Choosing the right delivery platform can mean the difference between thriving and barely surviving in today's competitive restaurant landscape. With commission fees ranging from 15% to 30%, every percentage point matters.
In this guide, we'll break down the three major players to help you make an informed decision for your restaurant.
Quick Comparison
| Platform | Commission | Reach | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DoorDash | 15-30% | Highest | Volume & reach |
| UberEats | 15-30% | Very High | Tech-savvy customers |
| Grubhub | 10-30% | Moderate | Corporate orders |
DoorDash
Commission: 15-30% depending on your tier and location
DoorDash is the largest delivery platform in the US, making it a must-have for most restaurants. Their "Drive" program lets you use their logistics without marketing, while their marketplace exposes you to millions of potential customers.
Pros:
- Largest customer base
- Strong brand recognition
- Drive program for full control
- Good driver availability
Cons:
- Complex fee structure
- High competition for visibility
- Can prioritize their own margins
UberEats
Commission: 15-30%
UberEats benefits from the massive Uber rideshare user base. Their app is polished and users tend to have higher average order values.
Pros:
- Integration with Uber app
- Often higher basket sizes
- Excellent user experience
Cons:
- Driver shortages in some areas
- Similar fees to competitors
- Less restaurant-friendly policies
Grubhub
Commission: 10-30%
Grubhub has positioned itself as the platform for corporate orders and has partnerships with many office buildings and businesses.
Pros:
- Strong corporate ordering
- Sometimes lower fees
- Good for repeat business
Cons:
- Smaller reach than DoorDash/UberEats
- Less brand awareness
- Slower growth
💡 Pro Tip
Most successful restaurants use multiple platforms. Consider starting with DoorDash for reach, adding UberEats for higher basket sizes, and Grubhub for corporate accounts.
How to Reduce Platform Fees
Regardless of which platform you choose, there are ways to optimize your costs:
- Negotiate your rate - Once you have volume, platforms will often lower your commission
- Use direct ordering - Keep more profit by having customers order directly from your website
- Optimize your menu - High-margin items should be promoted on the platforms
- Monitor your analytics - Track which platforms are most profitable, not just which have the most orders
Need Help Optimizing Your Delivery?
We help restaurants reduce fees and maximize revenue across all platforms.
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