How to Take Online Orders Without Paying 15–30% Commission

What third-party platforms actually cost you

Uber Eats, DoorDash, and similar platforms typically charge restaurants 15–30% per order depending on the plan and marketplace. On a $40 order, that's $6–$12 going to the platform before you account for food cost, labour, or packaging.

$40 order via Uber Eats (30% commission): you keep $28, platform takes $12.

$40 order via direct ordering (0% commission): you keep $38.50, platform fee is $1.50.

If you process $5,000/month in online orders via a 30% commission platform, you're paying $1,500/month — $18,000/year — in commissions. Even at 15%, that's $9,000 annually.

Why restaurants stay on third-party platforms anyway

Being on Uber Eats does provide real discovery value — customers who've never heard of you can find your restaurant through the marketplace. For acquisition, third-party platforms make sense. For retention, they're expensive.

The strategy most successful independent restaurants use: stay on the platforms for discovery, convert customers to direct ordering for reorders. Every customer who places a first order via DoorDash should be redirected to your direct link for their second order. The economics change dramatically once you have repeat customers.

How to set up direct online ordering

1. Build your menu in the dashboard. Create categories (Starters, Mains, Drinks, Desserts) and add items with names, descriptions, prices, and photos. Add modifier groups for items with customizations (size, sauce, toppings). You can copy your DoorDash menu as a reference.
2. Set your ordering settings. Configure whether you accept pickup, delivery, or both. Set your prep time (e.g., 20 minutes), your operating hours for ordering, and a minimum order amount if you want one.
3. Get your storefront link. Your direct ordering link is your storefront URL — shopolo.app/your-restaurant. Customers click "Order" and go through a checkout powered by Stripe. They pay online, you see the order in your dashboard.
4. Direct customers to your link. Add your link to Google Business, Instagram bio, your website, and printed receipts. The key line: "Order directly for faster pickup: [your link]". Frame it as a benefit to them, not as an anti-platform pitch.

Converting DoorDash customers to direct customers

The most effective moment to redirect a customer to direct ordering is when they pick up their order. Include a small card in every bag:

No discount required. The pitch is speed and simplicity, not price. Customers who've ordered from you before don't need a marketplace to find you — they already know you.