Restaurant QR code ordering without commission: what solutions exist in France?
QR code ordering has become a very useful solution for restaurants, bars, hotels, terraces and seasonal venues. But behind the promise of simplicity, one question keeps coming up: how much does it really cost? A commission on every order can seem small at first, but it can quickly eat into margin as volume grows. That's why more and more venues are looking for a solution without commission on sales.
What is a commission-free QR code solution?
A commission-free QR code solution lets customers order without the platform taking a percentage of every sale. The model usually relies on a fixed subscription: the restaurateur pays a known monthly amount, then keeps the revenue generated. It's worth distinguishing the platform commission from bank payment fees (Stripe, card): a solution can be commission-free while still using a payment provider that charges its own transaction fees.
The real question to ask is: does the platform take an extra commission on my sales, on top of the payment fees?
Why avoid commissions on sales?
In restaurants, margin can be fragile. If a restaurant generates several thousand euros of QR code orders each month, a commission of a few percent can become a significant expense. It's paradoxical: the more you use the solution, the more it costs. With a fixed subscription, cost is more predictable and the restaurateur better preserves their margin.
The different pricing models
Fixed subscription
The restaurateur pays a monthly price. Simple to understand, it allows costs to be forecast, especially as order volume grows.
Commission on every order
The platform takes a percentage of sales. It can seem attractive at first but become costly as volume grows.
Payment fees
Even without a platform commission, online payments can generate bank fees tied to the payment provider.
Hardware fees
Some solutions require a printer, a tablet, a kiosk or a router.
Setup fees
Some platforms charge for installation, menu configuration or onboarding support.
To compare correctly, always look at the real cost of a QR code ordering solution, not just the advertised price.
Bars and rooftops
Re-orders are frequent: without commission, the bar fully benefits from every extra sale.
Terraces
The QR code reduces service load without a commission penalising every order.
Hotels and room service
Digitise room service or pool service without turning every order into a variable cost.
QR2App: an approach without commission on sales
QR2App lets restaurants, bars and hotels manage QR code orders without depending on a POS, without imposing a printer and without taking a commission on sales depending on the plan chosen. To compare with other platforms, see our alternative to Square, alternative to Innovorder and Zelty and alternative to TabletAPP pages. You can also read our article on payment before a QR code order.
Criteria to check before choosing
- 1.Does the platform take a commission on every order?
- 2.What are the online payment fees?
- 3.Is payment mandatory or optional?
- 4.Is a POS mandatory?
- 5.Is a printer mandatory?
- 6.Are there setup fees?
- 7.Is there a commitment period?
- 8.Can the solution be used across several areas: dining room, terrace, bar, pool, room?
FAQ
Is a commission-free QR code solution free?
Not necessarily. It can run on a fixed subscription, just without taking a commission on every sale.
Are payment fees the same as a commission?
No. Payment fees are tied to the payment provider. The platform commission is an extra deduction on sales.
Why avoid commissions?
Because they reduce margin and grow with order volume.
Is a commission-free solution suited to small restaurants?
Yes, especially if the restaurant wants a predictable cost and to avoid variable fees.
Does QR2App work without a POS?
Yes, QR2App can work without a mandatory POS.
