Stop Paying 30% to Delivery Apps: 5 Ways to Grow Direct Online Orders

Are third-party delivery apps gobbling up your profits? Many restaurant owners feel trapped, shelling out hefty commissions (sometimes up to 30%!) on every online order. But guess what? You don’t have to accept it. By growing your direct online orders, you can keep more of your earnings and build a loyal base of repeat customers—without sacrificing convenience. Here’s how.

1. Own Your Online Ordering Experience

Why This Matters:
Third-party apps put barriers between you and your guests—lost customer data, inconsistent brand presence, and costly fees that cut into your margin.

What to Do Instead:

• Embed Commission-Free Ordering on Your Website: Make it easy for customers to order straight from you. When the process is intuitive and visually appealing, they’ll happily skip the middleman.
• Promote It Everywhere: Feature your direct ordering link on social media, Google Business Profile, and printed materials (like takeout menus, table tents). The more you promote it, the fewer customers rely on third-party apps.

How Ohana Helps:
Ohana’s Online Ordering system is seamlessly integrated into your restaurant’s branded website. That means zero commissions, straightforward checkout, and 100% of the profits stay in your pocket.

2. Offer Exclusive Deals & Perks for Direct Orders

Why This Matters:
Most customers will choose convenience or a special deal if the price is right. By creating a financial or experiential incentive for ordering directly, you give them a compelling reason to ditch third-party apps.

What to Do Instead:

• Direct-Only Discounts: Offer a small discount or free dessert for customers who order through your website.
• Loyalty Points & Rewards: Grant extra loyalty points or stamps for each direct online purchase—customers love racking up rewards.
• Free Pickup or Lower Delivery Fees: Highlight that your direct channel often has cheaper (or zero) delivery fees compared to third-party apps.

How Ohana Helps:
Our Loyalty Program lets you easily reward diners every time they order directly, incentivizing them to come back again—and again. Pair this with our commission-free delivery option to lower costs for both you and your customers.

3. Build a Strong Digital Presence

Why This Matters:
Customers won’t order from your website if they can’t find it. A strong online presence not only attracts new diners but also convinces them to stick around on your site instead of defaulting to a big-name app.

What to Do Instead:

• SEO-Friendly Website: Optimize your site with local keywords (e.g., “best Thai food in [Your City]”) so it appears in “[Cuisine] near me” searches.
• Engaging Social Media: Use mouthwatering photos and promotions on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to direct followers to your own ordering page.
• Collect & Show Off Reviews: Feature positive customer testimonials on your site; social proof builds trust, encouraging more direct orders.

How Ohana Helps:
We design SEO-optimized, mobile-friendly websites to rank higher and attract more diners. Plus, our platform makes it easy to showcase your menu, photos, and customer reviews, all in one place.

4. Stay in Touch with Email & SMS Marketing

Why This Matters:
Third-party apps typically don’t share customer data, making it tough to reconnect with diners. Growing direct orders requires a proactive approach to keep in touch with people who’ve already enjoyed your food.

What to Do Instead:

• Capture Customer Emails & Phone Numbers: Encourage guests to sign up for updates or loyalty rewards.
• Send Targeted Promotions: Got a new dish? Slow Tuesday? Send a quick email or SMS blast with a special offer to bring in orders.
• Consistency is Key: Regularly reach out—just enough to keep your restaurant top-of-mind (but not so much that you spam them).

How Ohana Helps:
Ohana’s Email Marketing tools let you segment your audience (first-time visitors vs. loyal customers) and send tailored promotions that drive repeat orders. Automation features help you stay consistent without adding to your workload.

5. Highlight the Value of Ordering Direct

Why This Matters:
Many diners don’t realize the true cost of using third-party apps. By showing that direct orders help local businesses thrive, you appeal to customers’ sense of community and fairness.

What to Do Instead:

• Add a Note to Your Menu & Website: A brief statement like “Ordering directly from us helps support our staff and keeps prices lower for you.”
• Be Transparent: If applicable, mention that third-party fees eat into your profits, and direct orders allow you to focus on higher-quality ingredients and better customer service.
• Share on Social Media: Post occasional reminders about how direct orders help your restaurant stay independent and community-driven.

How Ohana Helps:
Our entire philosophy is about ohana—the Hawaiian concept of family and community. We give you the platform to communicate your restaurant’s story and values clearly, so diners understand that ordering direct isn’t just about saving money; it’s about supporting a local business they love.

Keep 100% of Your Profits with Ohana

By combining these five strategies, you’ll reduce reliance on third-party apps, keep more revenue in your pocket, and build stronger relationships with your customers. At Ohana, our all-in-one platform equips you with:

• Commission-Free Online Ordering
• SEO-Optimized Restaurant Website
• Robust Loyalty & Rewards Program
• Targeted Email Marketing
• Hands-On Support

All on a simple, month-to-month plan—no hidden fees, no long-term contracts. We believe in honest partnerships and delivering real value every step of the way.

Ready to Serve Your Customers Directly?

Take back control of your profits and your customer relationships. Contact us today to learn how Ohana can help you stop paying 30% to delivery apps and start growing your direct online orders—because family takes care of its own, and at Ohana, your restaurant is family.

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