Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats commission: what UK takeaways pay
Delivery apps bring orders, and they take a share of every one. How big that share is depends on your plan, who delivers and what you agreed when you signed. This guide explains the commonly reported ranges and, more importantly, how to work out what you really pay.
What the commission usually is
The apps do not publish one fixed rate. Industry write-ups commonly quote ranges of roughly 14% to 35% depending on the platform, the plan and whether you or the app handles delivery, with the lower end usually for self-delivery or collection plans. Treat those as a guide only. The number that matters is on your own contract and weekly statement, which also shows any extra fees such as marketing, service or card fees.
Check your partner portal or account manager for the current rate card. Rates and plans change.
Deliveroo commission: what to check on your statement
Deliveroo commission is not one fixed figure either. It depends on the plan you chose, whether Deliveroo riders or your own drivers deliver, and any extras on your agreement. When you read a Deliveroo statement, look for:
- the commission percentage and which plan it belongs to
- separate service, marketing or card fees that sit on top
- deductions for refunds and missing items
- the net payout per order, which is the figure that matters
Do the same for Just Eat and Uber Eats and compare net payouts on the same size of order. A lower headline percentage can still pay you less once fees are added.
How to compare the three apps
- Plan type: marketplace with the app's riders, or you deliver yourself
- Fees on top of commission: service, marketing, payment and any joining fee
- Contract: length, notice period and exclusivity
- Payout timing: weekly or fortnightly, and how refunds are handled
- Ratings and menu rules: poor accuracy costs visibility
What it means on a single order
Worked example (assumptions in bold)
On a £20 order at 30% commission, the app keeps £6 and you receive £14, before ingredients, packaging, staff and delivery costs.
If your food and packaging cost 35% of the sale (£7), what is left to pay wages, rent and profit is £7.
That is why many takeaways find that a busy app night feels profitable but leaves little in the bank.
Five ways to keep more of each order
- Move repeat customers to direct ordering. Customers who already know you do not need an app to find you. See whether you need your own ordering website.
- Offer collection. Collection orders avoid delivery fees and are often on lower-commission plans.
- Print your ordering link and QR code. Put it on every bag, menu, flyer and receipt.
- Use SMS for repeat orders. A short text to customers who have agreed to hear from you costs pennies. Read the rules for takeaway SMS marketing first.
- Keep your app menus accurate. Wrong prices, missing items and cancelled orders cost you ratings and money.
We also cover this in detail in How UK takeaways can cut delivery-app commission with direct ordering.
Should you leave the apps?
For most takeaways the answer is no. The apps are a shop window and bring new customers. The aim is to use them for discovery and then bring those customers back to order direct where they are happy to.
Want to see what direct ordering would save you?
The calculator gives an estimate based on the figures you enter.
Frequently asked questions
What commission does Deliveroo charge?
There is no single published figure. It depends on your plan and delivery arrangement, so check your own agreement and statements. The net payout per order is the number to compare.
What is the average Just Eat commission?
There is no single published figure. Commonly reported ranges are lower than for the other big apps, especially if you deliver yourself, but your own contract and statement show your actual rate.
Is Uber Eats commission different from Deliveroo?
Yes, rates, plans and fees differ and change over time. Compare the net amount you receive per order on your statements rather than the headline percentage.
Can I negotiate commission?
Sometimes, especially for higher volumes or a plan change such as self-delivery. It is worth asking your account manager.