Integration
Square + DirectOrders
Square is one of the most popular POS and payment processing platforms for small to mid-size restaurants, cafes, and quick-service concepts. It combines an affordable hardware ecosystem (Square Terminal, Square Register, Square Stand) with built-in payment processing, inventory tracking, and optional add-ons like Square Online and Square for Restaurants. Many operators choose Square because of its low barrier to entry: no long-term contracts and transparent processing fees. Integrating DirectOrders with Square lets you keep Square for in-store payments and POS operations while adding a fully branded, commission-free ordering website. Unlike Square Online, which is tied to Square's ecosystem and charges transaction fees, DirectOrders gives you an independent direct ordering channel with full ownership of customer data, dedicated delivery integrations, and marketing tools built specifically for restaurant repeat-order growth.
How Square and DirectOrders work together
Step 1
Keep Square for payment processing and in-store POS
Your Square Terminal, Register, or Stand continues handling dine-in, counter, and walk-in payments.
Step 2
Launch your DirectOrders restaurant ordering website
A fully branded ordering experience built for restaurants, not a generic Square Online store.
Step 3
Online orders print alongside your Square tickets
DirectOrders routes orders to your existing kitchen printer so staff handles all channels in one workflow.
Why Square restaurants add DirectOrders
- Keep Square POS and payment processing for all in-store and counter-service operations
- Launch a branded ordering website with no per-order commissions, independent of Square Online
- Own customer contact information from every online order for SMS and email marketing
- Integrate Uber Direct and DoorDash Drive for delivery without marketplace fees
- No long-term contract required, matching Square's flexible approach to restaurant tools
What Square does not do (and DirectOrders does)
Square Online is a general-purpose e-commerce tool
Square Online was built for retail, not restaurants. DirectOrders is purpose-built for restaurant ordering with modifier groups, prep times, delivery zones, and tip handling that Square Online does not natively support.
No Voice AI for phone orders
Square has no AI phone answering capability. DirectOrders adds Voice AI that answers calls, takes orders conversationally, upsells specials, and handles menu questions around the clock.
Limited delivery orchestration
Square does not offer built-in delivery fulfillment. DirectOrders integrates Uber Direct and DoorDash Drive so you can offer delivery without managing your own fleet or paying marketplace commissions.
Ordering limited to Square's own checkout
Square Online orders only come through one channel. DirectOrders distributes your menu across 15+ channels including Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, Apple Maps, and SMS.
Transaction fees on every online order
Square charges per-transaction processing markup on Square Online orders. DirectOrders uses a flat monthly fee with no per-order commissions, making high-volume months more profitable.
No same-day payouts
Square's standard transfer schedule holds funds. DirectOrders offers same-day payouts so you access your direct order revenue without waiting.
Common questions about Square + DirectOrders
Can I keep Square for in-store payments and use DirectOrders for online orders?
Yes. DirectOrders runs as a completely separate online ordering channel. Your Square POS handles dine-in, counter, and walk-in payments exactly as before. Online orders flow through DirectOrders independently.
How is DirectOrders different from Square Online?
Square Online is a general-purpose e-commerce tool that adds online ordering to your Square ecosystem. DirectOrders is purpose-built for restaurant direct ordering with features Square Online does not offer: Voice AI phone ordering, 15+ ordering channels, Uber Direct and DoorDash Drive delivery integration, and restaurant-specific loyalty tools. DirectOrders also charges a flat monthly fee rather than per-transaction processing markup.
Do I need to switch payment processors?
No. Square continues to handle your in-store payment processing. DirectOrders processes online payments separately through its own payment gateway, so there is no change to your Square payment setup.
I use Square for Restaurants. Is DirectOrders compatible?
Yes. DirectOrders works alongside Square for Restaurants, Square POS, and Square Online. It adds a direct ordering channel without modifying any of your existing Square configurations.
Can I see online order data in my Square Dashboard?
Online orders through DirectOrders are tracked in the DirectOrders dashboard with their own analytics: order volume, revenue, customer data, and repeat rates. Your Square Dashboard continues to show in-store data. This separation gives you a clear view of direct channel performance.
Ready to add direct ordering to your Square setup?
Book a demo to see how DirectOrders works alongside Square. We will walk you through setup, menu import, and go-live timeline.
Other POS integrations
DirectOrders works alongside all major restaurant POS systems.