Running a restaurant has never been easy. Margins are tight, competition is high, and customer expectations change fast. Today, diners want convenience above all else. They want to browse menus, place orders, and pay online without making a phone call. Restaurants that fail to meet this expectation risk losing customers to competitors who do.
The internet has given small and independent restaurants a powerful voice. With the right online ordering system, even a local restaurant can compete with large food chains and delivery platforms. Online ordering is no longer optional. It is quickly becoming the foundation of long-term survival in the restaurant industry.
Why Online Ordering Matters More Than Ever
Customers are increasingly using online platforms to order food. Virtual food courts like Grubhub, Seamless, and Eat24 made online ordering popular by offering convenience, deals, and reward programs. While these platforms benefit customers, they often create serious challenges for restaurant owners.
High commission fees are one of the biggest concerns. Many platforms charge between 13 and 15 percent per order. For restaurants selling low-priced items, these fees can quickly eat into profits. The situation becomes worse when repeat customers continue ordering through these platforms instead of directly from the restaurant.
Restaurants end up paying high fees even for loyal customers they already earned.
The Problem With Third-Party Food Marketplaces
Third-party ordering platforms control the customer relationship. They own the data, handle communication, and promote competing restaurants side by side. This makes it difficult for restaurants to build direct relationships or encourage repeat orders without paying ongoing commissions.
This shift has pushed many restaurant owners to rethink their strategy. Instead of relying fully on food marketplaces, more businesses are moving toward independent online ordering systems. This change allows restaurants to keep control, reduce costs, and improve customer loyalty.
You can learn more about this industry shift in this guide on how online multi restaurant ordering platforms are transforming the restaurant industry.
Why Independent Online Ordering Is the Smarter Choice
If your restaurant already accepts phone or delivery orders, adding online ordering is a natural next step. It reduces staff workload, minimizes order errors, and gives customers a faster way to place orders. More importantly, it allows you to avoid high commission fees.
Independent online ordering also strengthens your brand. Customers associate the experience directly with your restaurant, not a third-party app. This builds trust and encourages repeat business.
Many restaurants are now taking this one step further by launching their own food ordering apps. If you are considering this move, this article on launching a food delivery app as a smart expansion strategy explains why branded apps are becoming a key growth tool.
NetMenus and the Future of Restaurant Ordering
NetMenus offers a practical solution for restaurants looking to take control of their online ordering. It allows restaurants to accept orders directly through their own website while supporting online payments and menu customization.
Even if you do not yet have a website, NetMenus still works for you. Restaurants can use the brandable NetMenus iPhone app to accept orders and present a professional digital presence. A branded app boosts credibility and keeps your restaurant top of mind for customers.
With a branded app, customers no longer search through crowded food marketplaces. They order directly from your restaurant, increasing repeat business and reducing dependency on third-party platforms.
For a deeper look into this product, explore the NetMenus Enterprise product release and see how it supports growing restaurant businesses.
How Online Ordering Shapes the Future of Restaurants
The future of the restaurant industry is digital, mobile, and direct. Customers expect easy online ordering, fast checkout, and reliable service. Restaurants that invest in their own ordering systems gain better margins, stronger customer relationships, and long-term stability.
Online ordering is not just about convenience. It is about ownership. Ownership of customer data, branding, and profits. Restaurants that embrace this shift today will be better prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
Online ordering is no longer a trend. It is a necessity for modern restaurants. By moving away from high-commission platforms and investing in independent ordering solutions like iScripts NetMenus, restaurants can protect profits and build lasting customer relationships.
If you want to future-proof your restaurant business, now is the right time to take control of your online ordering experience.
