Lieferando commission vs. your own webshop: What is your delivery service really costing you?

What does Lieferando really cost? All costs at a glance

The costs associated with Lieferando consist of more than just the well-known commission per order. While that is the largest expense, depending on your contract and visibility strategy, other costs may also apply.

As a rule, the commission per order is around 23 to 30 percent of the order value. On top of this, there may be optional additional costs for premium listings or in-app advertisements if you want to increase your visibility on the platform. Payment processing fees are usually already included in the commission, but they don't change the fundamental problem: With every single order, your costs increase as well. This means that while your channel generates more revenue, it simultaneously becomes more expensive.

A simple calculation shows how quickly this adds up: With 90 orders per month, an average ticket size of 22 euros, and a 27 percent commission, you are already looking at monthly costs of 534.60 euros. Over the course of a year, that adds up to 6,415.20 euros taken directly from your revenue—even before you have paid for ingredients, staff, or rent.

How much does your own webshop cost?

Your own restaurant webshop operates on a completely different cost model than Lieferando. Instead of giving up a percentage of every order, with a solution like SIDES, you generally pay a fixed monthly software fee, regardless of how many orders come in through your shop. There is no additional commission on orders. Only standard payment processing fees, such as those for credit cards or digital payment methods, still apply.

The big difference, therefore, lies in scalability: While platform costs continue to rise with every order, the costs for your own webshop remain predictable. As a rule, the more direct orders you generate, the more your margins improve. This is exactly why the following cost comparison using the webshop calculator is so useful. It shows you exactly at what order volume your own channel becomes clearly profitable.

A direct comparison: Lieferando commission vs. your own webshop

Which option makes more economic sense for your business depends primarily on your order volume, your average ticket size, and your current commission rate. That is exactly why it is worth looking at the concrete numbers rather than relying on general assumptions.

With our webshop calculator, you can calculate your individual cost comparison in just a few seconds. Enter your order numbers and see immediately what Lieferando costs you each month and how much you would save with your own channel.

When Lieferando still makes sense

Lieferando is not inherently bad. There are good reasons to use the platform:

• You want to acquire new customers: Lieferando has a huge user base. If you are looking to gain visibility in a new city or neighborhood, Lieferando can be a channel for new customers, even if the commission is high.‍
• You are new and still unknown: As a new brand, you benefit from the platform's organic reach without having to do your own marketing.‍
• You operate a ghost kitchen without your own marketing: If you don't have your own target audience, you use Lieferando for distribution.

When your own webshop is the better choice

• You have an existing customer base: When guests already know and love you, they want to order directly from you. They just need an easy way to do it.
• ‍Your commission costs exceed €400/month: From this amount on, a webshop is almost always more profitable than the platform.‍
• You want to use customer data for marketing: Email newsletters, push notifications, loyalty programs—all of this only works if you own the customer data.‍
• You want to build a brand: On Lieferando, you are one of many. With your own ordering page, you are the brand.

The smart restaurateur's strategy: The hybrid model

Most successful SIDES customers use both channels — but with a clear strategy:

Lieferando: For new customer acquisition and brand awareness
SIDES webshop: For loyal customers and repeat orders

The trick: New Lieferando customers are migrated to your own webshop using promotions (e.g., "Order directly next time and save 10%").
The result: Your commission costs decrease step by step while your customer base grows.

How shizoo increased its share of commission-free orders

Shizoo is one of the best examples of a successful transition:

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"With the SIDES webshop, we have specifically activated loyal customers and gradually shifted more orders to our own channel. The commission we used to pay is now our growth budget."

Frank Kleine, Managing Director of shizoo

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Step-by-step: How to build your own ordering channel

Step 1: Use the calculator: Understand what you are paying monthly and how much you can save.‍

Step 2: Book a demo: See how the SIDES webshop integrates with your POS system.‍

Step 3: Set up your webshop: The onboarding team handles everything: menu, design, and payment integration.‍

Step 4: Migrate customers: Promo codes on receipts, social media, and Lieferando packaging.‍

Step 5: Gradually reduce Lieferando commission and share: You set the pace. No need for a clean break.

Conclusion: More control, less commission

Lieferando provides reach—but it also comes with ongoing commission costs. Having your own webshop gives you the opportunity to process orders more profitably, use customer data yourself, and become less dependent on platforms in the long run. If the numbers work for your business, your own webshop can be a key lever for higher margins and sustainable growth.

Frequently asked questions about Lieferando commission

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Exactly how high is the Lieferando commission?

The Lieferando commission varies between 23% and 30%, depending on your contract and location. The exact rate is stated in your contract with Lieferando. Use our calculator with your actual percentage for an accurate calculation.

Can I run Lieferando and my own webshop in parallel?

Yes. SIDES integrates Lieferando, Wolt, and UberEats into your POS system. Orders from all channels appear in one overview. You can operate both channels simultaneously.

What happens to my regular Lieferando customers?

They can continue to order via Lieferando. But now you have the opportunity to shift them to your own channel using promotions—and collect customer data.

Do I have to do my own marketing for my webshop?

For the initial launch, yes. You need to inform customers that there is a dedicated ordering link. In practice, a sign, a QR code on the packaging, and a mention on social media are often enough.

Do I need my own app?

No, it is not strictly necessary. Your customers can also order directly on their smartphones via the mobile-optimized SIDES ordering website without having to download anything. However, an app is still useful because it keeps you present directly on your customers' phones, allowing you to send push notifications and strengthen customer loyalty.

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