> Quick answer: Choosing between an in‑house driver team and marketplace couriers depends on control, cost structure, and operational capacity. This guide breaks down the trade‑offs and shows how a commission‑free ordering platform can support either model.
> Quick answer: Choosing between an in‑house driver team and marketplace couriers depends on control, cost structure, and operational capacity. This guide breaks down the trade‑offs and shows how a commission‑free ordering platform can support either model.
Restaurants in Canada and the USA typically face two paths for getting food to customers. One path is to hire, schedule, and manage a dedicated driver fleet. The other is to rely on third‑party marketplace couriers that are dispatched through apps such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, SkipTheDishes, and Grubhub. Each model influences brand experience, data ownership, and the ability to scale during peak periods.
Control over the guest experience – Your drivers wear your uniform, follow your service standards, and can carry branded packaging. This consistency reinforces brand loyalty.
Direct access to customer data – When you manage delivery, you capture order history, contact details, and feedback without an intermediary. That data fuels loyalty programs, win‑back campaigns, and targeted promotions.
Fixed cost structure – Labor, insurance, vehicle maintenance, and fuel become predictable line items. You avoid per‑order commissions that fluctuate with volume.
Operational burden – Recruiting, training, scheduling, and compliance with local labor laws require dedicated management time. Peak‑hour coverage can be challenging without a large pool.
Geographic limits – An in‑house fleet is practical only within a reasonable radius. Expanding beyond that radius adds cost and complexity.
Instant scale – Marketplace networks provide drivers on demand across wide zones. You can accept orders from neighborhoods you could not serve otherwise.
No hiring overhead – The platform handles driver recruitment, background checks, and insurance. You pay a commission per order instead of fixed labor costs.
Reduced control – Couriers represent the marketplace, not your brand. Packaging, communication, and timing may vary.
Data sharing – Customer contact information often stays with the platform, limiting your ability to market directly.
Commission per order – Each transaction carries a fee that can erode margins, especially on low‑ticket orders. Understanding the exact rate requires reviewing your marketplace statements or contract.
AIOrders provides a commission‑free online ordering system for restaurants in Canada and the USA. Flat‑monthly plans come with 0% order fees, no setup fee, and no long‑term contract. The platform lets you:
Live in 14 days or your money back.
For a deeper look at marketplace fee structures, see our breakdown of DoorDash fees for restaurants.
Should my restaurant use its own drivers? If you have consistent order density, value brand control, and can manage driver logistics, an in‑house fleet often yields better margins and richer customer data.
Can I offer delivery without a marketplace? Yes. A direct ordering site combined with your own drivers or a third‑party logistics partner like Uber Direct lets you serve customers without listing on a marketplace.
What should I check before starting delivery? Review your order volume patterns, average ticket size, labor capacity, insurance requirements, and the commission terms in any marketplace agreements you already have.
Book a demo to see how a commission‑free platform can unify your direct and marketplace orders while giving you the flexibility to choose the delivery model that fits your business.