WhatsApp for Restaurants: Direct Orders, Bookings and Returning Customers Without Commissions
How restaurants use WhatsApp for orders and table bookings and move regulars to direct ordering, plus a calculator for delivery app commissions.
Restaurants use WhatsApp to take direct orders, book tables, answer menu questions and move regular customers from delivery apps to direct ordering. Delivery apps bring in new customers, but at a commission that can reach 15 to 25% in Saudi Arabia, while direct ordering saves that and gives you the customer's data.
01How much are you paying the apps?
Delivery apps are an excellent way to bring in new customers, but a customer who orders from you every week does not need a middleman. Do the math:
Some delivery apps in Saudi Arabia charge commissions of 15 to 25% depending on the agreement, and they may be lower for large chains.
02How do you move customers to direct ordering?
- Put a small card in every order: "Order direct and get [Perk]", with a WhatsApp QR code.
- A WhatsApp button on your Google Maps profile.
- A menu inside the chat and ordering in a minute.
- A real perk for ordering direct: free delivery or an extra item.
- A message to regular customers before their usual lunch or dinner time.
03An AI agent that takes the order
The agent knows the menu, prices and delivery areas, collects the order and address, and sends it to the kitchen. At peak times it never misses an order or leaves a customer waiting.
04Table bookings
05The customer data is yours
On the apps, the customer belongs to the app. With direct ordering, you know what they order, when and how much they spend, so you know whom to win back and whom to reward.
Key takeaways
- Use apps to bring in new customers, and direct ordering for regulars.
- App commissions can eat a large share of your profit.
- An AI agent takes the order and address at peak times.
- Direct ordering gives you your customers' data.
Frequently asked questions
Should I leave the delivery apps?
No, they are a channel for bringing in new customers. The goal is to move regular customers to direct ordering.
Does the agent send the order to the kitchen?
It records the order and notifies the team. Ask the Modeer 360 team about connecting your point-of-sale system.
What about delivery?
You need your own drivers or a delivery company. Compare that cost with the commission.
- #Restaurant orders on WhatsApp
- #WhatsApp table booking
- #Delivery app commissions
- #Direct ordering