Should you rely on delivery apps or push customers to order directly? Delivery apps bring orders but take a large commission. This calculator compares monthly fees so you can decide when direct ordering pays off.
How to use this calculator
- Enter average order value and monthly delivery app orders.
- Enter delivery app commission and direct processing fee.
- Add packaging cost and monthly direct ordering system cost.
- Enter expected direct orders per month.
- Review monthly savings and break-even direct order volume.
Formula
App cost = Orders × (Order value × Commission + Packaging). Direct cost = Direct orders × (Order value × Processing fee + Packaging) + System cost. Savings compares app fees to direct fees at the same order volume.
Example
At $28 average orders with 450 app orders/month and 25% commission, app fees run about $3,352/month. Direct ordering at 300 orders/month may save money if enough volume shifts off the apps.
Frequently asked questions
Are delivery apps always bad for profit?
No. Apps can bring discovery and new customers. The goal is to understand fees and build direct repeat orders over time.
What counts as direct ordering system cost?
Include website ordering fees, POS add-ons, SMS tools, or monthly platform subscriptions used for direct orders.