Talabat/HungerStation or my own ordering site, which is better?
By the Menuthere editorial team · Updated
It is not a straight either/or: the app brings discovery and new customers for roughly 15% to 25% commission per order, while your own site keeps repeat customers at 0% for a flat monthly fee. Usually the best answer is both: keep the app for discovery, and move repeat orders to your own site, QR codes and WhatsApp. With Menuthere you start on the Free plan at $0.
- The app puts you in front of new customers, but takes roughly 15%–25% of each order in Saudi Arabia (2026 reports).
- Your own site doesn't bring discovery on its own, but keeps repeat orders at 0%.
- The practical question isn't 'which' but 'when': the app for discovery, your channel for loyalty.
- Menuthere is 0% commission on every plan, and starting is free (Free at $0, 50 orders a month).
- Paid plans (Lite $17/month, Pro $39/month) add your domain, online payments and WhatsApp on your own number.
Take both: discovery from the app, loyalty from your site
Menuthere gives you an ordering site, QR codes and WhatsApp on your own number at 0% commission, so you keep the repeat customers who first found you on the app. Payments go straight to your account.
What is each one best at?
The app is best at discovery: millions of users browse restaurants and may find you without knowing you. But it takes a cut of every order and owns the customer relationship. Your own site is best at retention: a customer who tried you once reorders from your link with no commission, and you own their data and contact. The practical rule: pay commission for discovery only, not on a customer who already knows you.
| Delivery app | Your own site | |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery | Strong: new customers | Limited: you bring them |
| Cost | 15%–25% per order (approx.) | Flat monthly fee, 0% per order |
| Who owns the customer | The app | You |
| Best for | Winning new customers | Keeping repeat ones |
How do I use both together?
Keep the app live for discovery, then give every customer a reason to return through your channel. Put a QR code and link on the receipt and packaging, ask for a direct WhatsApp order next time, and offer a deal or loyalty points for direct orders. Over time, repeat orders move to your channel at 0% while the app keeps bringing new ones.
- A QR code and link on the receipt and packaging.
- A WhatsApp message for a direct order next time.
- A loyalty program or a direct-order-only offer.
When should I rely on the app less?
When a large share of your orders is repeat business from the same customers. At that point, the commission you pay on a customer who already knows you is a pure loss you can move to your channel. Don't drop the app suddenly; reduce your reliance gradually as direct orders grow. See also how to stop paying delivery-app commission.
Who this is a good fit for
- A Gulf restaurant that relies on the apps and wants to cut commission without losing discovery.
- Owners who can move app customers to their own channel via QR, packaging and WhatsApp.
- Those with enough repeat customers to cover a flat plan fee.
Who this is not for
- A brand-new place with no customer base: start with the app for discovery and build your channel alongside.
- Owners who rely entirely on app discovery and can't move customers to their own link.
Common follow-up questions
How much is Talabat or HungerStation commission?
The apps don't publish their rates; each is set in a restaurant's contract. 2026 reports put HungerStation in Saudi Arabia at roughly 15% to 25%. Check your contract for your rate.
Will I lose customers if I leave the app?
You may lose the discovery the app brings, so leaving suddenly isn't advised. Better to keep it for discovery and move repeat customers to your own channel at 0% gradually.
What does my own site cost?
The Free plan starts at $0 (50 orders a month, a site and QR codes). Paid plans Lite $17/month and Pro $39/month add your domain, online payments and WhatsApp, always at 0% commission.
Read next
Sources (3)
- Delivery platform commissions in Saudi Arabia (15–25%), Flow, read 25 October 2026
- Delivery-app commission comparison (HungerStation 23%, 18% average), Al Eqtisadiah, 25 November 2022
- Menuthere pricing — 0% commission on every plan, Menuthere, read 25 October 2026