Food delivery platforms solved a real problem — convenience. But at 25-35% commission per order, they're eroding restaurant margins. The solution isn't to abandon delivery — it's to make dine-in more rewarding.
The Commission Problem
A S$30 delivery order nets you S$20-22 after platform commission. That same customer dining in gives you the full S$30 plus potential upsells. Over a year, a regular who switches from delivery to dine-in can be worth S$500+ more in margin.
Make Dine-In Worth It
Exclusive Dine-In Rewards
Offer loyalty points and bonus credit only for dine-in transactions. Delivery customers get their food; dine-in customers get food plus rewards. Create a clear incentive gap.
Welcome-Back Credit
For customers you recognise from delivery data, offer a dine-in welcome bonus: "We noticed you love our laksa — visit us in person for S$5 credit on your first dine-in order."
The Experience Gap
Delivery can't replicate atmosphere, fresh plating, or the social experience. Play to these strengths — your dine-in experience should be noticeably better than eating the same food from a container at home.
Direct Ordering
For customers who genuinely want delivery, offer a direct ordering option with loyalty rewards. You save the platform commission and build a direct relationship.