Why More Restaurants Are Moving Away from Delivery Apps — and What Fudli Offers Instead

The rise of delivery apps like Uber Eats, Just Eat and Deliveroo has dramatically reshaped the UK restaurant scene.

For many businesses, they’ve been a quick and easy way to reach new customers, without the hassle of managing delivery in-house. But with that convenience comes a cost — and it’s not just the commission fees.

At Fudli, we believe restaurants deserve more control, stronger customer relationships and higher profit margins. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of third-party marketplaces and show how launching your own branded online ordering system through Fudli can unlock sustainable growth.

The Hidden Costs of Marketplace Delivery Apps

💸 High Commissions That Cut into Your Profits

Most third-party platforms charge between 25–35% per order. For many restaurants, especially independents and smaller chains, these fees can be unsustainable — forcing you to raise menu prices or sacrifice your margins.

❌ No Access to Customer Data or Loyalty

When customers order through delivery apps, you don’t get to know them. The platform owns the relationship, not you. That means no access to customer data, no ability to run targeted promotions, and no foundation for loyalty.

🧍‍♂️ You Blend in with the Crowd
Marketplace apps present every restaurant in the same generic format, making it nearly impossible to stand out. Worse, your menu might appear right alongside ads for your competitors.

🧱 A Wall Between You and Your Customers
These platforms act as a gatekeeper, putting a layer between you and the people who actually love your food. That makes it harder to build lasting customer relationships or provide a personalised experience.

The Benefits of Marketplace Apps (And How to Use Them Strategically)

To be fair, marketplace delivery apps do offer real value:

• Access to a broad customer base you might not reach otherwise
• Higher order volumes, especially during peak times
• No upfront investment in drivers or delivery logistics

That said, relying solely on them leaves you vulnerable to rising fees, shifting algorithms and lost customer loyalty. That’s where Fudli comes in.

Why More Restaurants Are Choosing Fudli
Fudli is designed for restaurants that want to take control of their online ordering and own their customer journey — all while improving margins and brand loyalty.

✅ Lower Fees, Higher Margins
Fudli helps you keep more of what you earn. No outrageous commissions — just simple, transparent pricing that supports your bottom line.

🎯 Fully Branded Ordering Experience
Your website. Your logo. Your brand. Fudli gives you a fast, seamless ordering platform that reflects your identity — not a third-party app’s.

💌 Build Your Own Customer Database
With every direct order, you gain valuable insights. Use customer data to run targeted promotions, launch loyalty rewards and drive repeat business.

🛠️ More Control, More Flexibility
When you own your ordering channel, you’re not at the mercy of external platforms. You choose how to manage orders, promotions, pricing and delivery — and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Fudli Makes It Easy to Get Started
Setting up your own branded ordering system sounds daunting, but with Fudli, it’s not. Our onboarding team handles the heavy lifting and gets most restaurants live in just a day or two. We also provide full training, so you and your staff are confident from day one.

The Smartest Restaurants Use Both
Many successful brands take a hybrid approach: using delivery apps for reach and Fudli for retention. You can still benefit from the exposure of marketplaces — while encouraging customers to reorder directly through your Fudli-powered website with exclusive deals, loyalty rewards and better pricing.

This strategy gives you the best of both worlds: wide reach and long-term profitability.

Take Back Control with Fudli
Fudli is more than just an online ordering system — it’s your partner in building a stronger, more profitable restaurant brand. With your own direct channel, you’re not just taking orders — you’re building a loyal customer base that keeps coming back.

Ready to get started?
Let’s chat about how Fudli can help you grow your online orders while keeping more of what you earn, book a free demo.