RestaurantJanuary 15, 20253 min read

How Much Are Delivery Apps Really Costing Your Restaurant?

Third-party delivery apps charge 15–30% per order. Learn the hidden costs of DoorDash, UberEats, and GrubHub — and how SmarterSwipe helps you keep more revenue.

By SmarterSwipe Team

How Much Are Delivery Apps Really Costing Your Restaurant?

Third-party delivery apps like DoorDash, UberEats, and GrubHub have revolutionized the way customers order food, making convenience a top priority. But for restaurants, the cost of partnering with these platforms can be more than meets the eye. If your restaurant is relying heavily on third-party apps, you may be losing more revenue than you realize. Here's a breakdown of how these apps impact your bottom line and how SmarterSwipe provides a better alternative.

The Hidden Costs of Delivery Apps

High Commission Fees

Most delivery apps charge commissions ranging from 15% to 30% per order. For a $50 order, that could mean paying up to $15 to the app, eating into already thin profit margins. Whether it's the cost of DoorDash, UberEats, or GrubHub, these fees add up quickly.

Loss of Direct Customer Relationships

When customers order through third-party platforms, your restaurant becomes just another listing. You lose valuable data on your customers and miss opportunities to build loyalty.

Increased Dependence on Aggregators

As these apps gain more market control, restaurants become increasingly dependent on them for orders, limiting flexibility and bargaining power.

Reduced Brand Control

Your menu, branding, and even customer service are handled by the delivery app. Poor experiences can damage your reputation, even if they're not your fault.

Pricing Pressure

To compete on these platforms, restaurants often feel compelled to lower prices, further reducing profitability.

What Are You Really Paying For?

Delivery apps promise increased visibility and sales, but at what cost? A study shows that many restaurants end up earning less per order after paying commissions, fees, and dealing with reduced margins. When your profit per order drops significantly, the extra volume may not be worth the trade-off.

One striking example highlights this disparity:

  • Total Order Cost to Customer: $130
  • Amount Restaurant Receives Through DoorDash: $70
  • Amount Paid to DoorDash: $30 in commissions

In comparison, using SmarterSwipe's ordering solutions keeps $100 with the restaurant, saving up to $30 per order.

SmarterSwipe: A Better Solution for Restaurants

SmarterSwipe eliminates the need for third-party delivery apps by providing an all-in-one solution that keeps your costs low and your customers loyal.

Free Branded Mobile App

Offer your customers a direct channel to place orders through your custom app, designed to reflect your brand. Say goodbye to commission fees while retaining full customer data.

Free Restaurant Website

Streamline online orders with a professional website that's easy to navigate and optimized for conversions.

0% Processing Fees

Save thousands annually with our zero-cost processing solutions, allowing you to reinvest in your business.

Integrated Loyalty Programs

Encourage repeat business with tailored rewards programs that keep customers coming back.

Enhanced Brand Control

Maintain complete control over your menu, pricing, and customer experience.

The SmarterSwipe Advantage

With SmarterSwipe, you get a complete restaurant solution for the same or less than what you're currently paying just for your POS or delivery app fees. Instead of being one of many on a third-party platform, you stand out with your own tools to directly engage your customers.

Key Benefits:

  • Increase your profit margins by cutting out third-party commissions.
  • Build stronger customer relationships through direct engagement.
  • Simplify operations with one integrated system.

Is Your Restaurant Ready to Take Control?

It's time to rethink your reliance on third-party delivery apps. With SmarterSwipe, you can:

  • Regain control of your profits.
  • Strengthen customer relationships.
  • Grow your brand without unnecessary costs.

Get started today! Book a demo and see how SmarterSwipe can transform your restaurant's operations and profitability.

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