🍔 Take Back the Table: Why Restaurants Should Transition to Direct Online Ordering (Or at Least a Hybrid Model)

In today’s fast-paced, app-driven world, third-party food delivery platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub have become household names. They offer convenience for customers and increased visibility for restaurants. But that convenience comes at a steep cost—literally.

If you’re a restaurant owner, here’s a question worth asking: Are third-party platforms helping your business grow—or just growing their own profits off your hard work?

It might be time to rethink your digital ordering strategy. Whether you go fully independent or take a hybrid approach, using your own online food ordering system (like Savvy OS) can be a game-changer for your bottom line and your customer relationships.

---

💸 The Real Cost of Third-Party Platforms

Let’s start with the numbers. Third-party apps typically take 15% to 30% in commissions per order. For a $50 meal, that’s $15 out the door—money that could have gone toward staff wages, better ingredients, or your profit margin.

Even worse? Most platforms own the customer data, limiting your ability to remarket or build loyalty. You're essentially renting customers instead of growing your own base.

---

🌱 The Benefits of Your Own Ordering System

Here’s why making the switch—or adopting a hybrid approach—makes sense:

1. Keep More of Every Dollar

With your own system, you cut out the commission middleman. You control your pricing, your profits, and your promotions.

Example: A restaurant doing $10,000/month in online orders could save up to $3,000/month by switching to a commission-free solution.

2. Own the Customer Relationship

With a direct system, you collect names, emails, and phone numbers. That means:

• Personalized promotions

• Re-engagement campaigns

• Loyalty programs

• Birthday offers

• And more!

3. Customize the Experience

With third-party apps, your restaurant looks the same as every other listing. With your own system, you control the design, the message, and the story behind your food. It’s a direct reflection of your brand—not theirs.

4. Improve Delivery and Pickup Logistics

Direct orders let you streamline operations, reduce order mix-ups, and prioritize service. Plus, you can choose to work with your own drivers, or integrate affordable last-mile delivery services.

---

🤝 Why a Hybrid Approach Still Works

We get it—third-party platforms still drive some traffic. That’s where a hybrid model shines. Instead of cutting them off cold turkey, you can:

• Keep third-party apps for visibility

• Offer discounts, perks, or full menus only on your site

• Use packaging inserts or email receipts to redirect repeat orders to your platform

• Gradually build loyalty while maintaining exposure

Think of it as renting traffic but owning relationships.

---

🚀 How to Get Started

You don’t need to be tech-savvy to take control. A platform like Savvy OS provides:

• Mobile-optimized ordering

• Menu management

• Customer database access

• Built-in marketing tools

• Integration with social media and Google Business

And best of all? It’s commission-free. You pay one flat rate and keep every dollar you earn.

---

🔥 Final Thoughts

Your food, your team, your brand—it’s all yours. Why let someone else profit more from your success than you do?

Direct ordering isn’t just a tech upgrade. It’s a business move. It’s how you future-proof your restaurant, build lasting customer relationships, and grow real revenue.

Whether you want to ditch the delivery apps completely or use them as part of a hybrid strategy, now’s the time to take back control.

Need help making the switch? Let us show you how easy it can be with Savvy OS. We’ll walk you through every step—from setup to strategy.