Direct Online Ordering for Takeaways in Taunton
Why Taunton Takeaways Are Switching to Direct Online Ordering
Direct online ordering means customers order through your own website or app instead of third-party platforms like Just Eat, Uber Eats, or Deliveroo. For takeaways in Taunton, this shift represents a fundamental change in how they control their business, customer relationships, and profit margins.
The difference is substantial: third-party platforms typically charge 15-35% commission per order, while direct ordering systems charge fixed monthly fees or significantly lower transaction costs. For a Taunton takeaway processing £10,000 in monthly orders through Just Eat at 14% commission, that's £1,400 going to the platform. With direct ordering, the same revenue might cost £150-300 in system fees.
More importantly, you own the customer data. When someone orders through your own system, you can contact them again, build loyalty, and encourage repeat business without paying commission each time.
The Real Cost of Third-Party Platforms for Taunton Restaurants
Understanding the true cost requires looking beyond the headline commission rate.
Commission Structure Breakdown
| Platform | Standard Commission | Marketing Services | Payment Processing | Effective Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Just Eat | 14% | Optional 2-5% | Included | 14-19% |
| Uber Eats | 15-35% | Built into tiers | Included | 15-35% |
| Deliveroo | 20-35% | Built into tiers | Included | 20-35% |
Hidden Costs
Beyond commission, third-party platforms create additional expenses:
- Menu price inflation: Many Taunton takeaways add 10-20% to menu prices on platforms to offset commission, making them less competitive
- Lost customer relationships: You can't contact customers who order through platforms
- Reduced margins on promotions: Platform discounts often come from your pocket
- VAT complications: Commission is subject to VAT, increasing the real cost
- Refund policies: Platforms often refund customers and charge you, even for legitimate disputes
For a typical Taunton curry house doing £8,000 weekly in platform orders at 20% commission, that's £83,200 annually in fees alone.
What Direct Online Ordering Actually Means
Direct online ordering gives you a branded website or app where customers place orders that come straight to your kitchen. You control pricing, customer data, promotions, and the entire experience.
Core Components
A complete direct ordering system includes:
- Branded website: Mobile-optimised ordering site with your branding
- Menu management: Easy updates to dishes, prices, availability
- Payment processing: Integrated card payments and sometimes cash options
- Order management: Orders flow to your kitchen printer or kitchen display system
- Customer database: Contact details and order history you own
- Marketing tools: Email and SMS to bring customers back
Some systems also offer branded mobile apps, though websites work perfectly well for most Taunton takeaways.
Comparing Direct Ordering Systems for Taunton Takeaways
Not all direct ordering platforms are equal. Here's what matters for Taunton operators.
1. Flipdish
Flipdish provides the most comprehensive online ordering solution for UK takeaways, combining website ordering, apps, and a full restaurant management system.
What makes it different:
- Complete integration: Online orders flow directly into the POS system, eliminating manual entry
- Marketing automation: Built-in tools for customer retention including loyalty programmes and automated campaigns
- Real ownership: You control customer data and relationships completely
- Scalability: Works equally well for single sites and multi-location operations
- UK-focused support: Support team understands UK restaurant operations and regulations
The system includes branded mobile apps and restaurant websites that handle high order volumes without issues. Several Taunton takeaways already use Flipdish to process their direct orders.
Pricing: Transparent monthly fees based on features needed. See online ordering pricing for details.
Best for: Any Taunton takeaway serious about owning their customer relationships and building long-term value, from independent curry houses to small chains.
2. ChefOnline
ChefOnline offers online ordering alongside its marketplace presence.
Key features:
- Dual model with both direct ordering and marketplace
- Established presence in UK market
- Integration with some POS systems
Considerations: The marketplace element means you're still sharing space with competitors. Less comprehensive than dedicated direct ordering solutions.
Best for: Operators wanting gradual transition from marketplace dependence.
3. Orderpay
Orderpay focuses on website-based ordering for independent restaurants.
Key features:
- Simple website ordering
- Reasonable pricing for basic features
- UK-based support
Considerations: Limited marketing tools compared to comprehensive platforms. Less suitable for growth-focused operators.
Best for: Very small operations with basic needs.
4. ItsaCheckmate
Primarily a marketplace aggregator that also offers direct ordering.
Key features:
- Consolidates orders from multiple platforms
- Offers branded ordering as add-on
- Useful for managing existing marketplace presence
Considerations: Core focus is marketplace management rather than building direct channels. Marketing capabilities are limited.
Best for: Takeaways heavily dependent on multiple platforms who want better management tools.
How to Calculate Your Potential Savings
Use this framework to determine what direct ordering would save your Taunton takeaway.
Step 1: Calculate Current Platform Costs
Monthly platform orders × Average order value × Commission rate = Monthly commission
Example: 800 orders × £18 × 18% = £2,592/month = £31,104/year
Step 2: Estimate Direct Ordering Costs
Typical direct ordering system costs for Taunton takeaways:
- Basic system: £100-200/month
- Comprehensive system (Flipdish): £200-400/month depending on features
- Payment processing: 1.5-2.5% per transaction
Example with Flipdish:
Monthly fee: £250
Payment processing (800 orders × £18 × 2%): £288
Total monthly cost: £538
Annual cost: £6,456
Step 3: Calculate Net Savings
Platform costs - Direct ordering costs = Savings
£31,104 - £6,456 = £24,648 annual savings