Feeling the Burn from Rising Costs? Here’s How POS with Online Ordering Can Bring in More Revenue (Without Adding Staff)
Look, if you’re in the restaurant biz right now, you’re probably feeling the squeeze. It’s like the universe conspired to crank up the heat – labor costs are through the roof and finding good people? That’s a whole damn quest. Food costs bounce around like a bad check, and trying to predict what customers want from one day to the next is basically fortune-telling. And in the middle of this beautiful chaos, you’re juggling everything: dine-in, takeout, and this beast called online ordering, often with the same crew who are already running ragged.
And the data backs it up:
- In 2024, 88% of restaurant operators reported increased labor costs, and 79% expect them to rise further in 2025.
- On top of that, 87% saw rising food costs last year, with 82% bracing for more in 2025.
- In fact, 59% of owners identified labor as their top challenge, while 49% pointed to food costs as their biggest headache.
Naturally, a lot of folks looked at third-party delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub as a way out, a lifeline, maybe even a solution. These platforms help businesses expand their reach, attract new customers, and increase sales through integrated technological solutions. And this shift isn’t temporary. 62% of adults now say they’re more likely to order food for delivery than dine in—a massive jump from 39% in 2019.
And yeah, they absolutely can open up new channels for revenue. They put you in front of customers you wouldn’t otherwise reach. On-demand delivery services are specifically designed to meet customer demand quickly and efficiently, offering features like real-time order management and immediate fulfillment. But here’s the kicker: most owners are either leaving money on the table by not using them right, or they’re paying way too much for the privilege.
You’ve probably asked yourself questions after staring at that commission statement, right? Stuff like, “Is this commission really worth it?” or the classic, “How do I get these orders into my system without losing my mind?” and the big one, “Can I actually turn a profit using these things?”
Here’s the deal: You totally can make money with them. But – and this is a big ‘but’ – only if you stop treating them like a necessary evil or just another operational cost and start seeing them for what they really are: a marketing channel. Yeah, Flyght’s CEO Chris, feels this is Marketing, and frankly, we agree. It’s about reach, new customers, and leveraging visibility you’d otherwise have to pay a lot for..
Poor Execution Sucks (And Hurts More Than No Execution)
Let’s be real. If your “system” for handling online orders from these apps involves a symphony of tablets playing conflicting jingles and someone manually punching orders into your POS, you’re not just inviting chaos, you’re sending it a formal invitation, probably with a plus-one.
Picture this: your kitchen display system (KDS) is flashing dine-in tickets, while someone is frantically trying to type in a DoorDash order from a slip of paper, praying they don’t mess up the modifiers. Having to manually enter orders into the POS system not only slows everything down, but also increases the risk of human error and missed items. Orders get lost in the shuffle or delayed because nobody saw them come through the fax machine (okay, maybe not a fax machine, but it feels that outdated). What happens? Angry customers. And guess who gets the blame? Your restaurant, even if the screw-up was on the delivery side of things. That negative review lands squarely on your page, not theirs.
Meanwhile, you’re forking over 20-30% (or more) in commission on every single one of those chaotic orders. To claw some of that back, you bump up prices on the app, right? Seems logical. But then your loyal customers, the ones who actually know your regular prices, see the markup on the app and feel ripped off. Suddenly, they’re ordering less, or worse, not at all. That’s not exactly increasing restaurant revenue.
And if you’re on three different apps? Oh god. Three tablets. Three dashboards. Three sets of analytics you probably don’t have time to look at. And zero central control over any of it. That ain’t scaling your business; that’s sinking it. It’s the boulevard of broken dreams and poorly integrated POS systems.
Here’s the punch to the gut: Your competitors? The ones seemingly gliding through this? They might be using the exact same platforms you are. The difference isn’t the app. It’s how they’re using it. They’ve got smart integrations, streamlined operations, and a clear plan to actually make money – a clear margin strategy. They’re dialed in.
Time to Flip the Script and Take Control
It’s time to turn these delivery platforms from margin killers into bona fide growth engines. By working with multiple partners for online ordering and delivery, restaurants can expand their reach and streamline operations. We’re talking about boosting sales and streamlining logistics.
Step 1: Understand the Landscape
These platforms aren’t all built the same. They offer reach and convenience, sure, but they come with trade-offs. Different fees, different levels of control over customer data (usually, you get precious little), and varying degrees of in-app competition. Understanding the key benefits and typical fees of the top players is essential. This isn’t just picking one because it’s popular; it’s a strategic choice.
- Uber Eats: Huge reach, often no card processing fees. But watch out for those high commissions and limited customer data.
- Grubhub: Can offer more flexible pricing and has a loyal user base. Their marketing tools and even white-label options can be appealing. Commission can still hit 30%.
- DoorDash: Massive coverage, has features like the “Yum Score”. Fierce competition within the app itself. Integration is key here.
This isn’t just a list; it’s about knowing who does what and which platform aligns best with your goals for increasing restaurant revenue. Customers can easily discover your restaurant through these online ordering platforms, expanding your visibility and potential reach.
Bonus: Integration with Food Delivery Services & Expanding Your Reach Without Extra Staff
Here’s the beauty of modern restaurant tech: you don’t need to double your staff to double your reach. With DoorDash integration, you can plug your restaurant right into a massive network of hungry customers looking to order food for delivery or pickup—no extra hands required.
When you connect your store to DoorDash, you’re not just getting access to their customer base. You’re getting a streamlined process for managing menus, tracking orders, and updating your offerings in real time. The DoorDash merchant portal puts you in the driver’s seat, letting you tweak your menu, mark items out of stock, and review sales data—all from one dashboard. And if you hit a snag? DoorDash support is just a click away, ready to help you keep things running smoothly.
This kind of integration means you can receive orders directly into your system, manage your operations efficiently, and deliver a top-notch experience to every customer—whether they’re ordering from across the street or across town. No more juggling phone calls, emails, or multiple tablets. Just seamless food delivery, more sales, and a process that works for you, not against you.
So, if you’re looking to grow your business without growing your payroll, DoorDash integration is a no-brainer. It’s about working smarter, not harder—and giving your restaurant the tools it needs to succeed in today’s on-demand world.
Step 2: Integrate Your POS with Online Ordering
This is where the magic happens, where you eliminate the soul-crushing manual data entry. POS integration means orders from DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub – they just land directly in your kitchen’s order queue. DoorDash orders are seamlessly received and managed within the POS system, ensuring accurate order routing and efficient processing. No manual punching. No double-entry headaches. No chaos.
Why is this such a big deal? Because it brings order to the madness.
- Orders shoot straight to the kitchen display system. This is like going from carrier pigeon to fiber optics.
- Menu updates and pricing sync across all platforms. Change a price or mark an item out of stock once, and it updates everywhere. That’s efficiency, baby.
- It slashes staff workload and the rate of human error. Your team can focus on cranking out delicious food, not playing data entry clerk.
Best of all, this integration requires no additional hardware, making the process smoother and more cost-effective for restaurants.
This is exactly why a system like FlyghtPOS is built with omni-channel/mobile ordering capabilities and strong integration features. We handle the “how to integrate with DoorDash?” question by providing the seamless connection you need to make it happen, worry-free. It’s part of our unified workflow, taking the technology off your plate. You get a rock-solid system that just works.
Bonus: Your POS - What You’re Really Working With
Let’s cut through the tech jargon: your POS system is the nerve center of your restaurant. It’s not just a fancy cash register—it’s the engine that keeps your food delivery, online ordering, and in-house operations humming along. When you’re slammed with incoming orders from DoorDash, your website, and walk-ins, your point of sale system is what keeps the chaos in check.
A solid POS system does more than just ring up sales. It’s the quarterback calling the plays, making sure every order—no matter where it comes from—gets to the right place at the right time. Whether it’s a delivery order from a hungry customer across town or a takeout request from someone down the block, your POS should handle it all without breaking a sweat.
Here’s what you want: a POS that can juggle orders from every channel, update your menu in real time, and give you a clear view of your sales and operations. No more scribbling orders on sticky notes or losing track of what’s in stock. With the right system, you can streamline your process, reduce mistakes, and make sure every customer gets exactly what they ordered—fast.
Bottom line? If you want to thrive in the world of food delivery and online ordering, your POS system isn’t just a tool—it’s your secret weapon for smoother operations, happier customers, and more sales.
Step 3: Balance Volume and Margin
Yeah, those commissions feel steep. But remember, you’re getting visibility you’d have to pay for otherwise. The question “Are third-party orders more profitable than direct ordering?” is the right one to ask. Flyght looks at this like Marketing, not just OPEX. You’re paying for customer acquisition, for putting your brand in front of thousands of potential diners scrolling through their phones.
The trick is to make that volume work for you without killing your profits.
- Bump up prices slightly only on the third-party apps. Customers on these platforms often expect a small markup, and it helps offset that commission.
- Got repeat customers who found you on an app? Encourage them to order directly next time – perhaps with a small discount or loyalty perk. This is where having your own online ordering (part of FlyghtPOS) or a loyalty program like FlyghtEngage comes in. Keep that revenue stream in-house.
- Optimize your delivery menu. Focus on your high-margin items and create delivery-specific combos. Don’t just list your whole dine-in menu; curate it for profit and travel-friendliness.
- Use data. Review costs versus benefits weekly. These platforms have analytics dashboards. Flyght’s unified system provides centralized reporting and advanced tools to make inferences from data points combined from across your entire operation. You can actually see what’s working and what’s not. Stay dialed in. Tracking these metrics is key to long-term success with online ordering and delivery integrations.
Step 4: Leverage the Full Toolkit
Most restaurants underuse these platforms. They sign up, list their menu, and hope for the best. That’s like buying a sports car and only driving it to the grocery store. You’re missing out.
These platforms offer more than just a driver showing up.
- Increased Visibility: This is huge. You appear in search results when people look for cuisine types, restaurants nearby, etc.. It’s like having a digital billboard in people’s pockets.
- Higher Order Volume: They can definitely boost sales, especially during downtimes when your kitchen might otherwise be slow. Fill that capacity.
- Delivery Infrastructure: This is one of the most obvious benefits. They handle the drivers, the insurance, the logistics. No hiring, no training, no gas costs for you.
- Promotions & Loyalty: Platforms often have their own loyalty programs (like DoorDash’s DashPass or Grubhub+) that give you access to high-value customers. Participate in these promotions, but track your ROI like a hawk.
- Operational Support: Some third-party tools or integrated systems (like Flyght’s) can help you manage things like pricing across platforms, dispute resolution, and tracking campaign effectiveness from one place. It’s about centralizing control. Choosing the right technology partner is crucial to ensure seamless integration and dedicated support for your restaurant’s success.
Step 5: Address the Challenges Head-On
Okay, enough with the sunshine and rainbows. There are real drawbacks, and anyone who sugarcoats that isn’t being real.
- Commission Fees: We talked about these. They eat into your profit unless you manage them strategically.
- Customer Data: This is a big one. Generally, you don’t get the customer’s contact information. This limits your ability to retarget them directly.
- Reputation Risk: A messed-up delivery order, spilled soup, cold food – it reflects poorly on you, even if the platform or driver is to blame.
- Price Markups: As mentioned, marking up prices on the app can deter loyal customers.
So, how do you mitigate these?
- Encourage Direct Ordering: Use packaging inserts, flyers in the bag, or even small discounts for future direct orders. This is a key strategy to convert app customers into your customers.
- Offer Exclusive Deals: Run promotions or loyalty programs only through your own app or website. FlyghtEngage can help here. Give them a reason to bypass the third party next time.
- Streamline Your Menu: A simpler delivery menu can reduce operational strain and error rates. Less complexity means fewer mistakes.
- Monitor Reviews: Keep a close eye on your reviews across all platforms – the third-party apps and review sites. Respond quickly and professionally to issues. Flyght’s centralized reporting can help you track sentiment and performance.
- Consider When to Switch Platforms: If you’re thinking about switching from one online ordering platform to another, weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks, such as changes in menu management or privacy settings.
- Plan the Switching Process: When switching to a new integration or POS system, make sure to update your menus and settings accordingly, as some features may need to be managed differently after the switch.
Master Your Menu and Order Flow (The Overlooked Revenue Engine)
Let’s talk about a revenue engine most local restaurants overlook: your menu and order flow. Sure, you can sign up for every food delivery app under the sun, but if your menu is a hot mess and your order process is clunky, you’re leaving serious money on the table. The good news? You don’t need to hire more staff to fix this—you just need to get smart about how you set up your menu, manage your DoorDash integration, and streamline your operations.
1. Simplify and Sharpen Your Menu
Ever scrolled through a DoorDash menu that reads like a novel? Customers get overwhelmed, bounce, and you lose the sale. Focus on your best-sellers and high-margin items—those dishes that travel well and keep hungry customers coming back for more. A tight, curated menu not only boosts conversion rates but also makes it easier for your kitchen to keep up with incoming orders, especially during peak times.
2. Price for Profit (and Perception)
Your menu pricing isn’t just about covering costs—it’s about sending the right signals. Make sure your DoorDash menu is competitive but still profitable, factoring in those delivery commissions. Don’t be afraid to offer special deals or combos that make your food delivery options irresistible. And remember, a well-priced menu can turn first-timers into repeat customers.
3. Streamline Your Order Flow with Tech
Here’s where the magic happens: connect your POS system directly to your online ordering platforms. With a solid DoorDash integration, every DoorDash order drops straight into your point of sale—no more manual entry, no more missed tickets, no more chaos. This real-time connection means your team can focus on making great food, not playing catch-up with tablets. Plus, you can mark items out of stock instantly, so customers never order something you can’t deliver.
4. Leverage the DoorDash Merchant Portal and Support
Don’t just set it and forget it. Use the DoorDash merchant portal to manage your menu, update pricing, and monitor incoming orders. Got a question or a hiccup? DoorDash support is there to help you resolve issues fast, so you can keep your operations running smoothly. Make sure your valid zip code is set up correctly so you’re visible to every customer in your delivery area—nationwide coverage means more potential sales.
5. Offer Self-Delivery and Pickup for Flexibility
Want to keep more of each sale? Consider enabling self-delivery or offering pickup orders through DoorDash. This gives customers more ways to order food from your restaurant, and it can help you control costs while still tapping into the massive DoorDash customer base.
6. Monitor, Analyze, and Adjust
Don’t just guess what’s working—use the data. Track your sales, see which menu items are flying out the door, and adjust your offerings in real time. The right POS system and DoorDash integration make it easy to review performance and tweak your menu or order flow for maximum impact.
By mastering your menu and order flow—and making the most of your DoorDash integration—you can boost revenue, delight customers, and run a tighter, more profitable operation. Stay focused on providing top-notch customer service, keep an eye on your analytics, and don’t be afraid to make changes as you go. In the world of online ordering and food delivery, the restaurants that win are the ones who never stop optimizing.
Expert Tips from the Trenches
We’re not the only ones who know this stuff. Restaurateurs on the ground, folks hitting “remind me tomorrow” on computer updates but still crushing it, they’ve got wisdom.
- Sign up for more than one platform. Diversify your reach.
- Keep your delivery menus short and sweet. Control the complexity.
- Promotions work, but you must track the return on investment. Don’t just participate; analyze.
- Push repeat customers to your own ordering channels. Seriously, make this a focus. Packaging inserts are your friend.
- Check app analytics weekly. Adjust pricing, availability, and delivery hours based on the data. If you encounter issues or need changes, you can request support or menu updates from your platform provider. Knowledge is power.
Call to Action: Take Back Control
Third-party ordering isn’t some fleeting trend; it’s baked into how people want to eat now. The real question isn’t if you should use it, but whether your systems – and your strategy – are built to actually win with it.
If you’re still wrestling with manual order entry, juggling three tablets like some kind of digital clown act, and crossing your fingers about whether you’re making a profit, it’s time for a change. It’s time to level-up.
This isn’t just about getting orders in the door; it’s about truly increasing restaurant revenue and optimizing for profitability. It’s about having a unified system that makes online ordering seamless, tracks the data you need, and lets you focus on crushing it in the kitchen and front of house.
Want a detailed toolkit on POS integrations and margin-saving tips? Drop us a note. We’re putting one together.
Until then, take a hard look at your current setup. Are you controlling third-party delivery, or is it controlling you? It’s time to audit that setup and take back control of your delivery revenue. Review your account settings and integration status to ensure your account information is up to date and everything is optimized for smooth delivery operations. We’re not messing around when it comes to technology.
