Projected results based on published restaurant industry data. These scenarios illustrate what restaurants at various sizes and cuisines can realistically achieve by switching from commission-heavy marketplaces to direct ordering. Your results will vary based on order volume, average ticket size, and local market conditions.
Important: these are projections, not guarantees
The scenarios below are modeled from published industry benchmarks, not verified individual outcomes. Restaurant names and cities are illustrative examples representing common restaurant types. Actual savings and results depend on your order volume, average ticket size, current commission rates, local competition, and marketing execution. Use our commission savings calculator to estimate your specific potential.
Each scenario models a common restaurant profile and the potential impact of switching to commission-free direct ordering. Sources are cited for every projection.
A family-run Italian spot doing 300+ delivery orders per month through a 25% commission marketplace could reclaim $2,000 to $5,000 per month by shifting even half of those orders to a direct channel.
Based on NRA average ticket size of $35-$45 and standard marketplace commissions of 15-30%
Restaurants relying on weekly marketplace deposits often carry 5 to 7 days of cash flow lag. Same-day payout access can eliminate that gap, giving owners working capital when they need it.
Industry standard: most marketplaces pay weekly; direct platforms can offer daily or same-day settlement via Stripe
Industry data shows restaurants that launch branded direct ordering channels typically see 20% to 40% of marketplace customers migrate to the direct channel within six months, especially when promoted through social media and in-store signage.
Square 2025 Future of Restaurants Report; Toast 2025 Restaurant Trends
Restaurants fielding 50+ phone orders per day can reduce phone hold times and order errors with AI-assisted call handling. Early adopters of voice ordering in QSR report 40% to 70% of routine calls handled without staff intervention.
Based on QSR voice AI adoption data from Presto, SoundHound, and ConverseNow case studies
As AI assistants (ChatGPT, Google Gemini) increasingly surface local restaurant recommendations, restaurants with structured menus and direct ordering links are better positioned for discovery in these emerging channels.
Based on emerging search trends; Google and OpenAI have announced local commerce integrations
Marketplace platforms often add service fees, delivery fees, and inflated menu prices that surprise customers at checkout. Restaurants offering transparent, fee-free direct ordering report 15% to 25% higher checkout completion rates.
Baymard Institute checkout abandonment research; NRA consumer sentiment surveys
Managing orders across website, Instagram, phone, and walk-in can fragment operations. Consolidating channels into a single dashboard reduces missed orders and simplifies reporting for restaurants doing 100+ orders per day.
Operational benefit documented in Toast and Square restaurant management guides
Some ordering platforms charge customers a 5% service fee on top of the restaurant's prices. Eliminating customer-facing fees removes a common friction point that drives cart abandonment, particularly for price-sensitive repeat customers.
Based on publicly listed fee structures from major ordering platforms as of Q1 2026
Independent restaurants often struggle to get timely support from large marketplace platforms. Dedicated support with response times under one hour can reduce downtime during peak service windows, especially for order or menu issues.
Common complaint documented in NRA Technology Landscape Report and restaurant owner surveys
Commission savings: Calculated using average restaurant ticket sizes of $35 to $45 (National Restaurant Association 2025 data) multiplied by standard marketplace commission rates of 15% to 30% (publicly listed rates from DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub). Savings range reflects the difference between marketplace commissions and DirectOrders' flat subscription model.
Order migration rates: Based on findings from the Square 2025 Future of Restaurants Report and Toast 2025 Restaurant Trends Report, which document that restaurants offering branded direct ordering channels alongside marketplace listings see 20% to 40% of repeat customers migrate to the direct channel within six months.
Conversion improvements: Checkout abandonment data sourced from Baymard Institute research on e-commerce checkout friction. Fee transparency impact based on NRA consumer sentiment surveys showing price surprises as a top reason for cart abandonment in food ordering.
Voice AI automation rates: Range of 40% to 70% reflects published results from QSR voice AI providers including Presto, SoundHound, and ConverseNow, adjusted for independent restaurant call complexity versus large chain standardization.
Shift repeat customers to direct ordering and reduce marketplace fees.
Same-day payouts improve cash flow compared to weekly deposits.
Voice AI handles routine calls so staff can focus on service.
Streamlined onboarding helps restaurants go live quickly.
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