Why UK Restaurants Are Choosing Commission-Free Online Ordering

Introduction

The UK restaurant industry is under more pressure than ever before.
Rising ingredient costs, higher wages, energy bills, and intense competition have forced restaurant owners to look closely at where their money is going.

One major expense stands out: high commission fees charged by third-party food delivery platforms.

While these platforms helped restaurants survive during difficult times, many UK restaurants are now rethinking their reliance on commission-based ordering. Instead, they are switching to commission-free online ordering systems that give them more control, better margins, and direct access to their customers.

This shift is not a trend. It is a strategic move.

The Real Cost of Commission-Based Online Ordering

At first glance, third-party delivery apps seem convenient.
They bring visibility, orders, and logistics.

However, many UK restaurants are now realising the long-term cost of this convenience.

Common problems restaurant owners face:

• Commission fees ranging from 30% to 40% per order

• Reduced profit margins on already tight pricing

• No ownership of customer data

• Limited control over branding and communication

• Dependency on external platforms for orders

For a restaurant running on thin margins, losing nearly a third of every online order is not sustainable.

As a result, owners are asking a simple question:
Why pay commission on every order when customers are already loyal?

What Is Commission-Free Online Ordering?

Commission-free online ordering allows restaurants to:

• Take orders directly from their own website or digital menu

• Avoid paying per-order commission

• Pay a predictable monthly or yearly fee instead

This model gives restaurants full ownership of:

• Customer data

• Order flow

• Pricing

• Promotions

Rather than acting as a middleman, the technology becomes a tool, not a gatekeeper.

Why UK Restaurants Are Switching Now

1. Profit Margins Are Under Pressure

UK restaurants are dealing with:

• Rising labour costs

• Increased supplier prices

• VAT and operational expenses

Cutting commission fees is one of the fastest ways to protect margins without raising menu prices.

2. Customers Prefer Ordering Directly

Many customers now:

• Scan QR menus in-store

• Order directly from restaurant websites

• Want clearer pricing without inflated delivery fees

When the experience is smooth, customers are happy to order directly—especially from local restaurants they trust.

3. Control Over Customer Relationships

Third-party platforms own the customer relationship.
Commission-free systems return that control to the restaurant.

This allows restaurants to:

• Build repeat business

• Run direct offers

• Communicate via WhatsApp or email

• Create loyalty programs

Over time, this reduces dependency on aggregators.

4. Better Brand Experience

Direct ordering means:

• Restaurant branding stays consistent

• No competitor ads shown next to your menu

• Custom menus and pricing

For independent UK restaurants, brand identity matters more than ever.

How Commission-Free Ordering Works in Practice

A typical setup includes:

• An online ordering page linked to the restaurant website

• A QR code digital menu for dine-in and takeaway

• Direct integration with the restaurant POS

Orders go straight to the kitchen—no middle layer, no commission cut.

Why FoodChow Fits the UK Restaurant Market

FoodChow is designed to support restaurants that want simplicity and control, not complexity.

What FoodChow Helps UK Restaurants Do

FoodChow allows restaurants to:

• Accept commission-free online orders

• Use QR code digital menus

• Manage billing with a POS system

• Send order updates via WhatsApp

• View real-time sales and reports

Everything runs from one dashboard, which is especially useful for small and mid-sized UK restaurants.

Commission-Free Ordering vs Delivery Apps

Delivery Apps

• High per-order commission

• Limited customer data

• Platform dependency

• Competitive listings

Commission-Free Systems

• Predictable costs

• Direct customer ownership

• Higher margins

• Long-term stability

Many UK restaurants now use a hybrid approach:

• Delivery apps for discovery

• Commission-free ordering for repeat customers

This balanced strategy improves profitability without losing visibility.

Is Commission-Free Ordering Right for Small UK Restaurants?

Yes—especially for:

• Independent cafés

• Takeaways

• Pubs with food service

• Cloud kitchens

• Local restaurant chains

These businesses benefit the most because even small commission savings add up quickly over time.

Common Concerns

“Will customers actually order directly?”

Yes, if the process is simple and clearly communicated.

“Do we still need delivery apps?”

Many restaurants keep them—but reduce reliance.

“Is setup complicated?”

Modern platforms like FoodChow are built for quick onboarding.

Long-Term Benefits for UK Restaurants

By switching to commission-free online ordering, restaurants gain:

• Better cash flow

• Stronger customer loyalty

• More predictable costs

• Freedom to grow without penalties

This shift is about business sustainability, not short-term savings.

FAQs

1. What is commission-free online ordering?

It allows restaurants to accept online orders without paying per-order commission to third-party platforms.

2. Why are UK restaurants leaving delivery apps?

Due to high commission fees, loss of customer data, and reduced profit margins.

3. Can commission-free ordering work alongside delivery apps?

Yes. Many restaurants use delivery apps for reach and direct ordering for repeat customers.

4. Is commission-free ordering affordable for small restaurants?

Yes. Fixed pricing is often cheaper than ongoing commission costs.

5. Do customers prefer direct ordering?

Many do, especially when prices are fair and ordering is simple.

6. How does FoodChow support commission-free ordering?

FoodChow provides POS, online ordering, QR menus, and reporting in one system.

7. Is this model suitable for UK takeaways and cafés?

Absolutely. These businesses benefit the most from commission savings.

Final Thoughts

UK restaurants are no longer asking if they should reduce commission dependency.
They are asking how fast they can do it.

Commission-free online ordering gives restaurants control, stability, and better margins—without sacrificing customer convenience.

For UK restaurants focused on long-term growth, this switch is not just smart.
It is necessary.

Join the FoodChow Partner Program Today