Updated November 2026.
Many ordering systems call themselves "commission-free". The question is what exactly is free. This guide shows how the pricing models work, which costs remain, and at what online sales level a flat fee pays off. With real numbers from our own price list.
The short answer
- A commission-free online ordering system usually charges a fixed monthly fee. You then pay no percentage per order to the software provider.
- Card payments usually still carry a fee. It goes to payment processing, not to the ordering system.
- With low online sales, a percentage model is often cheaper. With high sales, the flat fee wins.
- A delivery marketplace brings new guests. Your own ordering page serves regulars without marketplace commission. Many restaurants use both.
Three ways to pay for online orders
| Model | How you pay | Fits when |
|---|---|---|
| Marketplace (for example DoorDash, Uber Eats, Lieferando) | Commission per order as set in your contract, often by service level (listing only or with delivery) | You want new guests from the platform |
| Own ordering system, percentage fee | A share of the online order total, often with a monthly minimum | You are just starting online |
| Own ordering system, flat fee | Fixed monthly fee, 0% commission on direct orders | Your online orders are steady |
Your marketplace commission is in your contract. Use that rate for every calculation. Promotions and add-on services on the platform often come on top.
What still costs money when there is "no commission"
- Online card payments. Online card payments usually carry a processing fee. With Fleksa in the US it is Stripe’s standard rate with no markup: 2.9% + 30¢ per online card payment. Cash on pickup or delivery has no processing fee.
- Delivery. If you deliver yourself, you pay drivers and vehicles. A delivery partner usually charges per delivery.
- Setup. Menu, photos, delivery zones and printers need to be set up once.
- POS connection. Check whether online orders go straight into your POS and kitchen, or need a separate tablet.
- Marketing. Nobody finds your ordering page by accident. You need your Google Business Profile, flyers, table QR codes and a link on every receipt.
Ask every provider about all five points in writing. Only then can you compare offers.
Worked example: percentage or flat fee?
Fleksa has two plans with the same eight tools (website, online ordering, reservations, POS, kitchen display, QR ordering, loyalty, marketing).
- Flex: 10% of eligible online orders plus $0.50 per reservation, at least $49 a month. Eligible orders are orders on your website and through Google. In-store POS orders cost 0%, QR orders only the card fee.
- Fix: $199 a month, 0% Fleksa commission, no fee per reservation.
| Eligible online sales per month (base fee only) | Flex | Fix | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| $400 | $49 (minimum) | $199 | Flex |
| $1,000 | $100 | $199 | Flex |
| $1,990 | $199 | $199 | same |
| $3,000 | $300 | $199 | Fix |
| $5,000 | $500 | $199 | Fix |
The table compares base plan fees only, with no reservations, card fees, hardware or add-ons. The break-even is $199 ÷ 10% = $1,990 in eligible online sales a month. Below it Flex is cheaper, above it Fix. Each reservation adds $0.50 to the Flex calculation, so with many bookings Fix pays off sooner. If you need the integration pass, which Fix includes and Flex charges extra for, Fix also pays off sooner. Prices exclude sales tax.
For a fair comparison, use the same sales and the same assumptions for both channels: for the marketplace, the commission in your contract plus other fees and promotions; for your own system, the plan fee plus card fees, delivery and any add-ons you need.
Use a marketplace and your own ordering page together
A marketplace and your own ordering page do different jobs. On the marketplace, new guests discover you. Guests who already know you can order from you directly. A practical routine:
- Stay on the marketplace while it brings new guests.
- Put a flyer with a QR code to your own ordering page in every bag.
- Add the ordering link to your Google Business Profile.
- Check every month how many orders come through each channel and what each channel costs.
For the full comparison, see Fleksa vs DoorDash and Fleksa vs Uber Eats.
Checklist for choosing a provider
- What is the commission on direct orders? Is it 0% for all orders or only some?
- Is there a monthly minimum?
- What does an online card payment cost?
- Do you own the guest data (email, order history)?
- Do online orders go straight into your POS and kitchen?
- How long is the contract, and how do you cancel?
More on online ordering fees: Restaurant online ordering fees in 2026. How the ordering system works: Fleksa online ordering system.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an online ordering system with no costs at all?
Some providers have free starter plans. Then check the fees per order, for payments and for add-on features. Most providers pass on a card processing fee.
Is "commission-free" always cheaper?
No. With low online sales, a percentage model is often cheaper than a fixed fee. With Fleksa the line is at $1,990 in eligible online sales a month, counting base fees only and no reservations.
Can I use a delivery marketplace and my own ordering system at the same time?
Yes. Many restaurants use the marketplace for new guests and their own page for regulars. Decide how your team handles orders from both channels.
What does Fleksa cost?
Flex is 10% of eligible online orders plus $0.50 per reservation, or $49 a month if that sum is lower. Fix is $199 a month with 0% Fleksa commission. Details on Plans and prices.