Cancel Lieferando 2026: Switch to Your Own Ordering System in 7 Steps

Do you pay hundreds or even thousands of euros to Lieferando every month? Then you’re like 80% of German restaurants wondering: “Is this even worth it anymore?” The good news: Switching to your own ordering system is easier than you think and often pays for itself within just a few months.

In this article, we’ll show you step by step how to free yourself from high commissions while regaining full control over your customers. With concrete calculation examples, a free cancellation template, and a proven switching strategy.

Why more and more restaurants are turning their backs on Lieferando

The numbers speak clearly: Lieferando charges between 15% and 30% commission on every order value. For a restaurant with €10,000 monthly delivery revenue, this means:

At 15% commission: €1,500 monthly = €18,000 annually
At 25% commission: €2,500 monthly = €30,000 annually
At 30% commission: €3,000 monthly = €36,000 annually

You could invest these sums instead in better ingredients, employee wages, or modernizing your restaurant.

Real example: Marco Rossi, operator of “Pizzeria Bella Vista” in Munich, paid €1,800 monthly to Lieferando. After switching to his own system with a €299 flat rate, he now saves over €18,000 per year. “That was the best business decision of recent years,” he tells us.

But it’s not just about money. With Lieferando you also lose:

Your customer data (names, addresses, order history)
Direct customer relationships (no newsletter, no own promotions)
Control over the customer experience (design, communication, service)

The hidden costs of Lieferando that many overlook

The basic commission is just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s the complete cost breakdown that many restaurant owners overlook:

Additional fees at Lieferando:

Marketing fees: 2-5% extra for advertising spots
Premium placement: €50-200 monthly for better visibility
Minimum order bypass: Additional fees for small orders
Payment processing: Extra costs for certain payment methods

12-month cost comparison (restaurant with €8,000 monthly delivery revenue):

Cost type	Lieferando (20% commission)	Own system (flat rate)
Basic fee	€19,200	€3,588
Marketing fees	€960	€0
Premium placement	€1,200	€0
Total costs	€21,360	€3,588
Savings	-	€17,772

These figures show: From a monthly delivery revenue of €2,000, the switch almost always pays off financially.

Step-by-step: How to cancel Lieferando correctly

Exiting Lieferando requires strategic planning. Here’s the 7-step guide:

Step 1: Check cancellation periods

Standard cancellation period: 3 months to contract end
Special termination right: Often 4 weeks for price increases
Check contract: Read all conditions carefully

Step 2: Prepare new system

Start parallel to cancellation with setting up your own ordering system. Setup time is usually 2-14 days depending on provider.

Step 3: Formulate cancellation

Sample cancellation letter:

Subject: Cancellation of Partner Agreement - Restaurant [Your Name]

Dear Sir or Madam,

I hereby terminate the existing partner agreement for my restaurant “[Restaurant name]” (Partner ID: [Your ID]) with proper notice to [Date].

Please confirm receipt of this cancellation and the contract end in writing.

Sincerely [Signature]

Step 4-7: Plan transition strategy

Cancellation checklist:

Building your own ordering system: What you really need

A professional ordering system doesn’t need much – but the right things. Here are the must-have features:

Technical requirements:

Responsive website/app for all devices
Integration with your POS system (automatic order transfer)
Payment processing (PayPal, credit card, SEPA)
Delivery area management with automatic address verification
Order time management (automatic on/off switching)

Secure customer data storage on German servers
Cookie banner and privacy policy automatically integrated
Deletion functions for customer data

Setup time for different systems:

Modern all-in-one solutions: 2-7 days
Custom programming: 4-12 weeks
WordPress plugins: 1-3 days (usually limited)

Tip: Choose a system that’s usable without technical knowledge. You want to cook, not program.

Successfully “taking” customers to the new system

The most critical point when switching: How do you keep your regular customers? With the right communication, no problem.

Proven communication strategy:

Phase 1 (4 weeks before): Announcement

Social media post: “Big news! Soon you’ll order directly from us and save money…”
Website banner: “Our own ordering system is coming!”
In packaging: Flyers with all info

Phase 2 (Go-live): Launch with incentive

20% discount on first order in new system
Start loyalty point system: “Every 10th order free!”
Exclusive dishes only through own system

Phase 3 (Follow-up): Customer retention

Newsletter with exclusive offers
Push notifications about new dishes
Birthday discounts and personalized promotions

Customer statement: “At first I was skeptical about the new app. But the 20% welcome discount convinced me – and now I even prefer ordering here than before on Lieferando. The loyalty points are brilliant!” - Sandra M., regular customer

Practical communication templates:

Facebook/Instagram post:

🍕 FINALLY: Order directly from us now and save money! ✅ 20% cheaper than via Lieferando ✅ Faster delivery
✅ Collect loyalty points Link: [your-website.com]

WhatsApp/SMS to regular customers:

Hello [Name]! From tomorrow you can order directly from us - without the detour via Lieferando. First advantage for you: 20% discount with code DIRECT20. Link: [your-website.com]

Return on Investment: When the switch pays off

The numbers are clear: The higher your delivery revenue, the faster the switch pays for itself.

ROI calculation for different revenue sizes:

Restaurant A (€3,000 monthly delivery revenue):

Lieferando costs: €600/month (20% commission)
Own system: €299/month (flat rate)
Monthly savings: €301
Annual savings: €3,612
Break-even: Immediate

Restaurant B (€10,000 monthly delivery revenue):

Lieferando costs: €2,200/month (22% incl. additional fees)
Own system: €299/month
Monthly savings: €1,901
Annual savings: €22,812
Break-even: Immediate

Long-term advantages (often overlooked):

Customer data building: Own database with 500+ customers = value of approx. €5,000-10,000
Customer loyalty: 30% higher reorder rate through loyalty programs
Independence: No more algorithm changes or commission increases
Brand building: Own app sustainably strengthens restaurant brand

Conclusion: From a monthly delivery revenue of €2,000, the switch practically always pays off – often from the first month.

Common mistakes when switching and how to avoid them

From our consulting practice: These 5 mistakes cost most restaurants time and customers when switching.

Mistake #1: Choosing wrong timing

Problem: Switch during peak season or Christmas Solution: Plan 4-6 weeks lead time, avoid December/holidays

Mistake #2: Not training staff

Problem: Staff can’t handle new system Solution: Plan 2-3 training sessions, create checklists

Mistake #3: No customer communication

Problem: Regular customers don’t know about the switch Solution: 4-week communication plan (see above)

Mistake #4: Underestimating technical integration

Problem: POS system not correctly connected Solution: Test phase with real orders before go-live

Mistake #5: Too few incentives for customers

Problem: Customers have no reason to switch Solution: At least 15-20% discount + start loyalty program

Optimal switching timeline:

Week 1-2: Select and set up system Week 3: Staff training and testing Week 4: Start customer communication Week 5: Go-live with discount promotion Week 6-8: Follow up and optimize

Your next step: Out of the Lieferando trap

You now have all the tools to make the leap to independence. The numbers clearly show: Waiting costs you hundreds of euros every month.

Imagine: In 12 months you look back on a five-figure savings, have built your own customer database with over 500 regular customers, and are finally independent of commission increases.

The first step is simple: Get a non-binding calculation of how much you would save. Based on your current delivery revenue, we’ll create an individual cost-benefit calculation for you – free and in 5 minutes.

Ready to switch? Get your free switching consultation here and find out how much you could save from the first month.

Because one thing is certain: While you’re still thinking about it, others are already paying no commissions.