How to Stop Paying 30% Commission to Third-Party Delivery Apps

Third-party delivery platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub have become a significant source of revenue for many restaurants — but they come at a steep cost. Commission rates of 15-30% per order can turn a profitable item into a money-loser.

The solution isn't to abandon delivery. It's to build a direct ordering channel that you own.

The True Cost of Third-Party Platforms

Let's do the math. If your average delivery order is $45 and you're paying 25% commission, you're paying $11.25 per order to the platform. On 100 orders per month, that's $1,125 — every month — going to a third party.

Building Your Direct Ordering Channel

Step 1: Get a direct online ordering system. Your POS system should include direct online ordering that integrates with your kitchen. SkyTab's built-in online ordering does exactly this. Step 2: Drive traffic to your direct channel. Promote your direct ordering link on your website, social media, Google Business Profile, and in-restaurant signage. Offer a small incentive (free delivery, a discount) for guests who order direct. Step 3: Build your customer database. Every direct order builds your first-party customer database. Use it for email marketing, loyalty rewards, and targeted promotions. Step 4: Keep third-party platforms for discovery. Third-party platforms are still valuable for reaching new customers. Use them for discovery, then convert those customers to your direct channel.

SkyTab's Approach

SkyTab includes direct online ordering as part of its platform, with no additional commission fees. Orders sync directly to your POS and kitchen display — no tablet, no manual re-entry.