How to Take Restaurant Orders Online Without Marketplace Commission Fees

Direct ordering gives returning guests a way to buy through a restaurant-controlled page instead of a delivery marketplace. Kitch's current published paid plans describe a 0% Kitch take-rate on direct orders, while normal Stripe processing fees and any other applicable service costs still apply. The restaurant must have an eligible payment and ordering setup before accepting live orders.

Delivery marketplaces can be useful for discovery, but their commissions can take a meaningful share of each order and the restaurant may have less control over the customer relationship. Direct ordering gives repeat guests another path back to the restaurant.

The Real Cost of Marketplace Commissions

A 25% marketplace commission on a $40 order is $10 before considering the rest of the restaurant's costs. For repeat customers who already know the restaurant, that can be an expensive way to process the relationship. The goal does not have to be leaving delivery apps entirely. It can be making your own page the easiest place for repeat guests to order direct.

How to Take Direct Restaurant Orders Online

1. Build a live page you control. Use a restaurant website builder so your menu lives on your restaurant's own page rather than only inside a marketplace.
2. Verify direct-ordering eligibility. Check the restaurant's supported online ordering and payment setup, the current plan, service hours and owner approval before going live. Published paid plans list a 0% Kitch take-rate, but standard processing fees still apply.
3. Put your menu in real text. A live menu, rather than a PDF, loads quickly and is easier to browse and update. See the best way to share your menu online.
4. Add a QR code to tables and bags. A QR code menu can send dine-in and takeout guests straight to the restaurant's current menu and direct-ordering path.
5. Make your page the restaurant link everywhere. Put it in your Instagram bio, Google profile, receipts, and owned marketing.
6. Give repeat guests a reason to order direct. Convenience, a smoother pickup flow, or restaurant-owned offers can help move repeat customers toward your own channel.

Direct Ordering Can Recover Margin

The value depends on order volume, average ticket, marketplace commission, payment-processing costs, and the Kitch plan you use. The useful comparison is the total cost of a direct order versus the marketplace commission you would otherwise pay. See what it costs to get your restaurant online for the broader cost picture.

You Don't Have to Leave the Apps

Marketplaces can still introduce a restaurant to new diners. A practical approach is to use them where they create discovery while giving repeat guests an easy direct-ordering option through the restaurant's own page. More on this in how independent restaurants compete with delivery apps.

FAQ

Can I take online orders without using a delivery marketplace?

Yes, with an eligible merchant setup and supported ordering platform. Kitch's published paid plans list a 0% platform take-rate on direct orders; card processing and other applicable costs remain. Confirm the actual restaurant configuration before advertising live ordering.

How much do delivery apps charge restaurants?

Marketplace pricing varies by provider, market, plan, and service. Compare the marketplace's current agreement with your direct-ordering costs before deciding which channel is more economical for a particular order.

Is direct online ordering worth it for a small restaurant?

It can be, especially when a restaurant has repeat customers and meaningful marketplace commission costs. The right comparison includes order volume, average ticket, processing fees, plan cost, and the value of owning the direct customer relationship. See online ordering for restaurants.

How do I get customers to order from my website instead of an app?

Make the direct path easy to find: QR codes on tables and bags, your restaurant link in your Instagram bio and Google profile, and a clear order action on the website. Repeat guests are more likely to use the channel that is easiest and most familiar.

---

Start by asking Kitch to plan a private direct-ordering draft around your actual menu, approved pickup hours and payment eligibility. Confirm plan and trial terms at checkout and review any guest-facing changes before publishing.