When it comes to running a successful restaurant, every penny counts. Third-party delivery platforms may promise convenience, but they often take a significant bite out of your profits with commission fees as high as 30%.
That’s where direct sales come in—a strategy that allows you to keep more of what you earn while building stronger relationships with your customers.
If you’ve ever wondered how direct sales can transform your profitability, let’s break it down and show you how to make the switch seamlessly.
Why Direct Sales Are Key to Profitability
Think of it this way: Every time a customer orders through a third-party app, you’re essentially paying for the privilege of connecting with your own customers. Instead of handing over a slice of your revenue, direct sales allow you to:
-
Keep 100% of your earnings (minus processing fees).
-
Strengthen your customer relationships by cutting out the middleman.
-
Gain insights from customer data to improve your operations and marketing.
As we discussed in our blog about saving thousands on commission fees, relying on third-party apps can limit your profits and your ability to deliver a consistent customer experience. Direct sales solve both issues in one fell swoop.
The Real Cost of Third-Party Platforms
Let’s crunch the numbers. Imagine a $50 order:
-
With a 25% commission, you lose $12.50 to the platform.
-
Over 100 orders, that’s $1,250 gone.
-
In a year? You’re looking at tens of thousands of dollars in lost revenue.
Now imagine reinvesting that money into better packaging, marketing, or staff training. That’s the power of direct sales.
How Direct Sales Drive Higher Profits
Here’s how shifting to direct sales boosts your bottom line:
1. Reduced Costs
By eliminating third-party fees, you immediately increase your profit margins. While you may still incur costs for payment processing or hosting your platform, these are a fraction of what delivery apps charge.
2. More Loyal Customers
Direct sales give you control over the entire customer journey. You can personalize experiences, offer exclusive promotions, and build loyalty through rewards programs.
3. Data-Driven Growth
Owning your sales channel means owning your data. You’ll know who your repeat customers are, which items are most popular, and when demand spikes—critical insights that third-party apps keep for themselves.
4. Greater Brand Control
With direct sales, your branding stays front and center. From the look of your online store to the tone of your email confirmations, every touchpoint reflects your values.
Case Study: A Franchise Turns Direct Sales into Big Profits
A Midwest burger chain, Joe’s Burgers, made the leap from third-party platforms to a direct ordering system. By partnering with a platform like OrderingPlus, they:
-
Reduced commission costs by 90%.
-
Grew repeat orders by 35% through loyalty rewards.
-
Collected valuable customer data that informed menu tweaks, leading to a 20% revenue increase on their most popular items.
Joe’s Burgers used the savings to invest in local marketing campaigns, which brought in even more direct sales. The result? Profits soared, and their customer base became more loyal than ever.
How to Get Started with Direct Sales
Ready to take control? Here’s a simple plan:
Step 1: Build Your Platform
Invest in an all-in-one online ordering system like OrderingPlus. With customizable features and user-friendly designs, you’ll have a branded platform that reflects your restaurant’s identity.
Step 2: Promote Direct Ordering
Encourage customers to order directly by offering perks like:
-
Discounts for first-time direct orders.
-
Exclusive deals only available on your platform.
-
Loyalty programs that reward repeat business.
Step 3: Streamline Delivery
Manage deliveries in-house or through a reliable local partner. Tools like advanced logistics from OrderingPlus can automate the process, ensuring smooth operations.
Step 4: Leverage Data
Use customer data to personalize offers, run targeted campaigns, and refine your menu based on trends.
Why OrderingPlus Is Your Direct Sales Solution
At OrderingPlus, we specialize in helping restaurants transition to direct sales with ease. Here’s what you get:
-
A branded online ordering system that’s easy for customers to use.
-
Delivery management tools to streamline operations.
-
Marketing and loyalty features to drive repeat business.
-
Actionable insights from customer data to fuel growth.
By choosing OrderingPlus, you’re not just investing in technology—you’re investing in a more profitable future.
Final Thoughts
Third-party apps might feel like a necessary evil, but they’re not the only option. By embracing direct sales, you can:
-
Keep more of your revenue.
-
Build stronger connections with your customers.
-
Set your restaurant up for long-term profitability.
📩 Ready to enhance your profits?
Sign up for our newsletter for more tips, or schedule a free demo to see how OrderingPlus can help you achieve your goals.
Stay up to date and never miss out.
+1k
Join the community
