How to Get Customers to Order Direct from Your Takeaway and Ditch High Delivery App Fees

For busy takeaway owners, the constant buzz of incoming orders is the sound of success. Yet, for many, a significant portion of that revenue is immediately sliced away by the high commission fees charged by third-party delivery apps. These platforms offer visibility, but they come at a steep price, often eroding the already tight profit margins that are a reality in the food industry.

The good news is that you hold the power to shift customer behaviour. Your regulars and new customers alike can be gently and effectively encouraged to come straight to you. By creating a direct channel that is both appealing and easy to use, you can protect your profits, foster stronger customer relationships, and regain control of your business. This guide offers practical steps to get your customers to order directly and reduce your reliance on those costly apps.

1. Build a Simple and Seamless Ordering Pathway

The primary reason customers use delivery apps is convenience. To compete, your direct ordering process must be just as effortless. This doesn't require a complex, custom-built platform. Many modern point-of-sale (POS) systems offer integrated online ordering pages; alternatively, you can utilise dedicated, low-commission online ordering services.

The key is to make it fast and mobile-friendly. Ensure your menu is easy to read, the checkout process is quick, and customers can complete their payment with a minimum number of clicks. Your phone number should also be prominently displayed for those who prefer to call. If the experience is smooth, you remove the main barrier preventing customers from coming straight to you.

2. Make Your Direct Offer a Better Deal

Give your customers a clear, financial incentive to change their habits. The simplest way to do this is by offering exclusive deals that are only available through your direct channels. This could be a 10% discount, a free side dish on orders over a certain value, or a special "direct-only" meal deal.

Advertise this fact clearly in your shop with posters and on your takeaway bags and boxes with stickers. A simple message like, "Get 10% off when you order direct from our website!" is a powerful call to action. You're using a portion of the commission you would have paid to a third party and passing that value directly to your customer, rewarding them for their loyalty.

3. Take Control of Your Marketing

Use your social media channels, like Instagram and Facebook, to constantly remind your followers of the benefits of ordering directly. Post high-quality photos of your food, always including a clear link to your direct ordering website or your phone number in the caption.

Don't be afraid to be transparent. A post explaining that when they order direct from your takeaway, they are directly supporting a local business can be very effective. Many customers are unaware of the high fees and are happy to switch channels to better support their favourite local spots.

4. How to Make it Easy for Customers to Order Direct from Your Takeaway

Your physical presence is a powerful marketing tool. Every order that leaves your kitchen should carry a reminder to order direct next time.

• Flyers in the Bag: Include a small, well-designed flyer in every takeaway bag with your website, phone number, and a reminder of your direct-ordering discount.

• Stickers on Packaging: A brightly coloured sticker on your boxes or containers with a QR code linking to your ordering page is a fantastic, low-cost tactic.

• In-Store Signage: Ensure a clear sign is visible at your counter, encouraging people to order directly for their next takeaway treat.

5. Reward Loyalty and Encourage Repeat Business

Getting a customer to order direct once is a win. Turning them into a repeat direct customer is how you build a more profitable, sustainable business. The best way to do this is by rewarding their loyalty. While traditional paper stamp cards can be effective, a digital solution is more modern, manageable, and provides valuable insights.

This is where a simple tool like Stamp by meed comes in. It’s a digital loyalty program designed for busy business owners. Customers can join your loyalty club with a quick scan of a QR code, and their stamp card is stored conveniently on their phone. After each direct order, you can instantly issue a digital stamp via the simple Meed app.

By implementing a loyalty program, you provide customers with a compelling reason to continue ordering directly from you. They accumulate stamps towards a reward, building a habit that bypasses the high-fee delivery apps entirely. It’s a simple yet effective strategy not only to increase direct orders but also to identify and celebrate your most loyal customers, ensuring they feel valued and continue to come back for more.