Commission-free online ordering, explained
Short answer
Commission-free online ordering means the platform takes 0% of each order — you pay a flat plan price (or nothing on a free tier) plus standard card-processing fees, and keep the rest. It matters because marketplace commissions of 15–30% per order often eat most of a food seller's margin. With a commission-free storefront, a $20 order is worth ~$19 to you (after card fees), not ~$15 after a marketplace's cut — and the customer relationship is yours, not the platform's.
Commission vs card fees
Don't confuse them. A commission is a large percentage of the order taken by a marketplace. Card fees are small, standard processor charges everyone pays. Commission-free means no commission — card fees still apply.
Why 0% commission matters
On thin food margins, a 25% cut can erase your profit. Keeping the full order value is often the difference between a viable business and a break-even one. See avoiding marketplace commission.
How PlateTicket prices it
Flat plan pricing (free to start), never a per-order cut. Compare total cost in online ordering cost for small restaurants.
Frequently asked questions
What does commission-free online ordering mean?
It means the ordering platform takes 0% of each order. You pay a flat plan price (or nothing on a free tier) plus standard card-processing fees, and keep the full order value — unlike a marketplace that takes 15–30% of every order and owns the customer relationship.
Is commission-free ordering really free?
The commission is zero, but you still pay small, standard card-processing fees on paid orders, and possibly a flat plan price for advanced features. PlateTicket's Starter plan has no monthly fee, so many sellers pay only card fees — far less than any per-order commission.
Why do marketplaces charge commission?
Marketplaces charge 15–30% per order to cover discovery, delivery logistics, and their platform — and they own the customer. Commission-free storefronts trade that reach for keeping your full margin and your own customers, which is usually the better deal for repeat business.
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