Online Ordering lets customers order directly from your own website, Google Business Profile, and social media pages, with no DoorDash commission on those orders. Orders arrive in the point-of-sale (POS) system you already use, and you can offer delivery by Dashers or pickup. This article explains what Online Ordering includes, where customers can order from, what it costs, and what it is not designed for.
This article covers Online Ordering, which some DoorDash materials also call Direct Ordering. It does not cover orders placed on the DoorDash Marketplace app or website — those are a separate channel and carry a commission.
What Online Ordering Is
Online Ordering is a commission-free ordering channel that runs on your own properties rather than on the DoorDash Marketplace. You add an ordering link or menu to the places customers already find you, and DoorDash provides the checkout, routes orders to your POS, and handles delivery.
The practical difference from Marketplace is who the customer came through. A customer who finds you on the DoorDash app is a Marketplace order and carries a commission. A customer who orders from your own website or your Google listing is a direct order and does not.
Eligibility Requirements
Online Ordering is available to restaurants with an active DoorDash store. If your restaurant is already live on the DoorDash Marketplace, you can turn on Online Ordering from the Merchant Portal, and no new hardware is required.
If your restaurant is not yet on DoorDash, you need an active store first.
Where Customers Can Place Orders
Online Ordering works across four channels, all using the same menu:
Your website: Add an ordering link or an embedded menu to the site you already run.
Your Google Business Profile: Customers can order through Google Food Ordering directly from your Google listing.
Your social media pages: Add the same ordering link to the profiles customers already follow.
QR codes: Printed materials such as direct mail can carry a QR code that opens your ordering page.
At checkout, customers can pay with a saved card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, or PayPal.
What if I do not have a website? DoorDash can build one for you. This is offered alongside Online Ordering, but the cost is not stated, so ask about pricing before committing.
How Your Menu Stays in Sync
Your existing DoorDash Marketplace menu carries over to Online Ordering automatically, so you do not build a second menu. Updating an item once applies the change across your channels, including item availability.
This matters most for items that sell out. Marking something unavailable keeps it from being ordered on your own website as well as on Marketplace, rather than leaving you to turn it off in two places.
How Orders Reach Your Kitchen
Direct orders arrive in the POS system you already use, so your staff manages them from one dashboard alongside your other orders.
Does Online Ordering work with my POS? DoorDash states that Online Ordering integrates with major POS providers, including Toast, Square, Qu, and Otter. The number of supported systems is stated inconsistently across DoorDash materials, so confirm your specific POS is supported before you plan around it.
No new hardware is required for Online Ordering itself.
Delivery and Pickup
Customers choose delivery or pickup at checkout, and both are available on direct orders.
For delivery, Dashers pick up and deliver the order the same way they do for Marketplace orders, and the customer can track the delivery on their phone. DoorDash provides customer support for those deliveries.
For pickup, the customer collects the order themselves and no delivery fee applies.
What Online Ordering Costs
Online Ordering has no commission. The costs that do apply are split between you and the customer:
Cost | Who pays it | Notes |
DoorDash commission | Nobody | There is no commission on direct orders, for pickup or delivery |
Payment processing | You | The same kind of card processing fee you pay on dine-in card transactions |
Delivery fee | The customer | Applies to delivery orders only |
Cancellation penalties | Nobody | DoorDash states there are no cancellation penalties |
You keep the full food revenue on direct orders, minus payment processing.
Turning On Online Ordering
Online Ordering is activated from the Merchant Portal by a restaurant that already has an active DoorDash store. A DoorDash setup specialist works with you to complete setup and get your ordering link live.
DoorDash describes activation as quick but states several different timeframes across its own materials, so treat any specific figure with caution and ask your setup specialist what to expect for your business.
If you cannot find the setting in the Merchant Portal, or you want help putting the ordering link on your website or Google listing, contact DoorDash Support.
What Online Ordering Is Not Built For
Online Ordering is built for delivery and pickup orders. DoorDash states that working as a dine-in ordering system is not its main purpose.
Fast-casual and quick-service restaurants can also use it to take dine-in orders. DoorDash does not describe it as a replacement for a dedicated dine-in or table-service ordering system.
Add-On Products Available With Commerce Platform
Online Ordering itself has no commission and no monthly fee. DoorDash sells a set of related products separately under Commerce Platform, which build on top of it:
Branded Website: A website built and hosted for your business, rather than an ordering link added to one you already have.
Branded Mobile App: Your own app for customers to order from.
Cross-Channel Loyalty: A loyalty program that works across your ordering channels.
Email and SMS Marketing: Direct campaigns to your customer list.
Automated Email Marketing: Campaigns that send on triggers rather than being sent manually.
Guest Experience Management (GEM): Review and customer feedback management.
Questions? If you need help with this process or have questions, reach out to DoorDash Support at oosupport@doordash.com.