Third-party apps bring customers, but they take 20-30% commission on every order — and they own the customer relationship, not you. Building direct orders means more repeat business and higher margins.
Make direct ordering the easy option. Your own branded ordering website and app should load faster, feel simpler, and reward customers more than any marketplace listing. If direct ordering is slower or clunkier than the apps, customers won’t switch.
Give people a reason to switch. Offer a discount, free item, or loyalty points for ordering direct that isn’t available on third-party platforms. Print this on receipts, bags, and menus — the moment of highest attention is right after someone eats.
Capture customer data every time. A branded ordering system lets you collect names, phone numbers and order history — data marketplaces never share with you. Use it for SMS and email offers to bring people back.
Promote your direct channel everywhere. QR codes on tables and packaging, a link in your Google Business Profile, social bios, and a mention when staff answer the phone all steer traffic toward commission-free ordering.
Track the shift. Compare direct vs marketplace order volume monthly. Even moving 20% of orders direct can be the difference between a good month and a great one.
A branded website, app and EPOS system from CholoEAT gives you the tools to build a direct ordering habit — without paying commission on every sale. Book a free demo to see how it works for your business.
