Why Ordering Food Directly Saves Your Money | Support Local

Introduction

Let’s be honest—when hunger hits, it’s just easier to open an app, tap a few buttons, and wait for food to show up at your door. Apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub have made online food ordering super convenient. But here’s the thing: that convenience often comes at a price—and not just for you, but for the restaurants you love.

What many people don’t realize is that ordering directly from a restaurant’s own website or app (like this one) can actually save you money, offer better service, and help keep your favorite local spots thriving. Here’s why it’s time to skip the third-party middleman.

You’re Probably Paying More Than You Think

Let’s start with the money. If you’ve ever noticed that your usual $10 burger suddenly costs $13 when you order it through a delivery app, you’re not imagining things. Most restaurants increase their menu prices on third-party apps to cover commission fees, which can go as high as 30%.

Then there are all the extra charges:

• Service fees
• Delivery fees
  
• Small order fees
  
• Sometimes even a “busy area” fee

But when you order directly from the restaurant, you’re usually paying the actual menu price—no hidden costs or inflated fees. It’s a simple way to stretch your food budget further without sacrificing your cravings.

Restaurants Love You More When You Order Direct

Okay, maybe “love” is a strong word—but restaurants do appreciate it. Most local spots lose a big chunk of profit on every order that comes through a third-party app (source). That means less money for staff, ingredients, and operations.

When you order directly, they keep more of the money you spend. It’s a small choice for you, but it makes a big difference to a business trying to stay afloat, especially in competitive or post-pandemic times.

You Get Better Deals (and Freebies!)

Here’s something the apps won’t tell you: restaurants often have better deals on their own sites. They can’t offer them through delivery apps because of commission rules.

So what kind of perks are we talking about?

• Discounts on your first order
• Free delivery on minimum spends
  
• Loyalty rewards like points or cashback
• Exclusive combos or specials

These direct-ordering perks are designed to reward customers who go the extra mile to skip the app—and you should absolutely take advantage.

Your Order Gets to You Faster (and Correct)

When you go through a third-party app, your order is sent to the app’s system, then to the restaurant, then picked up by a random delivery driver. There’s a lot of room for things to go wrong: delays, wrong items, or cold food.

When you order direct, it’s a straight line from you to the kitchen. No middleman. That means:

• Faster prep
  
• Fewer mistakes
• Hot, fresh food delivered right
  

Plus, you can usually call the restaurant directly if there’s a problem. Try doing that with an app—it’s a hassle.

It’s More Secure, More Flexible, and Just Easier

Most restaurant websites and systems (especially ones powered by FoodChow) are built with security and convenience in mind.

You can:

• Pay safely with cards or digital wallets
  
• Get real-time updates on your order
  
• Reorder your favorites with a single click
• Request contactless delivery when needed
  

Basically, you still get all the techy features of the big apps—without the extra cost.

You Can Order the Way You Want

Ever tried customizing your order on a third-party app and ended up with the opposite of what you wanted? Yeah, us too.

When you order directly:

• It’s easier to add notes like “extra sauce” or “no onions”
• You can often choose eco-friendly packaging
• You get more control over how your meal shows up

It’s just… better.

Be Smart, Order Direct

Next time you’re tempted to tap that food delivery app, pause for a second and think about your options. When you order directly from the restaurant, you’re not just saving a few bucks—you’re helping local businesses, getting better service, and making smarter choices for your wallet and your community.

So go ahead—ditch the middleman and support your favorite places the right way.

Ready to Taste the Difference?

👉 Order Directly from Us Now – Fast, Fresh, and Fee-Free!

FAQs

Q1: Why is food more expensive on delivery apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash?
Most restaurants raise their menu prices on third-party apps to cover commission fees (up to 30%). These apps also add extra charges like service fees, delivery fees, and small order fees, making your total cost significantly higher.

Q2: Is it really cheaper to order directly from a restaurant?
Yes. When you order direct from a restaurant’s own website or app, you typically pay the regular menu price without hidden fees, inflated prices, or unnecessary charges.

Q3: Do restaurants make more money when I order directly from them?
Absolutely. Direct orders help restaurants keep more of the money from each sale since they don’t have to pay high commissions to third-party platforms. This supports local businesses and their staff.

Q4: Are there better deals when ordering directly from restaurants?
Yes! Many restaurants offer exclusive deals on their own platforms, like discounts on first orders, loyalty rewards, free delivery, and special combos that aren’t available on third-party apps.

Q5: Will I get faster or better service by ordering direct?
Usually, yes. Direct orders go straight to the restaurant without third-party interference, reducing delays and order mistakes. You’re more likely to get hot, fresh food delivered quickly.

Q6: Is it safe to order directly from a restaurant’s website?
Definitely. Most modern restaurant systems, especially those powered by platforms like FoodChow, use secure payment gateways and offer features like real-time tracking and contactless delivery.