Do platform fees really justify building your own delivery app? Most restaurant owners pay 15-30% commission and wonder if there's a better way. The math reveals exactly where that tipping point lies.
The real cost of platform fees
Thuisbezorgd, Uber Eats and similar platforms charge 15-30% commission per order. But they're also bringing customers, marketing reach, and technology infrastructure you'd otherwise need to build yourself.
💡 Example platform costs:
Restaurant with €50,000 monthly revenue via Thuisbezorgd:
- Commission 20%: €10,000/month
- Platform marketing costs: €2,000/month
- Packaging costs: €1,500/month
Total platform-related costs: €13,500/month
Costs of your own delivery app
Your own app carries different expenses. Most restaurant owners drastically underestimate these numbers.
One-time costs
- App development: €15,000 - €50,000 (depending on functionality)
- Website development: €3,000 - €8,000
- Payment system integration: €2,000 - €5,000
- POS system integration: €1,000 - €3,000
Monthly costs
- Hosting and maintenance: €200 - €500
- Payment processing: 1.5-3% of revenue
- Marketing and customer acquisition: €2,000 - €8,000
- Customer service: €500 - €1,500
- Updates and bug fixes: €300 - €800
💡 Example own app costs:
Same restaurant with €50,000 monthly revenue:
- Monthly operational costs: €4,500
- Payment processing (2%): €1,000
- Marketing: €5,000
- App depreciation (€30,000 / 36 months): €833
Total monthly costs: €11,333
The break-even calculation
To find where your own app becomes more profitable, you'll compare total monthly costs against each other.
Formula:
Break-even revenue = (Monthly app costs + Marketing) / (Platform commission % - Own app costs %)
⚠️ Note:
Many entrepreneurs forget marketing costs. Platforms bring customers - you have to acquire them yourself with your own app.
Realistic thresholds by revenue class
From analyzing actual purchasing data across different restaurant types, these patterns emerge consistently:
- €20,000/month: Platform usually cheaper
- €50,000/month: Turning point, depends on marketing budget
- €100,000/month: Own app often more profitable
- €200,000+/month: Own app almost always better
Hidden benefits of platforms
Platforms deliver more than just technology:
- Customer database: Millions of users already ordering
- Marketing: SEO, ads, promotions
- Customer service: Handling complaints and returns
- Seasonal promotions: Automatic participation in campaigns
💡 Hybrid approach:
Many successful restaurants combine both:
- Platform for new customers
- Own app for regular customers (lower costs)
- Loyalty program to migrate customers
Tracking delivery profitability
Food cost calculators help you determine exactly how much each order generates, including platform fees and packaging costs. This way you see per dish whether it remains profitable with 20-30% commission.
These tools also help optimize your menu for delivery: which dishes have the strongest margin after deducting all delivery costs?
How do you calculate the threshold for your own delivery app?
Calculate your current platform costs per month
Add up: commissions, platform marketing costs, extra packaging costs. This is your reference point.
Estimate the costs of your own app
Include development (depreciated over 3 years), hosting, payment processing, marketing and maintenance. Don't forget customer acquisition.
Calculate the break-even point
Divide the monthly app costs by the difference in commission percentage. This gives you the minimum revenue where your own app becomes more advantageous.
Test with a hybrid approach
Start with a simple website ordering page alongside the platform. This way you test demand for direct ordering without major investment.
✨ Pro tip
Calculate your customer acquisition cost over 6 months before building an app - if it exceeds €15 per customer, stick with platforms until you reach €80,000+ monthly revenue.
Calculate this yourself?
In the KitchenNmbrs app you can do this in just a few clicks. 7 days free, no credit card.
Was this article helpful?
Frequently asked questions
At what revenue does your own delivery app make sense?
Usually from €75,000-€100,000 monthly revenue, depending on your marketing budget. Below €50,000/month platforms are often cheaper.
What does it cost to develop a delivery app?
€15,000-€50,000 for development, plus €3,000-€8,000 monthly for maintenance, hosting and marketing. Budget at least €100,000 for the first year.
Can I attract customers from platforms to my own app?
Yes, but carefully. Use loyalty programs, discounts for direct orders and better service. Platforms prohibit direct referrals.
Do I have to completely abandon platforms with my own app?
No, hybrid often works better. Use platforms for new customers and your own app for regular customers you can serve more cheaply.
📚 Sources consulted
- EU Verordening 852/2004 — Levensmiddelenhygiëne (2004) — Official source
- EU Verordening 853/2004 — Hygiënevoorschriften voor levensmiddelen van dierlijke oorsprong (2004) — Official source
- EU Verordening 1169/2011 — Voedselinformatie aan consumenten (2011) — Official source
- NVWA — Hygiënecode voor de horeca (2024) — Official source
- NVWA — Allergenen in voedsel (2024) — Official source
- Codex Alimentarius — International Food Standards (2024) — Official source
- FSA — Safer food, better business (HACCP) (2024) — Official source
- BVL — Lebensmittelhygiene (HACCP) (2024) — Official source
- Warenwetbesluit Bereiding en behandeling van levensmiddelen (2024) — Official source
- WHO — Foodborne diseases estimates (2024) — Official source
Food Standards Agency (FSA) — https://www.food.gov.uk
The HACCP standards shown in this application are for informational purposes only. KitchenNmbrs does not guarantee that displayed values are current or complete. Always consult the FSA or your local authority for the latest regulations.
Written by
Jeffrey Smit
Founder & CEO of KitchenNmbrs
Jeffrey Smit built KitchenNmbrs from 8 years of hands-on experience as kitchen manager at 1NUL8 Group in Rotterdam. His mission: give every restaurant owner control over food cost.
Food cost control for delivery and dark kitchens
With delivery, margins are thinner than ever. KitchenNmbrs calculates your actual food cost including packaging so you know if every order is profitable. Test it free for 14 days.
Start free trial →