Third-party delivery platforms charge up to 35% commission per order. Here's how hundreds of NZ venues have switched to commission-free online ordering — and what they're saving.
The Commission Problem Facing NZ Restaurants
If your restaurant is on Uber Eats, DoorDash, or any other third-party delivery platform, you already know the pain: 15–35% commission on every single order. For a $50 order, that's up to $17.50 gone before you've even covered your food costs.
For many NZ restaurants, this makes delivery economically unviable. Yet customers expect to be able to order online. The good news is there's a better way — and hundreds of NZ venues have already made the switch.
What Commission-Free Online Ordering Actually Means
Commission-free online ordering lets customers order directly from your website — with no middleman taking a cut. The order goes straight to your POS, you keep 100% of the revenue, and the customer gets the same seamless experience they'd get on any platform.
The difference is that instead of paying Uber Eats or DoorDash a percentage of every order, you pay a flat monthly fee for your ordering platform. That's it. No per-order commission, no surprise deductions, no end-of-month shock when you see how much the platforms have taken.
The Real Numbers: What NZ Venues Are Saving
Let's run the numbers for a typical NZ café:
With commission-free ordering, that $81,900 stays in your business. Even after accounting for the cost of a commission-free platform (typically $100–300 per month), the annual saving is substantial — often $75,000 or more for a busy café.
For a restaurant doing higher volumes, the numbers are even more compelling:
| Scenario | Weekly Online Revenue | Platform Commission (30%) | Annual Commission Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small café | $2,000 | $600/week | $31,200 |
| Busy café | $5,250 | $1,575/week | $81,900 |
| Restaurant | $10,000 | $3,000/week | $156,000 |
| Multi-venue | $25,000 | $7,500/week | $390,000 |
How Commission-Free Ordering Works with POSbiz
POSbiz's online ordering system integrates directly into your existing website. Customers order from your site, orders go straight to your POS and kitchen display, and you receive payment directly — no platform fees, no commission, no delay.
The integration is seamless:
You can also offer QR code table ordering, click & collect, and scheduled delivery — all from the same system, all commission-free.
Third-Party Platforms Still Have a Role
This isn't about abandoning Uber Eats entirely. Third-party platforms do provide genuine value for discovery — customers who don't know your restaurant yet may find you there. The smart strategy is to use third-party platforms for customer acquisition, then convert those customers to direct ordering.
How? Include a card in every delivery bag: "Order directly at [yourwebsite.co.nz] and save on fees — we'll pass the saving on to you." Some venues offer a small discount for direct orders, which still saves them significantly compared to platform commission.
Over time, your loyal customers will order direct, and you'll only pay commission on genuinely new customers. The platforms become a marketing channel rather than a permanent tax on your revenue.
What to Look for in a Commission-Free Ordering Platform
Not all commission-free ordering platforms are equal. When evaluating options, look for:
POS integration — Orders should flow directly into your POS and kitchen display. A separate system that staff have to monitor independently defeats the purpose.
Mobile-optimised ordering — The majority of online orders are placed on smartphones. Your ordering interface must work flawlessly on mobile.
Payment processing — Look for support for all major NZ payment methods: credit cards, debit cards, and ideally Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Menu management — You need to be able to update your menu easily — adding items, changing prices, marking items as sold out — without technical help.
Order tracking — Customers expect to know when their order is ready. A notification system (SMS or email) reduces "where's my order?" calls.
Analytics — Understanding which items are most popular, what times orders peak, and what your average order value is helps you optimise your menu and operations.
The Transition: How to Switch Without Disruption
Switching from third-party platforms to commission-free ordering doesn't have to be all-or-nothing. The recommended approach for most NZ venues:
Many NZ venues find that within 6–12 months, the majority of their online orders come through their direct channel — and they're only using third-party platforms for genuine new customer acquisition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is commission-free online ordering as good as Uber Eats for customers?
For existing customers who know your restaurant, direct ordering is typically a better experience — they're on your website, they get your branding, and they may get better prices if you pass on the commission saving. The only thing Uber Eats provides that direct ordering doesn't is discovery for new customers.
How much does commission-free online ordering cost?
POSbiz's online ordering system is included as part of the platform — there's no separate per-order fee. Contact us for pricing based on your venue's requirements.
Can I still use Uber Eats and have my own ordering system?
Yes. Many NZ venues run both in parallel. The key is to actively promote your direct ordering channel so that loyal customers migrate over time.
How long does it take to set up commission-free online ordering?
With POSbiz, most venues are set up and live within 1–2 days. We handle the integration with your existing website and POS.
Do I need a new website to use commission-free ordering?
No. POSbiz's ordering widget integrates into your existing website, whatever platform it's built on.
