Quick Summary:
○ Third-party apps charge up to 30% per order
○ Jacksonville restaurants are switching to direct ordering systems
○ Benefits: no commissions, full brand control, and customer data ownership
○ Promote with QR codes, social media, and loyalty incentives
○ Local restaurants are already seeing higher profits and repeat orders
How to Build an Online Ordering System Without Losing 30% to Third-Party Apps (Jacksonville Edition)
If you’re a restaurant owner in Jacksonville, you already know that third-party delivery apps can feel like a double-edged sword. Sure, they bring you orders—but at the cost of steep commission fees that slice into your profits. Some of the most popular platforms, like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, charge restaurants 20–30% per order. That’s $6 out of every $20 gone before you even pay your team or buy ingredients.
But here’s the good news: Jacksonville restaurants are proving that you don’t need to rely on high-fee platforms to offer online ordering. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to build a commission-free online ordering system that puts money back in your pocket—and keeps customers coming back to your brand.
The Problem with Third-Party Apps for Jacksonville Restaurants
Apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats were a lifeline during the early days of the pandemic, but in 2025, many Jacksonville restaurant owners are asking: Is this still worth it?
Here’s why the answer is often no:
Commission fees between 15%–30% per order
Loss of customer data (you don’t own the relationship)
Brand confusion—customers associate the experience with the app, not your business
Limited control over menu, pricing, and promotions
And when those same customers leave a bad review about the delivery service? It’s your business that gets hurt—not the app.
What Does a Direct Online Ordering System Do?
Instead of depending on a third party, a direct ordering system lets your customers place orders straight through your website. They can browse your menu, make special requests, pay online, and even receive text updates—all without ever leaving your ecosystem.
Key Benefits:
No commissions
Custom-branded experience
You own the customer data
Freedom to create discounts, loyalty programs, and upsells
Best of all, you can integrate this into your Google Business Profile, making it just as easy to find as the big-name apps.
Step-by-Step: How to Build a Commission-Free Ordering System in Jacksonville
Step 1: Choose the Right Platform
There are multiple restaurant-friendly platforms out there that offer low monthly fees and no per-order commissions. Some examples include:
Toast
GloriaFood
Flipdish
ChowNow
Square for Restaurants
Alternatively, some Jacksonville restaurants are opting for custom WordPress ordering systems built specifically for their needs.
We recommend working with a local marketing agency that can help you choose the best option and set it up to match your brand.
Step 2: Design a Mobile-First, Branded Website
Over 70% of your customers in Jacksonville are browsing from their phones. Your ordering page must:
Load fast
Be easy to navigate
Feature your branding and photos
Include clear, clickable call-to-action buttons
Your goal is to make it just as easy—or easier—than ordering on DoorDash.
Step 3: Integrate Secure Payment Processing
Choose payment processors like Square, Stripe, or Clover to process online orders securely. Make sure your site includes trust indicators like:
Secure checkout badges
Refund/cancellation policies
Optional tipping features
This builds trust and credibility with Jacksonville locals who might be new to ordering directly from you.
Step 4: Promote Your New System (Aggressively)
Once your online ordering system is live, it’s time to shout it from the rooftops.
Here’s how Jacksonville restaurants are getting the word out:
In-store signage with QR codes linking to the ordering page
Flyers and stickers on takeout bags
Email and SMS campaigns to past customers
Local social media campaigns (Instagram Reels, TikTok, Facebook Stories)
Incentives like “10% off your first direct order” or “Free drink with every online order”
This builds awareness and creates repeat behavior.
Bonus: Offer Loyalty and Rewards Exclusively Through Your System
When you own the system, you own the relationship. Use that to your advantage by offering exclusive loyalty programs like:
Digital punch cards
Birthday rewards
Points for every dollar spent
This gives customers a reason to skip DoorDash and keep ordering from you directly.
What About Delivery?
You don’t have to do it all yourself. Many Jacksonville restaurants are partnering with local delivery services or using in-house drivers during peak hours. Some also offer pickup only, which still removes third-party fees.
Consider offering scheduled delivery windows rather than live dispatch—this improves operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Real Jacksonville Restaurants Already Making the Switch
A burger joint in Riverside saved over $2,000 in fees in just three months by shifting 50% of orders to their direct site.
A smoothie shop in Mandarin used Instagram Reels to promote direct orders and doubled online sales in 30 days.
A sushi spot in Baymeadows linked their direct ordering page to their Google profile and saw a 120% increase in web traffic.
Final Thoughts: Ditch the Fees, Keep the Profit
As a mission-driven marketing organization serving Jacksonville small businesses, we’ve seen firsthand the difference a direct ordering system can make. When you cut the middleman, you keep the margin—and most importantly, you build stronger relationships with your customers.
📞 Book your free Jacksonville restaurant strategy session today to learn how we can help you:
Launch a commission-free ordering system
Build a branded website that drives action
Automate your loyalty and promotion campaigns
It’s time to stop giving away 30% of your profits—and start owning your restaurant’s future.
