How to take online orders for a takeaway.
A practical guide for UK takeaways: the two ways to take orders online, what each is good for, and how to get orders from screen to kitchen without the phone ringing off the hook.
Last updated: 18 September 2026
Two ways to take online orders
Marketplaces such as Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats list your menu in an app with a large audience of people looking for something to eat. They’re a strong way to be discovered by customers who’ve never heard of you, and they charge commission on each order for it.
Your own ordering app is a branded website and app that’s yours alone. Customers who already know your takeaway use it to order direct. There’s no commission on those orders, and you keep the customer relationship.
The two work well together: marketplaces bring new customers in, and your own app is where you invite them to order next time. See the full platform comparison for the details.
Setting up direct online ordering
1. Get your menu online
Your menu, prices and options need to be laid out clearly so customers can order without calling. Sizes, extras and allergen information should all be captured up front, so the kitchen receives an order it can make without a follow-up call.
2. Take payment online
Taking card payment at the point of ordering means fewer no-shows and no cash to chase at the door. Our system uses Stripe for payments; Stripe’s standard processing fees apply on top of the subscription.
3. Get orders into the kitchen
Orders should print straight to a kitchen printer as they come in, so staff aren’t watching a tablet or re-keying orders from different apps. A printer is included with our system.
4. Tell your customers
A direct app only works if customers know about it. Put it on flyers, bags, table talkers and stickers, and tell regulars when they call. Printed marketing materials are included with our system, and most takeaways are live within 5 days of signing up and connecting Stripe.
What it costs
Ours is a flat £49.95 a month with no commission and no fixed-term contract. To see how that compares with commission on your own sales, use the takeaway commission calculator guide or read more about the takeaway online ordering system.