Use this article to understand how DoorDash delivers scheduled orders to your point of sale (POS) system, compare the three available timing options, and request the configuration that best fits your store's preparation workflow. This article applies to merchants with a POS integration connected to DoorDash.
How Scheduled Order Delivery Works by Default
By default, DoorDash holds a scheduled order and transmits it to your POS approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled pickup time, adjusted based on your store's prep time settings.
This means a scheduled order placed hours in advance will only appear in your POS close to when preparation needs to begin — similar to how a standard, non-scheduled order arrives.
Note: The 30-minute default is designed to protect food freshness and prevent your kitchen from preparing scheduled orders too early.
Scheduled Order Timing Options
If the 30-minute default window does not fit your operation, DoorDash offers two additional options for when scheduled orders are sent to your POS. The table below summarizes all three available options.
Option | When order is sent to POS | Best for |
Default (30-minute window) | Approximately 30 minutes before scheduled pickup | Most stores; automatic freshness protection |
Option 1: Sooner with protection | Immediately when placed (if pickup is within a few hours); otherwise, morning of pickup day | Merchants wanting advance notice for same-day or next-day orders |
Option 2: All orders immediately | Immediately when placed, regardless of pickup timing | High-volume stores, caterers, and event venues managing their own prep timing |
Option 1: Receive Scheduled Orders Sooner, With Freshness Protection
With Option 1, scheduled orders are sent to your POS as soon as they are placed — but only if the scheduled pickup is within a few hours of the order time. If a customer places a scheduled order several days in advance, DoorDash holds the scheduled order until the morning of the scheduled pickup day before transmitting it to your POS.
Best for: Merchants who want advance notice for same-day or next-day scheduled orders without receiving far-out orders too early.
Option 2: Receive All Scheduled Orders Immediately When Placed
With Option 2, all scheduled orders are transmitted to your POS immediately when placed, regardless of how far in advance the pickup is scheduled. This gives your store maximum visibility and the most advance notice possible for every scheduled order.
Best for: High-volume merchants, caterers, and event venues that manage their own kitchen preparation timing.
Important: With Option 2, DoorDash will not hold scheduled orders to protect food freshness. Your store is responsible for managing when food preparation begins for each scheduled order.
How to Request a Different Scheduled Order Timing Setting
Scheduled order timing settings are managed through your POS integration and require DoorDash to configure on your behalf. To request a change to your scheduled order timing setting:
Contact DoorDash merchant support.
Provide your Store ID.
Specify which timing option fits your operation. The key question to answer is: "How far in advance do you want to see your scheduled orders?"
The DoorDash support team will review your current POS integration setup and apply the appropriate scheduled order timing configuration.
Questions? If you need help with this process or have questions, reach out to DoorDash Support at oosupport@doordash.com.