Why Direct Ordering Beats Third-Party Marketplaces

The restaurant industry has seen a massive shift toward online ordering, but many restaurants are paying a heavy price—literally. Third-party marketplaces like Foodpanda and UberEats charge commission rates between 20-30%, eating into already thin profit margins.

The Hidden Costs of Marketplaces

When you rely on third-party platforms, you're not just paying commission fees. You're also:

Losing customer data: You don't own the relationship with your customers

Competing on price: Customers compare you directly with competitors

Sacrificing brand identity: Your restaurant becomes just another listing

Paying for delivery: Additional fees for their delivery network

The Direct Ordering Advantage

Building your own ordering platform with Restrova gives you complete control:

1. Keep 100% of Your Revenue

No commission fees means every order contributes directly to your bottom line. A restaurant doing $50,000 in monthly online orders could save $10,000-15,000 per month by going direct.

2. Own Your Customer Data

Build a database of customer preferences, order history, and contact information. Use this data to:

Send targeted promotions

Create personalized recommendations

Build loyalty programs that actually work

3. Strengthen Your Brand

Your ordering platform reflects your brand identity. Custom colors, logo, and messaging create a cohesive experience that builds brand recognition and loyalty.

4. Control the Customer Experience

From menu presentation to checkout flow, you decide how customers interact with your brand. Optimize for conversions without platform restrictions.

Real Results

Restaurants that switch to direct ordering typically see:

30% increase in profit margins on online orders

25% higher average order values through upselling

40% improvement in repeat customer rate

Making the Switch

Transitioning from marketplaces to direct ordering doesn't mean abandoning them entirely. The smart strategy is:

1. Build your direct channel with a branded app and website

2. Promote it heavily to existing customers

3. Offer exclusive deals on your direct platform

4. Gradually reduce marketplace dependency

Conclusion

Third-party marketplaces served a purpose in getting restaurants online quickly. But for long-term success and profitability, owning your ordering platform is essential. The question isn't whether to make the switch—it's how soon you can start.

Ready to take control of your online ordering? Contact us to learn how Restrova can help you build a profitable direct ordering system.