In-House Delivery vs. Third Party: Which is Better for Online Orders?
Online ordering systems, self-service kiosks, and mobile platforms have become critical in providing customers with what they want most: a fast, personalized, and convenient food ordering experience.
With the rise in digital orders, restaurant owners and managers should investigate takeout and delivery ordering methods options. Here's a comparison between in-house and third-party delivery options to help you decide what's best for your restaurant business.
Pros of In-House Delivery
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Through an in-house delivery option, you could potentially reach many customers who want to order directly from your restaurant.
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Your restaurant can regain control of the entire delivery experience with the in-house delivery option. Today, providing a
great customer experience is critical to getting them to order again, so it'll be unwise to rely on a third-party app for deliveries.
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While starting your own in-house delivery service may require significant investment, no commission fee makes it worthwhile in the long run regardless of your profit margins.
· A common complaint of third-party delivery apps is that changing prices and menu items can take a long time because the delivery platform must first approve changes. But updating it is much easier with an in-house delivery option.
Cons of In-House Delivery
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Running your delivery in-house necessitates complete accountability. When something goes wrong, you can't blame it on a third-party delivery company.
· Despite the high volume of orders placed through restaurant apps or websites, failing to sign up with delivery partners may result in less visibility—but that's not always the case.
Pros of Third-Party Apps
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Third-party apps may have extensive experience and expertise that your restaurant may lack. So, you'll be able to scale your business more easily by building on your partner's experience.
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Hiring a third party for deliveries can bring you new customers because each platform has its own clientele, some of which you may not be able to reach on your own.
· The outsourcing delivery option lets you concentrate on more crucial components of the restaurant business: preparing delicious food and providing an unforgettable customer experience.
Cons of Third-Party Apps
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Third-party delivery companies are notorious for charging exorbitant commission fees. These fees may not be feasible depending on the type of your restaurant business, even when you consider the infrastructure benefits you receive in return.
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A third-party app means losing control of the delivery experience. You have no say in the training of delivery personnel or the way your food is delivered to your customer.
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Hiring an outside delivery service may result in a breakdown in communication with your online customers, making maintaining positive brand awareness and meeting customer expectations incredibly difficult.
Verdict: In-House Delivery for the Win!
Looking to install an online ordering software? At Online Food Orders, we offer a custom online ordering platform for restaurants. Our commission-free online ordering system with real-time order management, multilingual capabilities, online payments, pick and takeout options, and more. You simply need to register your restaurant and use our services for a small monthly fee.
Schedule a call today to take a demo or learn more about our online food ordering website.




