are starting to rethink how they handle online ordering.
Read the full article from First Alert 6
From the article:
The Reality of Third-Party Ordering
Third-party platforms can be a helpful tool for visibility and bringing in new customers.
But they come at a cost.
When orders are placed through these apps, a percentage of each sale goes to the platform being use. Depending on the service and setup, that can be a significant portion of each order.
Over time, those fees add up, especially for high-volume businesses.
Why More Restaurants Are Focusing on Direct Ordering
Because of this, more restaurants are starting to prioritize direct online ordering.
When customers order directly from your website:
More of the sale stays with your business
You control the ordering experience
You own the customer relationship
It’s not about eliminating third-party apps entirely.
It’s about not depending on them.
“But What About Delivery?”
One of the biggest misconceptions is that direct ordering means you can’t offer delivery.
That’s not the case.
Today, restaurants can offer delivery through their own website while still using driver networks behind the scenes.
That means:
The order comes directly to you
You stay in control of the transaction
A driver can still handle the delivery
It’s a way to offer convenience without giving up a large portion of each sale.
The Bigger Picture
Small differences in how orders are placed can have a big impact over time.
Shifting even a portion of your orders to direct channels can help:
Protect your margins
Create a more consistent customer experience
Build long-term stability for your business
It’s a shift more operators are starting to take seriously.
330,633.1221
At HCS, we work with restaurants to find and set up POS systems that fit how their operation actually runs—whether that includes direct online ordering, delivery options, or improving how orders flow from the start.
If you’ve been thinking about making a change, we’re always happy to walk through your options and help you figure out what makes the most sense for your business.