How to Set Up Online Ordering in Ireland With No Monthly Fee

Most online ordering platforms in Ireland charge a monthly subscription. Typically €50–€200/month depending on features. For a business just starting to build a direct ordering channel, that is a significant fixed cost before you have generated a single order through it.

The alternative: commission-only models where you pay nothing until you earn.

Why Monthly Fees Are Problematic for New Channels

When you are building a direct channel from scratch, you start with zero volume. You drive all traffic yourself — from social media, packaging inserts, word of mouth. In the early months, you might do €500–€1,500/month through direct ordering.

A €100/month platform fee on €1,000 in orders is 10% before commission. That makes the economics worse than Just Eat.

Commission-only flips this. You pay nothing until you earn. As your direct channel grows, costs grow proportionally. That is the right structure for a channel you are building incrementally.

What to Look For

Transparent total cost. Some platforms advertise "low commission" and add processing fees, service charges, and payout fees on top. Ask for the all-in cost per order.

No lock-in. If a platform wants a 12-month commitment, be cautious. Confidence in a product means easy exit.

Your own storefront URL. You should be able to link your ordering page directly from your website, Instagram, and Google Business Profile — not just appear on their marketplace.

Ownership of your customer data. Any platform that does not give you access to your own order history is using your customers to build their business, not yours.

Full features included. Menu management, order management, promo codes, and customer-facing ordering should all be included at the base level — not locked behind higher tiers.

What Setup Should Look Like

A modern commission-only ordering platform should take under an hour to go live:

1. Create account — business info, bank details for payouts

2. Build your menu — categories, items, prices, allergens

3. Set fulfilment options — collection, delivery radius, opening hours

4. Get your storefront link — share it immediately

5. Done

If setup requires a lengthy onboarding call, POS integration, or technical knowledge, it is built for enterprise. For Irish food businesses, simplicity is the feature.

How to Drive Your First Direct Orders

Quick wins (day one):

• Add your ordering link to your Instagram bio and Facebook page
• Include a direct ordering message on your packaging
• Tell regulars personally — "we do online orders now, here is the link"
• Add the link to your Google Business Profile

Within 30 days:

• Run a first-order promo exclusive to direct (10% off, free side)
• Ask loyal customers to switch their regular order

Within 90 days:

• Analyse what sells most and build bundles around it
• Start collecting emails at checkout for a basic customer list

VOID charges 5% on collection orders, no monthly fee, no setup cost, no contract. You get a full ordering storefront and instant payouts from day one.