Cheapest way to take food orders online
Short answer
The cheapest way to take food orders online is a free, commission-free storefront where you pay only standard card-processing fees. PlateTicket's Starter plan is free and takes no commission, so a small seller can start at essentially card-fees-only. Marketplaces look free to set up but take 15–30% per order — the most expensive option at volume — and flat-fee tools charge a fixed monthly price whether or not you sell. For most small sellers, free + commission-free wins.
Count the real cost, not the sticker
"Free to join" marketplaces are the priciest at volume because the commission grows with sales. A free/flat commission-free plan stays cheap as you grow.
Where PlateTicket lands
Starter is free (card fees only). Upgrade only for delivery, the production sheet, or a custom domain. See commission-free online ordering and the cost comparison.
When paying more makes sense
If a marketplace's discovery genuinely brings new customers, use it for reach — but push repeats to your own cheap, commission-free link so their full value is yours.
Frequently asked questions
What's the cheapest way to take food orders online?
A free, commission-free storefront where you pay only card-processing fees. PlateTicket's Starter plan is free with 0% commission, so a small seller pays essentially card fees only. It's cheaper than marketplaces (15–30% per order) and flat-fee tools (fixed monthly) at typical small-seller volume.
Are free food-ordering tools actually the cheapest?
For most small sellers, yes — a free, commission-free plan avoids both the fixed monthly cost of flat-fee tools and the large per-order cut of marketplaces. You still pay small standard card fees, which are far cheaper than a 15–30% commission.
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