Guide
Updated 12 November 2026
Restaurant online ordering glossary: 30 terms explained
By Arslan Munir
Updated 12 Nov 2026. Short, plain-English definitions of the terms UK restaurant and takeaway owners meet when they compare ordering systems and delivery apps. Where a term depends on a provider, we link to the page that shows the numbers.
In short: the five terms that cost you most if you misread them are commission (a share of each order), GMV (the order value that share is taken from), ex VAT (VAT is added on top), per location (each site pays) and minimum term (how long you are tied in).
Money terms
Commission
A percentage of each order that a marketplace or ordering provider keeps. Chefzi charges 0% commission and a flat monthly plan. See what commission-free ordering means and the commission calculator.
GMV (gross merchandise value)
The total value of the orders, which a marketplace may take its fee from. Deliveroo's terms describe its fee as a percentage of GMV including VAT. See the Deliveroo commission guide.
Marketplace
A third-party app such as Just Eat, Uber Eats or Deliveroo that lists many restaurants and brings its own customers. See which app is cheaper.
Activation fee
A one-off charge to join a marketplace. Uber Eats lists one in its UK pricing, read on 12 November 2026. See the Uber Eats commission guide.
Admin fee and service charge
Extra charges a marketplace's terms may add to the commission. Just Eat's terms refer to both. See the Just Eat commission guide.
Ex VAT
A price that does not include VAT. Chefzi's plan prices are per location, ex VAT, so VAT is added to the monthly fee if you are VAT-registered or charged.
Per location
A price for one site. A business with three shops pays for three locations.
Minimum term
The length of time you agree to stay. Chefzi plans are month to month and you can cancel any time. See our questions to ask a provider.
Card payment fee
What the card provider charges per card payment. It is separate from the ordering system's fee. See Chefzi online ordering.
Stripe Connect
A Stripe feature that lets a platform connect a business's own Stripe account. Chefzi supports Stripe Connect, Square, Worldpay and PayPal for card payments on the Plus and Pro plans.
Average order value (AOV)
Total sales divided by the number of orders. It is the number you need to cost a loyalty reward. See loyalty programme ideas.
Ordering terms
Online ordering system
Software that lets customers order and pay on your website or app and sends the order to your kitchen. See the online ordering system guide.
Direct ordering
Orders placed on your own website or app, not through a marketplace.
Click and collect
The customer orders online and collects from the shop. It is also called collection or takeaway.
Delivery zone
The area you deliver to, set by postcode or distance. See delivery with your own drivers.
White-label
Software sold under your brand rather than the supplier's. See what is white-label online ordering.
Embed widget
A snippet that puts the ordering menu inside your existing website. See add ordering to your website.
QR ordering
A QR code a customer scans to order from their phone, often at the table. See table ordering.
Modifier
An option on a menu item, such as size, extra topping or sauce.
Upsell
A prompt that suggests an extra item, such as a drink with a main. See smart upsells.
Order throttling
A limit on how many orders can be accepted in a time slot. Chefzi does not cap how many orders can arrive in one time slot.
Kitchen and till terms
EPOS (electronic point of sale)
The till system used for counter and phone orders, payment and receipts. See EPOS vs online ordering and the Chefzi POS.
KDS (kitchen display system)
A screen that shows incoming orders in the kitchen in place of printed tickets. See kitchen screen.
Z report
An end-of-day summary of sales that closes the day on a till.
Order printer
A thermal printer that prints each order ticket for the kitchen.
Offline alert
A warning when the order-taking device loses its connection. With Chefzi, the Orders app rings until you accept, and if the device is offline Chefzi texts the restaurant and then calls.
Prep time
The time you tell customers an order needs before collection or delivery.
Compliance terms
FHRS (Food Hygiene Rating Scheme)
The 0 to 5 rating scheme run by the FSA in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland uses FHIS. See how many takeaways are on the register and how to display a rating.
Allergen information
The list of the 14 major allergens in each dish that UK food businesses must be able to give customers. See the allergen guide.
Sources
- Chefzi facts and pricing, read 12 Nov 2026.
- Food Standards Agency, Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.
- Deliveroo and Just Eat partner terms, read 13 Nov 2026.
Questions
What does EPOS mean?
Electronic point of sale: the till system used to take orders at the counter or on the phone, take payment and print receipts.
What does GMV mean for a restaurant?
Gross merchandise value, the total value of orders. Some marketplaces take their fee as a percentage of it.
What does white-label mean?
Software supplied by one company but presented under your brand, such as an ordering website or app with your name on it.
What does ex VAT mean?
The price shown does not include VAT, which is added on top where it applies. Chefzi's plans are shown ex VAT.
What is the difference between commission and a service fee?
Commission is taken from the restaurant's order value. A service fee is added to the customer's bill. Marketplaces and some providers use both.
What is the difference between a KDS and a printer?
A KDS shows orders on a screen. A printer prints a paper ticket. Many kitchens use one or both.
Is this glossary specific to Chefzi?
No. The definitions are general. Where we mention Chefzi we say so, and where we mention another provider the figure comes from its own pages.