The only ones which ‘benefits’ the restaurant are those which are run by the restaurant themselves. That being they use their own cars/bikes and employees to deliver their own meals.
Alternatively, one goes and collects their ordered meals if they use a delivery service
Other third party deliver services charge significant commissions which substantially reduces the margins the restaurant/food outlet makes.
Why do businesses use them…the businesses which use them think it is a necessary evil. If they didn’t, their turn over and potential exposure to new customers would be reduced as many use these services for meal delivery for their convenience, without realising the impact in the business.
This hasn’t happened in the food industry like the accommodation industry which has increased prices to cover commissions. I understand that food outlets haven’t increased as there are many outlets which don’t deliver, thus causing those who deliver to match prices. Imagine the number of customers lost if prices increased by a third to those businesses who don’t deliver and increase their prices.
The accommodation industry is different and almost all use the booking services which charge commissions and there isn’t substantial competitors who don’t use the services. This is why when you go direct to an accommodation provider, they will most likely give a discount as booking commission doesn’t need to be paid. Getting discount from a food outlet because you don’t use the delivery service is near impossible as non-delivery meals are where the food outlets make money.
Some food outlets have also moved away from delivery services as they can significantly impact on a businesses profitability, especially when competing for customers with those businesses who don’t deliver.
Edit: would I use a delivery service, no. This is based in working in the hospitality industry, knowing the impact on the business. While it is ‘nice’ to have convenience, should such convenience be at the cost of the business or those who desire it. Currently it sits solely with the business.