If you want to offer delivery without handing 25–30% to an aggregator, you have two real options: run your own drivers, or plug in a third-party courier service that delivers under your brand. Each has a very different cost shape and a different set of headaches. Here's how to work out which is cheaper for your restaurant.
Quick answer
Your own drivers are usually cheaper per order at steady volume and give you full control, but carry fixed costs (wages, vehicles, insurance) and management overhead. Third-party couriers (delivery-as-a-service) cost a few pounds per drop with no fleet to run — better for variable or low volume and longer distances. Many venues do both: own drivers nearby, couriers for the edges.
Option 1: your own drivers
Pros: at consistent volume the cost per order is typically lower; you control the experience end-to-end (timing, presentation, the customer relationship); and there's no per-order cut to anyone.
Cons: the costs are mostly fixed — wages whether it's busy or not, vehicles, fuel, insurance and the right cover for business use — plus the management of rotas, no-shows and breakdowns. Your radius is limited by how far a driver can go and come back.
Option 2: third-party couriers (delivery-as-a-service)
Services like courier-on-demand networks deliver your orders under your brand for a fee per delivery — you're buying the driver, not the customer. Pros: no fleet to own or manage, costs scale with orders (you only pay when you deliver), and you can reach further. Cons: a per-drop fee that eats into margin on small baskets, less control over the last mile, and availability that can wobble at peak.
A simple way to compare
| Factor | Own drivers | Third-party courier |
|---|---|---|
| Cost shape | Mostly fixed (wages, vehicles) | Variable (per drop) |
| Best at | Steady, predictable volume | Variable or low volume |
| Radius | Limited (round trips) | Wider |
| Control | Full | Partial |
| Overhead | You manage it | Minimal |
The honest answer depends on your numbers: estimate deliveries per shift, the all-in cost of a driver-hour, and the courier fee per drop, then see which wins at your volume — our free delivery profit calculator does the maths per order. Don't forget to set sensible delivery fees and minimum order values so small orders don't lose money either way.
The hybrid most venues land on
Run your own driver(s) for the dense area close to you where round trips are quick, and use a courier for the longer or overflow drops that would tie a driver up. Define it cleanly with delivery zones: near zones to your own team, far zones to a courier (or off entirely).
How VoiceMenu helps
VoiceMenu lets you set your own mileage-based delivery zones, time slots and fees, with a driver screen for your own team — and the flexibility to handle the edges differently. It's commission-free ordering either way. See the takeaway plans or read about managing delivery zones.
Sources
- Cost comparison reflects general UK delivery economics; per-drop courier fees and driver costs vary by area, distance and provider — model your own numbers.
- Aggregator commission context — our 2026 commission guide.
