We often get asked why restaurants should invest in a direct delivery solution like Dine Local instead of relying solely on big apps like UberEats, DoorDash, or Skip. Many owners feel like the big apps are an easy, no-risk choice since they can simply mark up their prices to cover high fees. But this approach misses the bigger picture. Here’s why having your own direct ordering and delivery option can make a real difference for your restaurant when you consider the dilemma of big apps vs direct delivery.
High Fees Hurt Your Customers Too
Yes, marking up prices on delivery apps can help cover their fees, but it comes at a cost for your customers. When you direct them to the app, they end up paying your higher prices plus hidden service fees from the app itself. This can mean paying up to 258% more than if they had just ordered directly from you.
In today’s economy, your regulars can’t afford to spend that much extra on every order. If they could, wouldn’t it be better for you to increase your own prices and keep those profits instead of handing them to a third-party app? By sending your loyal customers to an app, you’re reducing their spending power—and ultimately losing out on repeat business.
Keep Your Customers and Your Data
One big issue with using the “big” apps vs direct delivery is that you don’t actually know who your customers are. The apps usually give you limited information—a first name and a masked phone number, at best. This means you can’t build a relationship, follow up if there’s an issue, or reward your loyal customers. It’s just another faceless order in the system.
Worse still, when you send your customers to the app, you’re training them to go there first whenever they’re hungry. If you’re not on the app or aren’t paying for top placement, they’ll choose another restaurant. By relying on the big apps, you risk losing direct connections with your own customers.
With Dine Local, you own the customer relationship. You get their full contact details, loyalty information, and insights into their ordering habits. This way, you can engage with them, solve problems quickly, and build loyalty over time. Investing in your direct channel means investing in lasting relationships and higher lifetime value.
Stop Discounting Your Brand
The big apps have built a culture of constant discounts and deals, and they push restaurants to offer specials like BOGO offers and free delivery. Even if you mark up your prices, you’re still training customers to expect discounts, which can hurt your brand in the long run. They start to view your restaurant as a “discount brand,” and will wait for deals instead of ordering regularly.
When you offer a direct delivery option with Dine Local, you can avoid this cycle. You can set consistent pricing that matches your in-store menu, showing customers that they’re getting the best value every time they order from you directly. This builds trust and keeps them coming back without expecting constant discounts.
Use Apps Wisely, But Focus on Your Own Business
We’re not saying you should ditch the big apps altogether—they can be helpful for reaching new customers or filling slow periods. But don’t make them your primary channel. Instead, focus on promoting your own direct ordering and delivery platform. Remove the third-party links from your website and stop advertising the big apps on your social media. If customers want to use them, they will find you there on their own. Don’t encourage them to pay more and give away part of your margins.
Instead, highlight your own Dine Local ordering option everywhere—on your website, takeout menus, and in your restaurant. Make sure your customers know where to go for the best prices and service.
Reward Your Direct Customers
When you get an order through your Dine Local platform, remember that the customer chose to support you directly. Make sure they feel appreciated. Consider adding a small bonus item or extra touch for loyal customers who regularly order through your direct channel. These small gestures can go a long way in building customer loyalty and increasing repeat orders.
Third-party customers may come and go, but your direct customers are yours to keep if you treat them right. Investing in them will pay off in higher revenue and profits over time.
Let’s Talk About Your Direct Delivery Option
Now that you understand the real dynamics of the big apps vs direct delivery, are you ready to boost your online orders with a direct delivery solution? Dine Local delivers up to 574% better order conversion than the average platform. We offer a complete solution for takeout and delivery, so your customers can order everything from one place—no need to split between your POS system and third-party apps.
We’re here to help you grow your takeout and delivery business. Contact us today to learn how partnering with Dine Local can help your restaurant thrive!