The answer is yes—but only if you have a plan. You cannot simply flip the switch. You need a "migration strategy." Here is your step-by-step guide on how to switch from DoorDash/Uber Eats to direct online ordering in 2026.

Step 1: Secure Your Platform (The "Lifeboat")

Before you cancel anything, you need a robust commission-free food delivery platform ready to go.

• It must be mobile-friendly.

• It must accept Apple Pay/Google Pay (friction kills sales).

• Town Software is built specifically for this, offering a flat fee structure rather than a percentage skim.

Step 2: The "Trojan Horse" Marketing Technique

Don't quit the apps yet. Use them to steal your customers back.

• The Bag Stuffer: Every time you send out a DoorDash order, staple a flyer to the bag.

  • Text: "Paid $6.99 for delivery? Order direct next time at [https://www.google.com/search?q=YourWebsite.com] and save fees."

• The QR Code: Print a QR code on your receipts that links directly to your commission-free ordering page.

Step 3: Incentivize the Switch

Customers are lazy. You need to give them a reason to change their habit.

• Loyalty Incentives: "Order direct and get every 10th pizza free." (Uber Eats can't do this).

• Exclusive Menu Items: Make your most popular or special items "Direct Order Only."

• Better Pricing: If you mark up your menu prices on Uber Eats by 20-30% (which you should), advertise that your website has "The Lowest Prices Guaranteed."

Step 4: The Cut-Off

Once your direct orders reach 30-40% of your total volume, it's time to downgrade your third-party plans. Drop from the "Premium" 30% tier to the "Lite" 15% tier. You use them only for lead generation, not for your core business.

Success Metric: Your goal isn't to kill third-party apps entirely; it's to reduce them from 80% of your business to 10%, drastically reducing commission costs.