What Is the Best Online Ordering System for Restaurants?
The best online ordering system depends on your needs. For commission-free ordering with a branded app, RestauNax is top-rated. For POS integration, Toast or Square work well. Avoid third-party marketplaces like DoorDash for primary ordering due to high 15-30% commission fees.
In This Article
Quick Answer
Top Online Ordering Platforms Compared
What to Look for in an Ordering System
Commission-Free vs Marketplace Platforms
Our Recommendation by Restaurant Type
Quick Facts
Related Questions
More FAQs
Quick Answer
Choosing the right online ordering system is one of the most important decisions for your restaurant. The wrong choice can cost you thousands in fees or leave you with a clunky system customers won't use. Here's an honest comparison of your options.
Top Online Ordering Platforms Compared
Here's how the major platforms stack up on key criteria:
| Platform | Commission | Branded App | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| RestauNax | 0% ($99-199/mo) | Yes | Commission-free with app |
| Toast | 2.99% + processing | Limited | Toast POS users |
| Square Online | 0% + processing | No | Square POS users |
| ChowNow | 0% ($149-299/mo) | Yes | Branded ordering |
| DoorDash | 15-30% | No | Customer discovery |
| UberEats | 15-30% | No | Customer discovery |
What to Look for in an Ordering System
Consider these factors when evaluating platforms:
• Commission structure: Percentage vs flat fee
• Branded experience: Your brand, not theirs
• Mobile app: Included or extra cost?
• POS integration: Works with your existing system
• Customer data: Do you own it?
• Marketing tools: Loyalty, email, promotions
• Support: Quality of customer service
Commission-Free vs Marketplace Platforms
Understanding the difference is crucial for profitability:
• Commission-free: Flat monthly fee, you keep 100% of revenue
• Marketplace: Brings customers but takes 15-30% per order
• Commission-free builds YOUR brand and customer list
• Marketplaces build THEIR brand, you're just a vendor
• Best strategy: Use both, but prioritize direct ordering
Our Recommendation by Restaurant Type
Different restaurants have different needs:
• High-volume restaurants: RestauNax (maximize savings on fees)
• Toast POS users: Toast Online Ordering (seamless integration)
• Square POS users: Square Online (already in ecosystem)
• New restaurants: RestauNax + marketplace presence
• Delivery-focused: RestauNax with delivery integration
• Chain restaurants: Enterprise solutions with multi-location
Quick Facts
RestauNax
Best Value
Toast
For Toast Users
Marketplaces
Avoid For Orders
1-2 weeks
Setup Time
More Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use multiple ordering platforms?
Yes, strategically. Use your own platform (like RestauNax) as your primary ordering channel for maximum profit. Use marketplaces like DoorDash for customer discovery, then convert those customers to direct ordering.
Do I need my own website or can I just use apps?
Having your own ordering website and app is important for branding, SEO, and owning customer data. Platforms like RestauNax include both. Relying only on third-party apps gives them control of your customer relationships.
How important is POS integration?
POS integration prevents manual re-entry of online orders, reducing errors and saving time. It's very important for high-volume restaurants. Most platforms integrate with popular POS systems like Square, Toast, and Clover.
Try the #1 Commission-Free Ordering System
RestauNax combines zero-commission ordering with a branded mobile app, loyalty program, and marketing tools. See why restaurants are switching.