What Commission-Free Online Ordering Means
A commission-free online ordering system allows restaurants to accept orders directly through their own digital channels without paying a percentage of each sale.
Instead of paying commissions, restaurants typically pay a flat monthly software subscription.
With a direct online ordering system like Applova, restaurants get:
This model puts restaurants back in control of their digital ordering channel.
Get a demoHow Restaurants Save With Direct Ordering
Commission-free ordering is not just a feature. It is a major profit lever.
Let’s look at a simplified comparison.
Marketplace Model
Assume:
Monthly revenue through marketplace:
$45 × 800 = $36,000
Commission paid:
$36,000 × 25% = $9,000 lost in commissions
Annual cost: $108,000
Commission-Free Online Ordering
Using a direct online ordering system:
Monthly revenue kept: $36,000
Even after software costs, restaurants retain significantly more profit.
The savings can be reinvested into:
Over time, this creates a more sustainable digital ordering strategy.
Benefits of a Direct Online Ordering System
Beyond eliminating commissions, direct ordering offers additional advantages that help restaurants grow.
Higher Repeat Customers
When restaurants own customer data, they can run targeted promotions such as:
- loyalty rewards
- email campaigns
- SMS offers
- birthday promotions
This increases repeat visits and lifetime customer value.
Larger Average Order Value
Direct ordering platforms support advanced menu features:
- modifiers
- combo suggestions
- add-ons
- intelligent upsells
These features help increase ticket size without relying on third-party promotions.
Faster Operations
Orders placed online go directly to the restaurant’s POS or kitchen system.
- manual order entry
- phone orders
- cashier workload
Restaurants can serve more customers with the same staff.
Stronger Brand Control
Direct online ordering keeps the restaurant’s brand front and center. Customers interact with:
- the restaurant website
- the restaurant menu
- the restaurant promotions
This builds long-term brand loyalty.
Hear Why
Our Customers
Choose Us
"We didn't want to deal with long lines or order mistakes later, so, we started with Applova kiosks and POS right from day one."
Shahana Sulthana
Owner
I Love Mochi, Coralville, IA
The Problem With Third-Party Fees
Third-party delivery marketplaces helped restaurants get online quickly, but they come with a serious long-term cost. Commission fees can eat into already thin margins.
- A $50 order on a marketplace with a 25% commission leaves the restaurant with only $37.50
- Over 1,000 orders per month, that’s $12,500 lost in commissions
Commission fees drain margins
Most marketplaces charge 15%–30% per order. Over 1,000 orders a month at 25%, that's $12,500 lost — before any other costs.
Customer ownership is lost
Marketplaces own the customer relationship. Restaurants rarely receive full customer data, making it harder to build loyalty programs or run targeted marketing.
Brand experience is diluted
Your restaurant appears next to dozens of competitors. Pricing pressure increases, and customers become loyal to the marketplace instead of the restaurant.
Limited upselling opportunities
Marketplaces control the ordering interface, restricting menu presentation, modifiers, and intelligent upsell strategies that increase ticket size.
For restaurants focused on long-term growth, relying solely on third-party platforms becomes expensive and limiting.
This is why many operators are shifting toward commission-free online ordering systems.
Comparing Commission-Free Ordering Platforms
Not all commission-free systems are built the same. Restaurants should evaluate several factors before choosing a platform.
Why Restaurants Choose Applova
Applova was built specifically for restaurants that want to control their digital ordering channel without paying marketplace commissions.
The platform provides:
✔Commission-free online ordering
Restaurants keep the full value of every order.
✔Branded ordering experience
Customers order directly from your website or mobile ordering interface.
✔POS integrations
Orders sync with restaurant POS systems for seamless operations.
✔Advanced menu management
Upsells, modifiers, and promotions help increase ticket size.
✔Customer data ownership
Restaurants capture guest information to build loyalty and repeat business.
✔Marketing and promotions
Promo codes, loyalty rewards, and campaigns help drive direct ordering.
Many restaurants use Applova to gradually shift customers away from expensive marketplaces and toward direct ordering channels.
