How to Reduce Delivery App Fees for Restaurants?
To reduce delivery app fees, negotiate rates with high volume, use lower-tier service options, adjust menu prices for delivery, and most importantly—build your own direct ordering channel. The most effective strategy is transitioning customers to your own platform with zero commission fees.
In This Article
Quick Answer
Strategy 1: Negotiate Your Rates
Strategy 2: Choose Lower-Tier Services
Strategy 3: Adjust Your Delivery Menu
Strategy 4: Build Your Own Ordering Channel (Best Option)
Strategy 5: Use Delivery Apps Strategically
Quick Facts
Related Questions
More FAQs
Quick Answer
High delivery app fees are one of the biggest challenges for restaurants today. While you can't eliminate them entirely if you use third-party platforms, there are proven strategies to reduce their impact on your bottom line.
Strategy 1: Negotiate Your Rates
While not always possible, some restaurants can negotiate better commission rates:
• High-volume restaurants have more leverage
• Exclusive partnerships may offer lower rates
• Ask about promotional rate periods for new signups
• Threaten to leave for competitors (if credible)
• Join restaurant associations that negotiate group rates
Strategy 2: Choose Lower-Tier Services
Delivery platforms offer different service tiers with varying commission rates:
• Self-delivery options (15% vs 30%): You provide drivers
• Pickup-only (lowest rates): No delivery, customer picks up
• Remove from marketplace search (lower fees, less visibility)
• Avoid premium placement fees (they rarely pay off)
Strategy 3: Adjust Your Delivery Menu
Many restaurants use menu engineering to offset delivery costs:
• Raise prices 15-20% on delivery menu (many platforms allow this)
• Limit menu to high-margin items only
• Exclude low-margin items that don't survive delivery well
• Create delivery-specific combos with better margins
• Remove expensive items that are often discounted
Strategy 4: Build Your Own Ordering Channel (Best Option)
The most effective long-term strategy is reducing dependency on third-party apps entirely:
• Launch your own branded website and mobile app
• Use commission-free platforms like RestauNax
• Offer better deals for direct orders (loyalty, discounts)
• Include flyers in every delivery encouraging direct ordering
• Train staff to promote your direct ordering option
• Use social media to drive traffic to your platform
Strategy 5: Use Delivery Apps Strategically
If you must use delivery apps, use them smartly:
• View commission as customer acquisition cost
• Track which customers become direct customers
• Don't rely on apps for existing customer orders
• Turn off during peak hours when you're full anyway
• Focus on converting every new customer to direct ordering
Quick Facts
~15%
Self-Delivery Rate
~30%
Full Service Rate
15-25%
Menu Markup Range
$0 commission
Direct Ordering
More Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge more on DoorDash than in-store?
Yes, most delivery platforms allow restaurants to set separate delivery menu prices. Many restaurants charge 15-25% more on delivery platforms to offset commission fees.
Will raising delivery prices hurt my orders?
Studies show customers expect slightly higher prices on delivery apps. A 15-20% markup typically doesn't significantly impact order volume, especially for popular restaurants.
Is it better to use my own drivers or the app's drivers?
Using your own drivers typically costs 15% commission vs 30% for platform delivery. If you have reliable drivers, self-delivery is more profitable. Alternatively, use a flat-fee delivery service.
The Best Way to Reduce Fees? Eliminate Them.
RestauNax gives you your own branded website and app with zero commission fees. Keep 100% of your revenue on every order.