Why direct ordering
When someone orders through an app, the app sets the fee and owns the customer relationship. When they order on your own site, you keep more of each order and you know who your customers are. You don’t have to choose one or the other.
What you need
- Your menu online in real text, with prices, options and photos, so it’s easy to order and easy for Google to read.
- An ordering system that takes payment and sends orders to your kitchen.
- An “Order online” button on your website, your Google Business Profile and your social profiles.
- A way to tell regulars: a card in the bag, a QR code at the counter, a line on your receipts.
What it costs
Instead of a percentage of every order, direct ordering usually costs a setup fee and a flat monthly price, plus your normal card processing fees. Compare that with what you pay the apps today using our delivery fee calculator. (Our own online ordering is $590 setup + $79/mo with no per-order commission.)
Keep the apps, move the regulars
Most restaurants keep the apps for discovery and move repeat customers to direct ordering over time. Put your own ordering link everywhere you control, and remind regulars every time they visit.
Mistakes to avoid
- A menu that’s only a PDF or a photo.
- An order button hidden at the bottom of the page.
- Prices or hours that don’t match your Google profile.