DoorDash Merchant Review: What It’s Like & How To Sign Up

Last Updated on September 20, 2022 by Harrison Liddi Brown
8.7/10 (Expert Score)
Product is rated as #3 in category Food Delivery

Do you want to make some extra money by becoming a DoorDash merchant? In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about signing up and what it's like to work with this food delivery service. We'll cover topics such as how much you can expect to earn and what kind of support you can expect from DoorDash. So whether you're already a merchant or are just considering signing up, keep reading for the inside scoop!

DoorDash Merchant Hero Image
We may receive compensation for links clicked on this post.

Pros & Cons

Pros & Cons of Becoming a DoorDash Merchant

Pros
  • Increased sales
  • Free marketing
  • Weekly payouts
  • Customer support
Cons
  • Fees
  • Commission-caps
  • Reliant on a third-party

Pros:

Increased Sales – When you become a DoorDash merchant, you open your restaurant to a new customer base. People who may not have known about your restaurant or wouldn't have come in can now order your food from the comfort of their homes. This can lead to a significant increase in sales for your business.

Free Marketing – In addition to increased sales, DoorDash can also help you market and advertise your restaurant. When customers search for restaurants on the app, your restaurant will come up with others in the area. You can also include pictures and a description of your food to attract new customers.

Weekly Payouts – As a DoorDash merchant, you'll receive weekly payouts for the orders you fulfill. This is a great way to get a regular influx of cash to help you run your business.

Customer Support – DoorDash offers 24/7 customer support to all of its merchants. If you have any questions or problems, you can always contact someone for help.

Cons:

Fees – One of the drawbacks of working with DoorDash is that there are fees associated with each order. These fees can affect your profits, so you'll need to consider them when pricing your food and/or products.

Commission Caps – In addition to the fees, DoorDash also caps the commission you can earn per order. If an order is particularly large or complicated, you may not make as much as you would like.

Reliant on a third-party – When you work with DoorDash, you rely on a third party to deliver your food. This can be problematic if there are any issues with the delivery (e.g., if the driver gets lost, if the food is delivered late, etc.). You may not have much control over these types of situations, which can lead to frustrated customers.

How does it work?

How does being a DoorDash Merchant work?

DoorDash is a food delivery service that partners with local restaurants to provide customers with quick and easy access to their favorite meals.

As a merchant, you will be responsible for preparing the food ordered by customers and ensuring that it is delivered on time. In addition, you will also be responsible for providing excellent customer service.

Depending on your business needs, DoorDash will provide your restaurant with different tools and services depending on your needs.

DoorDash App

With the DoorDash app, your business can get orders through the DoorDash app and use DoorDash drivers to fulfill these orders.

With the app, you can choose from 3 plans: basic, plus, and premiere.

Each plan has its own benefits and drawbacks, so you need to research which plan is best for your business needs.

Self-Delivery

If your business can fulfill orders without using DoorDash drivers, you can sign up for DoorDash Self-Delivery.

With this service, your business can receive and fulfill orders without paying DoorDash as much in commission fees.

Storefront

The DoorDash Storefront is a website that you can use to increase your online visibility and attract new customers.

Your business will be listed on the DoorDash Storefront, and you can include pictures, a description of your food, and more.

DoorDash Storefront charges no monthly software fees, no commission rates on orders, and has no contracts so that you can cancel at any time.

Drive

DoorDash Drive allows customers to order directly from your website, app, or POS system without using the DoorDash app or website. Then, a DoorDash driver will automatically be dispatched to pick up and deliver your order to your customer.

Why should I use it?

Why Partner with DoorDash?

With over 550,000+ different businesses on the platform, DoorDash is the most popular food delivery service available, and partnering with them can be a great way to boost your revenue.

On average, businesses witnessed an average of 26% more sales once they signed up and added their store on DoorDash's platform.

Fees

DoorDash Merchant Fees

As a DoorDash merchant, you will be charged different fees depending on the services that you use.

DoorDash App

Every time an order is delivered, DoorDash will take a 15%-30% fee, depending on your chosen plan. A 6% flat fee will be charged for all pick-up orders regardless of the plan that was chosen.

BasicPlusPremier
Delivery commission rate15%25%30%
Pickup commission rate6%6%6%
Reach customers with
DashPass
NoYesYes
A bigger delivery area to reach more customersNoYesYes
Accept 20 orders per month or you pay zero commissionsNoNoYes
Average delivery fee paid by your customersHigherStandardLowest

Self-Delivery

When using your own drivers, a 6%-12% fee will be charged when an order is placed through DoorDash. Your business can keep all additional tips and driving fees you may set on top of your customer's food purchase.

Storefront

DoorDash charges no fees to use the Storefront, so you will only need to cover the credit card processing fees, which are 2.9% + $0.30 per order.

Drive

DoorDash Drive charges a flat rate of $6.99-$10.99 per order when using its drivers.

Sign up

How to Sign up for DoorDash as a Merchant

Enter your business information

Enter in your business information, which includes its legal name, address, phone number, and business type (i.e., restaurant, liquor store, grocery store, etc.)

Enter your contact information

Enter your personal contact information, so you can create an online account to sign into DoorDash's Merchant portal.

Choose a plan

Choose a plan that is right for your business and its needs.

Add your menu

Add your menu, business hours, type of business, and number of locations.

Add your banking information

Add your business' banking information, so you can get paid once someone orders through the DoorDash platform.

DoorDash vs. The Competition

DoorDash vs. Uber Eats

When comparing DoorDash and Uber Eats' merchant programs, almost all the fees are the same. The only exception is that Uber Eats charges only 2.5% instead of 2.9% for credit card processing. However, trying both platforms may be in your best interest as potential customers may use one over the other.

DoorDash vs. Uber Eats
VS
Pick up & delivery
VS
Increased business revenue
VS
Delivery fees
15% – 30%
VS
15% – 30%
Pick up fees
6%
VS
6%
Credit card fees
2.9% + $0.30
VS
2.5% + $0.29

Bonus

Is there a bonus for adding my business on DoorDash?

Yes, there is a bonus! DoorDash currently offers new merchants 0% commissions taken for the first 30 days of launching your store on DoorDash.

0.00% Commission For 30 Days

Get 0.00% commission charged for 30 days when you sign up and list your business on DoorDash.
We may receive compensation for links clicked on this post.

Bottom Line

Is DoorDash Merchant right for you?

8.7Expert Score
A great way to increase your business revenue!

DoorDash is a great option for restaurants looking to earn extra income. Not only is it an easy way to get your food in front of new customers, but you also have the potential to make more money than you would through traditional delivery services. Sign up today and see how DoorDash can help your business grow!

Ease of use
9
Fees
8
Increased Revenue
9
Pros
  • Reach new customers
  • Free customer support
  • Fast & quick payouts
  • Free marketing
Cons
  • Fees
  • Occasional commission caps
  • Reliant on a third-party company

FAQ

DoorDash Merchant FAQ

How do merchants pay DoorDash?

DoorDash will deduct the fees from your total sales. For example, if an order totals $100 and DoorDash's fee is 20%, then DoorDash will keep $20, and you will receive $80.

How do I start a DoorDash business?

To start a DoorDash business, you must sign up as a merchant on the DoorDash website. Then, you will need to create your store on the DoorDash Storefront. Once your store is created, you can start receiving and fulfilling orders through the DoorDash app.

Do restaurants rate Dashers?

Yes, restaurants can rate Dashers on a scale of one to five stars and block specific Dashers if they would like.

How does DoorDash integrate into my POS system?

DoorDash integrates with many popular POS systems, such as Toast, Square, and Clover, and more are added every week!
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