What Marketplace Delivery Commissions Can Cost a Restaurant
Third-party delivery can introduce new guests to a restaurant, but commissions deserve a regular place in the numbers you review.
Estimate the annual amount
Use this simple estimate:
Monthly marketplace delivery sales × commission rate × 12 = estimated annual commissions
For example, $10,000 in monthly delivery sales at an estimated 25% commission is $2,500 per month, or $30,000 per year. This is an illustration, not a quote or a statement of any platform's current fees. Your agreement, plan, market, and order mix can change the actual amount.
Compare channels, not just percentages
Before changing your ordering mix, compare the full cost and value of each channel:
- What fees and promotions are attached to marketplace orders?
- How many customers are new to your restaurant, and how many are repeat guests?
- What does your POS or direct-ordering provider charge?
- Who handles delivery, guest support, refunds, and order issues?
- How will guests learn that direct ordering is available?
The right answer depends on your operation. Direct ordering can complement marketplace discovery rather than requiring you to leave every third-party platform.
Start with your own numbers
Gather a recent month of delivery sales, fee statements, and order data. Then estimate the annual commission exposure and compare it with the cost of your current POS and any direct-ordering option.
An estimate is a useful starting point; confirm actual charges in your platform statements and provider agreements.