Uncovering the Hidden Truths of Online Ordering Fees & How SMBs Can Profit

The restaurant industry constantly evolves, with new trends and innovations emerging daily. One of the biggest challenges faced by restaurant owners is generating revenue. Maximizing profits is crucial to the success of any restaurant business, but it can be difficult to know where to start. When it comes to effective strategies for boosting profits and driving growth in this highly competitive industry, restaurant owners should not overlook the value of implementing their own service surcharges while bypassing third-party ones.

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Passive Costs in the Restaurant Industry and the Secrets Behind Delivery Fees
Restaurants are often burdened with passive costs that eat away at their revenue, such as delivery fees charged by third-party platforms like Uber Eats, Grubhub, Postmates, and DoorDash. These platforms typically charge a percentage of profits, which can significantly impact a restaurant's profits. Commissions for delivery and marketing services can be as high as 30%.

Due to COVID-19, the industry has been working hard to develop best practices for third-party ordering platforms, leading to the recent restructuring of the service fees and commissions charged by delivery apps. Beyond a delivery fee, a regulatory response fee to counteract the restaurant commission caps in some cities was established, yet restaurants have little power to influence fees. 

Have you ever wondered how the delivery fee and tips are distributed when you order food through third-party platforms? In most cases, these platforms keep the delivery fees and are responsible for deciding how much to pay the drivers. Additionally, many people believe that the tips they give go to the restaurant, but in reality, they are intended for the delivery drivers.

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Bypassing Fixed Prices and Percentages

Enter the solution: in-app ordering. This approach empowers restaurants to bypass fixed prices and percentages imposed by third-party platforms. The best part? With in-app ordering, businesses can add their service fees, enhancing revenue streams while retaining control. These up charges can be categorized into three types: percentage surcharge, fixed price surcharge, and delivery surcharge. A percentage surcharge is usually a percentage of the total order value added to the final bill. A fixed price surcharge, on the other hand, is a fixed amount added to the total bill for a specific service or item. Finally, a delivery surcharge is an additional fee added to the final bill for delivery services. It's important to note that these up charges can vary depending on the restaurant and the nature of the order.

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In an era where every penny counts, bypassing passive costs emerges as a restaurant's strategic imperative. By embracing in-app ordering, restaurant operators reclaim autonomy over service fees, paving the way for enhanced revenue streams. Through in-app ordering, restaurants can circumvent these costs and introduce custom surcharges for delivery or fixed costs, bolstering profitability. 

Ready to seize this opportunity to revolutionize your revenue generation? Speak with one of our representatives today.