In today’s fast-paced digital world, food delivery is more convenient than ever. Diners can place an order with a few taps on their phone and expect their meal to arrive within minutes. But behind the scenes, food businesses are facing a growing challenge: balancing customer demand with the high fees and limitations of third-party delivery apps.
While these platforms offer visibility and access to a large customer base, they often take a significant cut from each sale, leaving restaurant owners with thinner margins and less control over their brand. And it’s not just restaurants that are grappling with these issues—online shopping companies of all types are realizing the value of owning an online ordering system.
Enter klikit. An all-in-one platform designed for food businesses, klikit empowers brands to sell directly to their customers through their own online ordering system. And in doing so, it offers valuable lessons for online shopping companies looking to grow sustainably.
The Third-Party Trap: Why Food Businesses Need an Exit Strategy
Third-party delivery apps have revolutionized how we order food, but they come at a cost. Most platforms charge steep commission fees per order, making it difficult for businesses to stay profitable. These fees can go from 15-30% per order, leaving little room for growth or innovation for the restaurant.
And it’s not just about the money. Relying solely on third-party apps means businesses don’t get access to crucial customer data—like email addresses or ordering preferences—that could help them build loyalty or tailor their offerings. On top of that, there’s limited control over the customer experience. From the way your menu looks to how your brand is presented, much of it is dictated by the platform.
Online shopping companies face similar challenges when they rely heavily on large marketplaces. These platforms can boost discoverability but often at the cost of brand autonomy and direct customer relationships. It’s a model that works—until it doesn’t.
That’s where klikit steps in.
klikit’s Webshop: Built for Food, Designed for Scale
klikit’s Webshop product allows food businesses to launch their own branded online store—without the overhead or complexity of traditional e-commerce solutions.
Branded Ordering Experience
With klikit Webshop, food businesses can design their digital storefront to reflect their unique brand. From logos and colors to custom product photos and upselling prompts, every element can be tailored.
This isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about customer trust and recognition. When diners order directly from your online ordering system, they know it’s you. They’re more likely to return, remember their experience, and spread the word.
One System, Multiple Channels
One of the standout features of klikit is how seamlessly it integrates all your sales channels. Whether orders are coming in from your online ordering system, chat apps, or other delivery platforms, they all appear in one easy-to-use dashboard.
No need to juggle multiple devices or train your staff on different systems. klikit works on any tablet and doesn’t require proprietary hardware, making it simple to plug into your existing operations.
This unified view not only reduces errors but also helps business owners make smarter decisions based on real-time data.
Built-in Automation
klikit takes automation seriously. Features like automated order confirmations, scheduled cutoffs, and CRM integrations make it easier to handle large volumes of orders without compromising on service.
Case Study: How ArmyNavy Reclaimed Its Online Ordering
Let’s take a real-world example. ArmyNavy, one of the Philippines’ most recognized fast-casual restaurant chains, was looking for a way to strengthen its direct-to-consumer sales. While already available on major food delivery platforms, they wanted more control over the experience and, importantly, their margins.
Using klikit, ArmyNavy launched their own online ordering system, allowing customers to order directly from over 250 of their locations nationwide.
The results? A 48% increase in direct sales and a substantial boost in profitability.
By cutting down their reliance on third-party platforms, ArmyNavy was able to:
- Offer better value to customers
- Control their brand messaging and design
- Collect valuable customer data to fuel retention campaigns
- Simplify operations across multiple locations
This transformation didn’t take months of development. klikit made the rollout quick and intuitive, with minimal disruption to day-to-day operations.
What Online Shopping Companies Can Learn from Food Brands Like ArmyNavy
If you’re in the business of selling online, whether it’s food or fashion, there’s a lot to learn from the way ArmyNavy approached its online ordering strategy.
Here are a few lessons:
1. Own Your Channels
Just like ArmyNavy shifted from relying solely on aggregators, online shopping companies should consider building direct channels to their customers. Having your own online ordering system or branded site gives you full control over the user journey—from the product page to the checkout process.
2. Streamline, Don’t Complicate
Running multiple channels shouldn’t mean managing multiple systems. klikit’s centralized dashboard shows how businesses can simplify operations and avoid inefficiencies.
3. Build Loyalty Through Data
Data is king. Third-party platforms rarely share customer details, but with your own system, you can track order history, send follow-ups, and build loyalty programs that actually work.
4. Be Agile
Whether you’re updating a menu item, running a flash sale, or launching a new product, having your own platform allows you to make changes on the fly. That flexibility is priceless.
How to Launch Your Own Online Ordering System for Your Restaurant
Building a branded online ordering system with klikit is easier than you think. In fact, many food businesses go live in just a few days.
Here’s what the process typically looks like:
- Sign up for a demo to experience klikit Webshop firsthand.
- Onboard with klikit—our team will help set up your menu and get your operations aligned.
- Customize your online ordering system with your branding, products, and pricing.
- Go live and start accepting orders through your own direct channel—while continuing to receive orders from other platforms.
No new hardware, no complicated integrations. Just one system that works.
Conclusion: Stop Renting, Start Owning
Third-party delivery apps have their place, especially for discoverability. But relying on them entirely means giving up a slice of every sale, along with the relationship you have with your customers.
With klikit’s online ordering system for restaurants, you get a smarter, more sustainable way to grow your brand—on your terms.
If you’re ready to stop paying high commissions and start building a direct connection with your customers, it’s time to launch your own online ordering system.
Ready to take control? Book a FREE demo with klikit today and start selling smarter!
