A DARLINGTON restaurant and takeaway manager has urged customers to order directly from the restaurant, rather than using apps such as Just Eat and Deliveroo.
Like many local businesses, Akbar The Great on Bondgate in Darlington, has felt the squeeze in the last two years because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
As the restaurant could not open to welcome diners during lockdowns, the business relied solely on takeaway orders, so manager Abu Raihan decided to utilise apps including Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats.
But the family-run business is now urging customers to ditch the apps and order directly by calling the restaurant or via the Facebook page.
Read more: What Darlington's Guru Boutique did for its 50th anniversary to raise money for Ukraine
In a Facebook post, the restaurant gave a breakdown of the commission charged per order from these apps.
The post revealed that Just Eat take a 14 per cent commission charge, Deliveroo take 13 per cent and Uber Eats take 11 per cent.
The substantial commission charges came as a shock to some Darlington curry-lovers, who reacted on Facebook.
Carl Liddle said: “Wow shocking commission charges.”
Marilyn Moore said: “Had no idea, will change our ways!”
Aneka Jones said: “Wow had no idea looks like bank transfer from now on.”
Gemma Taylor said: “OMG I will call in future.”
Read more: The Darlington primary school teacher who keeps winning trophies with his beloved dog
Mr Raihan said: “We will probably come off these apps eventually because they take so much (commission).
“We need to survive. Help us survive. It’s hard for small businesses to compete.
“The apps promote the big brands, the multi-national brands, not us small restaurants. If people order direct, it helps us so much more.”
This comes as trade unions and workers called for a boycott of Just Eat last month for Valentine’s Day, in support of couriers striking over a pay cut.
Read more: The Skapones to headline at charity gig in aid of Ukraine at The Forum in Darlington
Although Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats took big commission charges, other apps including Darlo Eats, OrderYoyo and Chef Online also took substantial cuts.
Last month in Colchester, Just Eat, Uber Eats, and Deliveroo workers serving households throughout the borough held their employers to ransom in a bid to evoke urgent change.
They were calling on the fast-food juggernauts to increase their wages in line with the rate of inflation and soaring petrol prices and to stop over-saturating the workforce.
More small businesses continue to urge customers to cut out the middleman and ensure that 100 per cent of the payment goes to restaurant/takeaway rather than to these apps.
Read more: Hartlepool United steward injured as three men arrested at Bradford City match
A Just Eat spokesperson said: “Just Eat is only successful if our restaurant partners are successful. Our commission rates remain competitive, and despite rising external costs, our rates for marketplace restaurants have not changed for the last four years.
“We believe our commission rates are aligned with the value we provide to our partners and we have a track record of helping restaurants prosper. We're committed to adding value to our partners’ businesses on a daily basis, and many grow and flourish through working with Just Eat.”
An Uber Eats spokesperson said: “At Uber Eats we are proud to support restaurants across the country reach new customers and grow their businesses. Commissions cover a wide range of essential services for restaurants from processing payments to supporting couriers, as well as providing dedicated customer support.”
The Northern Echo approached Deliveroo for comment but did not receive a response.
--
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated Darlington Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel