Online Ordering Software vs Third-Party Apps

Introduction: This Is No Longer a Tech Decision It’s a Survival Decision

If you run a restaurant today, you already know one thing for sure:
online ordering is not optional anymore.

Customers expect to:

• View your menu online

• Order in a few taps

• Pay digitally

• Track their order

• Get consistent service every time

What most restaurant owners struggle with is how to offer online ordering in a way that doesn’t destroy profits.

That’s where the real dilemma begins:

👉 Should you depend on third-party delivery apps?
👉 Or should you build your own online ordering system?

At first, third-party apps feel easy. They promise orders, visibility, and convenience. But over time, many restaurant owners realise something uncomfortable:

“We’re getting orders… but we’re not making money.”

What Is Online Ordering Software?

Online ordering software allows customers to order directly from your restaurant, without a middleman.

That means:

• Orders come from your website, QR code, or direct link

• Customers interact with your brand, not an aggregator

• You receive the full order value (or almost all of it)

• You own the customer relationship

What This Looks Like in Real Life

A customer:

1. Searches your restaurant on Google or scans a QR code

2. Opens your online menu

3. Places an order directly

4. Order goes straight to your POS/kitchen

5. You get customer details for repeat business

No competition pop-ups.
No “suggested alternatives.”
No commission shock at month-end.

Platforms like FoodChow are built exactly for this purpose—helping restaurants go digital without giving away control or margins.

What Are Third-Party Food Ordering Apps And Why They Feel Attractive

Third-party apps aggregate many restaurants into one marketplace.

Examples include:

• Uber Eats

• DoorDash

• Grubhub

They handle:

• Customer discovery

• Payments

• Delivery logistics

• App marketing

Why Restaurants Join Them

Most restaurant owners join because:

• “Everyone else is on it”

• “We need online visibility”

• “Customers are asking for it”

• “It looks easy”

And yes — in the short term, they can bring orders.

But convenience often hides long-term damage.

The Real Cost of Third-Party Apps 

Most owners know about the 15–30% commission.
What they don’t always see are the indirect losses.

1. Shrinking Profit Margins

Let’s be realistic.

If your food margin is already tight:

• Rent

• Staff

• Ingredients

• Packaging

Giving away 25% per order can turn a “busy day” into a loss-making day.

Many restaurants quietly increase menu prices on apps just to survive—creating inconsistency and customer dissatisfaction.

2. You Don’t Own the Customer

This is the biggest long-term problem.

When orders come via third-party apps:

• You don’t get customer contact details

• You can’t remarket directly

• You can’t build loyalty

• You can’t create a relationship

The customer remembers the app, not your restaurant.

3. You Compete Inside Your Own Listing

On third-party apps:

• Your competitor appears next to you

• Discounts decide visibility

• Algorithms decide who gets shown

You’re not building a brand—you’re renting attention.

Online Ordering Software vs Third-Party Apps: A Real-World Comparison

Brand Control & Customer Experience

Online Ordering Software

• Your logo, colours, menu descriptions

• Customers remember you

• Clean, distraction-free experience

Third-Party Apps

• App branding dominates

• You’re one option among many

• Easy for customers to switch

Profitability & Cost Control

Online Ordering Software

• No per-order commission

• Predictable costs

• Full control over pricing

Third-Party Apps

• 15–30% commission per order

• Extra fees for visibility

• Margin pressure every month

Customer Data & Repeat Business

Online Ordering Software

• Access to order history

• Run loyalty programs

• Send offers, coupons, reminders

Third-Party Apps

• Customer data belongs to the app

• No direct communication

• No long-term retention strategy

Operational Simplicity

Online Ordering Software

• Direct POS integration

• Faster kitchen workflow

• Real-time menu updates

Third-Party Apps

• Menu sync issues

• Manual corrections

• Dependency on external systems

Why Restaurants Are Moving Toward FoodChow

FoodChow was built after understanding one simple truth:

Restaurants don’t need more apps.
They need more control and less commission.

What Makes FoodChow Different 

✔ Free Online Ordering System

No heavy setup cost. No risk for small restaurants.

✔ Commission-Free on Cash Orders

You keep what you earn—especially important for dine-in and takeaway.

✔ Your Brand Comes First

Menu, offers, customer experience—all under your name.

✔ POS & Kitchen Integration

Orders go directly where they should—no chaos, no delay.

✔ Built-In Growth Tools

• Coupons

• Combo deals

• Customer insights

• Repeat order strategies

FoodChow is designed for real restaurant workflows, not just digital appearance.

The Smart Approach: Use Both — But With a Clear Strategy

Let’s be honest.

Third-party apps are not “evil.”
They can be useful when used correctly.

Smart Restaurants:

• Use third-party apps for discovery

• Promote direct ordering aggressively

• Shift repeat customers to their own system

This way:

• New customers come via apps

• Loyal customers order directly

• Profits stay healthy

FAQs

1. Will customers really order directly from us?

Yes—if it’s easy, fast, and promoted properly via QR codes, Google, WhatsApp, and social media.

2. Is online ordering software complicated to manage?

No. Modern systems like FoodChow are built for restaurant staff, not tech experts.

3. Can small restaurants benefit from this?

Absolutely. Small restaurants benefit the most because commissions hurt them the hardest.

4. Should I leave third-party apps completely?

Not necessarily. Reduce dependency—but don’t rely on them as your main growth engine.

5. Does FoodChow help with marketing?

Yes. It supports discounts, combos, and customer insights to increase repeat orders.

6. Is customer data safe?

Yes. You own your customer data—unlike third-party platforms.

Final Thoughts

Third-party apps can bring orders.
But direct ordering builds a restaurant brand.

If your goal is:

• Sustainable profit

• Customer loyalty

• Brand recognition

• Long-term growth

Then online ordering software is not just better—it’s necessary.

Join the FoodChow Partner Program

Looking for a scalable business opportunity in the restaurant technology space?

The FoodChow Partner Program is designed for professionals, consultants, and entrepreneurs who want long-term income without upfront risk.

Partner Benefits:

• Zero investment required

• Complete training and marketing support

• Lifetime earnings from your client base

• Recurring income model

👉 Join as a Partner