Many restaurant owners use food delivery apps like DoorDash to expand their reach and increase sales. But how much does DoorDash actually charge restaurants? 

Typically, DoorDash charges restaurants commission fees ranging from 15% to 30% per order, along with additional service fees and marketing costs. 

However, these exact fees depend on various factors, including the plan chosen and promotional options. 

This article provides a complete breakdown of DoorDash’s pricing structure, the fees associated with using other delivery platforms, and ways to save money.

DoorDash Fees for Restaurants

DoorDash operates on a commission-based model, meaning restaurants pay a percentage of each order’s total to use the platform.

While it can help you reach more customers, it also means that a portion of your earnings goes toward third-party delivery fees.

These costs can vary based on factors like restaurant size, location, and the type of partnership a restaurant has with DoorDash.

Below is a detailed look at the fees paid by restaurant partners using DoorDash.

Commission Fees

The biggest expense for restaurants using DoorDash is the commission fee, which is a percentage of the total order value.

DoorDash’s pricing structure offers three main plans with different commission rates:

• Basic plan (15%) – Lower commission but limited visibility in the DoorDash app.
• Plus plan (25%) – Offers better placement in search results and a reduced delivery fee for customers, which can lead to higher customer retention.
• Premier plan (30%) – Maximum visibility, top placement in the app, and a growth guarantee, which ensures a minimum number of orders per month.

Restaurants that rely heavily on third-party delivery services often struggle with high commissions. These fees are taken from every sale, leaving restaurant partners with a smaller portion of the revenue.

Independent restaurants and small businesses often feel the impact more than large chains, as they don’t have the same ability to negotiate lower fees.

Pickup Fees

Pickup orders through DoorDash allow customers to place an order through the app but collect the food themselves.

Unlike delivery orders, pickups do not require DoorDash drivers, which means restaurants pay lower fees compared to full delivery services.

While a pickup option reduces delivery expenses, there are still fees for processing and using DoorDash’s ordering system.

Some restaurant owners use pickup orders to reduce delivery fees while still benefiting from DoorDash’s customer base. However, the challenge is that many customers prefer delivery over picking up their orders.

Storefront Processing Fees

DoorDash also offers Storefront, which allows restaurants to accept direct online orders without paying high commissions. Instead, you’re charged a processing fee of 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction.

Many restaurant owners consider Storefront because it helps them avoid paying high commission rates while still allowing them to take advantage of online delivery services.

Although it’s cheaper than using the full DoorDash delivery service, you still need to handle your own delivery or use third-party delivery apps in combination with Storefront.

Additional DoorDash Fees Affecting Customer Satisfaction

Aside from the fees paid by restaurants, DoorDash also typically charges restaurants additional fees when placing an order.

These DoorDash fees impact customer experience, as higher costs may discourage people from using the platform:

Delivery Fees

DoorDash applies delivery fees to customer orders, which vary based on several factors, including:

• Distance between the restaurant and customer – Longer distances usually mean higher delivery costs.
• Time of day – Peak hours or high-demand times may increase delivery fees due to driver availability.
• Promotional discounts – Some customers may have access to reduced delivery fees through DoorDash promotions or loyalty programs.

Although restaurants do not directly pay the delivery fee, the price can influence the number of orders they receive. High delivery fees drive customers away, leading to fewer sales through the DoorDash app.

Service Fees

In addition to delivery fees, DoorDash charges service fees for each order. These charges cover platform maintenance and customer support services.

Service fees typically range from 10% to 15% of the order total but can be higher in some cases.

Customers often get frustrated by these additional fees, especially when they see the final total significantly higher than expected. Many restaurants worry that these costs drive customers away, leading to fewer delivery orders and lower sales.

Impact of DoorDash Cost on Restaurant Profitability

DoorDash typically charges a commission fee on every order, which can take a substantial percentage of the total sale. 

When combined with service fees, processing fees, and other hidden costs, restaurants may struggle to make a reasonable profit from each delivery operation.

Analysis of Commission Fees on Profit Margins

Restaurants typically operate on thin margins, meaning that even small associated fees affect revenue.

For example, consider a restaurant that sells a meal for $20:

• With a 15% commission, DoorDash takes $3 from the order.
• With a 25% commission, DoorDash takes $5.
• With a 30% commission, DoorDash takes $6.

These fees do not include payment processing costs, service fees, or other applicable charges.

When factoring in ingredients, labor, rent, and operational expenses, you may find that you make little profit on delivery orders.

Alternatives to DoorDash for Delivery Services

Some businesses use multiple delivery partners to reach more customers while keeping costs under control. Others explore in-house delivery solutions to avoid third-party apps altogether.

Below is a comparison of third-party delivery services and flat-fee restaurant technology solutions that you can consider.

Other Third-Party Platforms

Several third-party delivery apps provide restaurant owners with access to a large customer base, but they also charge restaurant commission fees and service fees similar to DoorDash.

Choosing the right delivery partner depends on a restaurant’s business model, pricing strategy, and profit margins.

Uber Eats

Uber Eats is one of the largest food delivery apps, serving millions of customers worldwide. Many restaurant owners use it alongside DoorDash to expand their customer base.

• Commission – Uber Eats typically charges 15% to 30% per order, depending on the service level chosen by the restaurant.
• Delivery fees – Customers pay varying delivery costs based on factors like location, demand, and time of day.
• Marketing – Uber Eats offers paid promotions and advertising options to help restaurants attract new customers, but these services come with additional fees.
• Customer loyalty programs – Uber Eats provides benefits like Uber One, which offers discounts to frequent customers, helping with customer retention.
• Payment processing – Like DoorDash, Uber Eats deducts its fees before sending the remaining amount to the restaurant.

Best for: Restaurants that want to reach a large number of customers but are willing to accept high commission fees in exchange for the exposure and delivery logistics support provided by Uber Eats.

Grubhub

Grubhub is another major third-party delivery platform that competes with DoorDash. It allows restaurants to use their own delivery partner instead of relying on Grubhub drivers, which can help lower costs.

• Commission – Grubhub typically charges 10% to 30%, depending on the pricing plan. Some plans have higher commissions but offer better marketing.
• Logistics – Restaurants can either use Grubhub’s drivers or handle deliveries in-house.
• Lower fees for self-delivery – If a restaurant provides its own drivers, it pays only a flat fee instead of a high commission.
• Customer relationships – Unlike some platforms that limit access to customer data, Grubhub allows restaurant partners to retain some customer information, which can help with marketing and customer retention.

Best for: Restaurants with delivery drivers or looking for a third-party delivery platform that allows some control over delivery operations.

Postmates

Postmates, now owned by Uber Eats, operates under a similar pricing structure but has historically focused on on-demand delivery beyond just food.

However, some restaurants still use Postmates as a separate delivery app to reach more customers.

• Commission – Similar to Uber Eats, ranging from 15% to 30% per order.
• Integration with Uber Eats – Orders placed through Postmates are often fulfilled by Uber Eats drivers, so there’s no difference in logistics.
• Delivery fees – Customers are charged varying delivery fees, just like Uber Eats.
• Additional costs – Restaurants using Postmates also have to pay a direct deposit fee when cashing out earnings from the app.

Best for: Restaurants already using Uber Eats that want additional exposure without having to manage another delivery team separately.

Restaurant-Owned Ordering Solutions

Many restaurants depend on third-party apps for online orders, but these apps charge large fees and limit control. 

Building a custom ordering system allows for better control over earnings, customer experience, and branding.

With your own website or app, you can avoid high commission fees that cut into profits. You keep direct contact with customers instead of sharing data with third-party platforms.

You can even customize the ordering process to match your restaurant’s style and needs. Special deals and loyalty programs can be set up without restrictions, helping to build repeat business. 

Delays and mistakes caused by third-party systems are also reduced, leading to better service.

With Buildify, you can create your own online ordering system without the high costs or technical headaches.

Buildify

Buildify helps restaurants go digital quickly and affordably. 

Instead of spending thousands and waiting months for a custom app, you can get a website and mobile app in under 10 days for a flat monthly fee. 

The platform also offers budget-friendly tools for idea development, including market research, landing pages, and business analysis, which makes it easier for restaurants to grow without heavy tech expenses.

By building a website or app with Buildify, your restaurant will gain the following benefits:

• Faster growth – With loyalty programs, promotions, and push notifications, restaurants can re-engage customers and drive more repeat business.
• A custom mobile app & website – Restaurants get a professional website and mobile app, allowing them to take direct orders without relying on DoorDash or Uber Eats.
• Flexible delivery options – Use your own drivers or partner with local couriers without being locked into third-party delivery fees.
• Flat monthly fee – Charges a fixed $399/month, eliminating 15-30% per-order commissions typically associated with third-party platforms.​

Best for: Restaurants that want to reduce third-party app fees, increase direct orders, and maintain full control over their online presence and customer relationships.

Book a call today!

Tips for Restaurants to Reduce Delivery Costs

To maintain a healthy profit margin, restaurants need to find ways to reduce delivery fees and increase direct sales.

Here are several strategies that can help restaurants save money while continuing to offer delivery services.

Developing In-House Delivery Systems

Creating an in-house delivery system may be a cost-effective solution for restaurants that handle a high volume of delivery orders.

Instead of paying commissions to third-party platforms, you can hire your own delivery team. The main benefits of in-house delivery include:

• You only pay for driver wages and fuel.
• Better control over delivery and customer experience.
• Ability to keep customer data and use it for customer loyalty programs or marketing.

However, managing delivery internally requires investment in driver wages, insurance, and technology. Some restaurants find it cost-effective, while others prefer using third-party delivery services for convenience.

Encouraging Customer Pickup Orders

Some offer incentives for customer pickup orders to avoid the costs associated with delivery logistics. By promoting pickup discounts or loyalty rewards, you can:

• Reduce dependency on third-party apps.
• Increase customer satisfaction by offering a lower-cost option.
• Remove delivery expenses and keep full profits from each sale.

Implementing Loyalty Programs

A strong customer loyalty program can encourage repeat business while reducing the need for third-party platforms. Use loyalty programs to:

• Reward direct online orders instead of those placed through third-party apps.
• Offer discounts or exclusive deals for customers who order directly.
• Build long-term relationships with customers without paying commission fees.

Take Control of Your Restaurant’s Profits with Buildify Builds

Buildify makes professional technology affordable for restaurants. You no longer have to pay large upfront costs or lose revenue to third-party ordering apps.

With Buildify, your restaurant gets a fully branded mobile app available on Apple and Android devices. Customers can easily find your menu, place orders, and track rewards from their smartphones.

Your customized website will be professionally designed to turn online visitors into loyal customers. It will be optimized to boost visibility, generate more traffic, and increase sales.

Buildify also gives you tools to create effective customer incentives, like coupons, community deals, and personalized offers. Regular customers stay engaged, and new customers become regulars.

Ready to take control of your restaurant’s online ordering and maximize your earnings? Book a meeting today and start keeping more of what you earn with Buildify.

FAQs About How Much Does DoorDash Charge Restaurants

Does DoorDash take a percentage from restaurants?

Yes, DoorDash charges restaurants a commission fee on each order. The percentage varies based on the pricing plan chosen by the restaurant, typically ranging from 15% to 30%. Higher-tier plans provide better visibility on the DoorDash app, while lower-tier plans have fewer benefits but lower fees.

How much does it cost to put your restaurant on DoorDash?

Signing up on DoorDash is free, but restaurants must pay commission fees on every order. The exact DoorDash cost depends on the plan selected. Restaurants may also incur processing fees, service fees, and marketing costs if they choose to promote their listings on the platform.

How much profit does DoorDash take from restaurants?

DoorDash typically takes 15% to 30% of each order’s total price as a commission fee. Additional costs, such as payment processing fees and optional marketing expenses, can further reduce a restaurant’s earnings. These fees can significantly impact profit margins, leading some restaurants to increase menu prices on delivery platforms to offset the costs.

Are restaurant prices higher on DoorDash?

Yes, many restaurants raise menu prices on DoorDash and other third-party delivery apps to cover the commission fees and service charges. Customers often pay higher prices than ordering directly from the restaurant’s online ordering system or for in-person pickup.

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