Are Delivery App Fees Really Worth It?
Platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash bring in customers easily, but they take a commission of 25–35% per order. For Korean restaurants and cafes running on tight margins, it can feel like you're working hard for very little. That's why more owners are now taking pickup and delivery orders directly through their own website.
Benefits of In-House Online Ordering
- Lower fees: You only pay a payment processing fee (roughly 1.7–2.9%).
- Own your customer data: Names, contacts and order history stay with you for repeat marketing.
- Consistent branding: Customers see only your store, not dozens of competitors in an app.
- Full control over menu and pricing: Build set menus, options and promos without platform restrictions.
Checklist Before You Start
- Decide whether you'll offer pickup only or delivery too. Delivery needs your own staff or a local courier service.
- Set cut-off times and prep times so the kitchen can keep up.
- Confirm payment integration (card, Apple Pay) and order alerts (email, SMS, kitchen printer).
- Clean menu photos and descriptions lift your average order value.
Operating Tips
Rather than dropping delivery apps entirely, treat them as a channel for new customers and guide your regulars to order directly from your website — a practical two-track approach. Add a line like "Order on our website for a delivery discount" on receipts or table QR codes to gently steer customers over.
PICKTECH builds online ordering into Korean restaurant and cafe websites in Australia, complete with payment and order-alert integration. If those delivery app fees are weighing on you, feel free to get in touch.