Third-party delivery platforms are online marketplaces, such as Uber Eats, DoorDash and Menulog, where customers browse many venues, order and have food delivered by the platform's drivers. The venue pays commission and sometimes other fees on each order.
A venue lists its menu on the platform, and orders arrive on a tablet or, with an integration, directly in the POS and kitchen display. Integration sends orders into the same workflow as in-store sales and can sync menu, pricing and item availability. Without it, staff re-key orders by hand.
They give venues reach and delivery without running their own drivers, so QSRs, cafes and restaurants use them to find new customers and fill quiet periods. Many venues also run their own direct online ordering to keep a bigger share of margin and own the customer relationship.
Watch the real economics. Commission, promotion costs and menu markups all affect profit, and the customer data usually stays with the platform. Check menu accuracy, packaging that survives travel, prep-time settings and how refunds and disputes are handled. Review terms periodically, since fees and rules change.
The best approach is usually a mix of marketplace and direct orders. RetailCare supplies POS systems such as Restroworks and VenueSumo and handles integration to online ordering channels.