How do I get more people to visit my new café?
Get found first, then give people a reason to try you. Set up your Google Business Profile before opening, post opening reels of your food and space, run small Instagram ads…
Can I take direct online orders and avoid Zomato and Swiggy commission?
Quick answer
Yes, you can take orders directly through your own website, a WhatsApp ordering link or a white-label ordering app, and keep the full bill instead of paying aggregator commission. You will need online payments, a delivery plan (your own riders or a delivery partner) and a reason for customers to switch, such as a small direct-order discount or free item.
Options for direct ordering
- Ordering page on your website: menu, cart and online payment.
- WhatsApp ordering: a catalogue and order flow on WhatsApp Business.
- White-label ordering software: a monthly subscription that gives you a branded ordering site.
What you need to sort out
- Payments: UPI and card payments through a payment gateway.
- Delivery: your own riders, or on-demand delivery partners for each order.
- Order handling: a printer or tablet so orders don’t get missed in the rush.
How to move customers off the apps
- Put a card in every delivery bag: “Order direct and get 10% off”.
- Share the ordering link on Google Business Profile and Instagram.
- Offer a loyalty reward for every fifth direct order.
Be realistic
Direct ordering works best for regulars in your delivery area. Keep the aggregators for new customers while direct orders grow.
Work out your saving
Take last month’s app commission from your payout statement. If even a fifth of those orders moved to direct ordering, that saving could cover the software and delivery costs. Check the number before investing in a custom ordering site.
| Option | Setup effort | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp ordering | Low | Small menus, regular customers |
| Ordering software subscription | Medium | Busy restaurants and cloud kitchens |
| Custom ordering website | Higher; budget like an online store | Chains and brands |
Key numbers
E-commerce websites in India typically cost ₹50,000–₹2,50,000 to build.
Pointersoft, Website Designing Cost in India 2026
Key takeaways
- Direct orders keep the full bill amount.
- Plan payments and delivery before launching.
- Use bag inserts and offers to move regulars.
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