Written by Right now, many restaurant and takeaway owners are stuck in a trap. They rely on Deliveroo and Uber Eats to bring in customers, but in return they give up two of the most important things in business: their profits and their customers.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
By creating your own delivery app and website, you can own both your customers and your profits — and dramatically improve your bottom line.
The Hidden Cost of Platform Dependence
When a customer orders through Deliveroo or Uber Eats, you typically lose 25–35% in commissions. Even worse, the platform owns the customer relationship. You get the sale today, but the contact details, loyalty, and future orders belong to them.
This creates dangerous long-term dependence. You’re paying a premium just to reach customers who may never come back directly to you.
The Better Alternative: Own Everything
Imagine having your own professional app listed on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Your customers download it, order directly from you, and build a real relationship with your brand.
With your own app you get:
- Full ownership of customer data
- Direct communication through push notifications
- The ability to run your own loyalty program
- Complete control over pricing and promotions
- Much higher profit margins (around 2.5% instead of 25%+)
Real Numbers That Will Make You Think
On £10,000 in weekly sales:
- Deliveroo/Uber Eats: £2,500+ in fees
- Your own app: £250 in fees
That’s £2,250 extra profit every week — over £117,000 per year.
Even after covering local delivery costs, you keep far more of every order.
Local Delivery on Your Terms
Focusing on a 5-mile radius around your business makes local delivery simple and profitable. Charge a small £1 delivery fee, use your own riders with branded bikes, and offer Click & Collect for customers who prefer to pick up.
This model is faster, cheaper, and gives you much better control than relying on third-party drivers.
The Smart Hybrid Strategy
You don’t need to go cold turkey. The most successful approach is a hybrid model:
- Use Deliveroo and Uber Eats to attract new customers
- Convert them to your own app with better prices and rewards
- Gradually shift the majority of orders to your direct channels
Many restaurants successfully move 60–90% of their orders to their own app over time while still benefiting from the big platforms’ reach.
How to Make It Happen – Step by Step
Step 1: Build a high-quality website with online ordering. Step 2: Launch your native mobile app with push notifications and tracking. Step 3: Promote your app everywhere — in-store, social media, flyers, and receipts. Step 4: Add Click & Collect and start local delivery. Step 5: Recruit and brand your own delivery team. Step 6: Use marketing to drive more direct orders.
The Long-Term Advantages
When you own your customers, you gain:
- Stronger loyalty and repeat business
- Valuable data and insights
- Freedom to run profitable promotions
- Protection from platform fee increases
- A more valuable and independent business
It’s More Achievable Than Ever
Thanks to modern tools and experienced teams, building your own app and website is now realistic and affordable for independent food businesses. Flexible payment options make it even easier to get started.
Take Back What’s Yours
You’ve worked hard to build your restaurant. Your customers and your profits should belong to you — not to big delivery platforms.
Stop falling into the trap of handing over 25%+ of every order. Start owning your customers and keeping more of what you earn.
If you’re ready to escape the Deliveroo/Uber Eats trap and build a stronger, more profitable future, now is the time.
Let’s talk about creating your own branded app and taking full control of your business.