How do I sign up my restaurant or store as a DoorDash merchant?

Signing up your restaurant or store as a DoorDash merchant is a straightforward process, but it helps to understand each step and what DoorDash expects from new partners. Whether you run a sit-down restaurant, a coffee shop, a grocery, or a retail store, you’ll follow a similar process to get listed on the DoorDash app and start receiving orders.

Below is a complete guide to how to sign up, what you’ll need, and what to expect after your application is submitted.

1. Confirm your business is eligible for DoorDash

Before you start the signup process, make sure your business meets DoorDash’s general requirements:

Type of business:
- Restaurants (full service, fast casual, quick service, food trucks)
- Convenience stores and mini-marts
- Grocery stores and specialty food shops (bakeries, butchers, etc.)
- Retail stores (pet shops, pharmacies, florists, alcohol retailers where permitted)
Physical presence: You typically need a physical business location (brick-and-mortar or a commercial kitchen/ghost kitchen) with a valid address.
Licensing and permits:
- Valid business license (as required in your region)
- Food service permits for restaurants
- Alcohol license if you plan to sell alcohol via DoorDash
Service area: DoorDash must operate in your city or region. You can check this by starting the signup process; the system will tell you if DoorDash is not available in your area.

If you meet these basics, you’re ready to register your restaurant or store as a DoorDash merchant.

2. Go to the DoorDash merchant sign-up page

DoorDash has a dedicated site for business owners called DoorDash for Merchants.

Open your browser and go to the official DoorDash website.
Look for a link or menu item labeled “For Merchants”, “Partner With Us”, or “Sign Up” for businesses.
Click Sign Up, Get Started, or similar to begin the merchant registration.

You’ll be taken to an online form designed specifically for new restaurant and store partners.

3. Create your DoorDash merchant account

The first part of the process is creating an account and providing basic business details.

You’ll typically be asked for:

Business name (as it appears publicly)
Business address (the location that will appear in the app)
Business phone number (for customer and support communication)
Your name and role (owner, manager, authorized representative)
Email address for the account
Password for your merchant account login

After entering the information:

Confirm your email address (DoorDash may send a verification email).
Save your login details (email + password) – this will be used to access the DoorDash Merchant Portal later.

4. Choose your DoorDash partnership plan

DoorDash may offer different plan options depending on your region and business type. While names and details can change over time, typical choices include:

Marketplace (standard delivery)
- DoorDash lists your restaurant or store on the app and website.
- Customers place orders, and Dashers deliver them.
- You pay a commission on each order.
Storefront or online ordering (if available)
- DoorDash powers online ordering directly from your website.
- Often lower commissions or different fee structures.
- Useful if you want a branded ordering page and repeat customers.
Pickup-only options
- Customers order through DoorDash and pick up at your location.
- Usually lower fees because there’s no delivery.

You’ll see an overview of pricing, fees, and typical commission ranges during signup. Select the option that best matches your business goals: more visibility, more delivery orders, or a mix of delivery and pickup.

5. Enter detailed business information

Next, you’ll be prompted to provide more detailed information about your restaurant or store:

5.1 Business category and offerings

You’ll choose:

Business type: (e.g., restaurant, grocery, convenience, retail)
Cuisine or category: (e.g., pizza, burgers, sushi, bakery, pharmacy, liquor store)
Service options:
- Delivery
- Pickup
- Both delivery and pickup

This helps DoorDash show your business in the right category when customers browse or search.

5.2 Hours of operation

Set your operating hours, including:

Regular daily hours (open and close times)
Days of the week you’re open
Any special hours (late-night, early morning, weekends, or holidays)

You can usually adjust hours later in the Merchant Portal if you change your schedule or want to pause orders temporarily.

5.3 Location details

Confirm:

Exact address (for drivers to find you)
Suite or unit number if applicable
Instructions for pickup/Dasher access (e.g., “Use side entrance,” “Ring buzzer,” “Pickup shelf near front door”)

Clear instructions reduce late deliveries and confusion for Dashers and customers.

6. Build and upload your menu or product list

Your menu or product catalog is what customers see inside the DoorDash app, so accuracy and clarity matter.

6.1 Create menu categories

For restaurants, you might add:

Appetizers / Starters
Mains / Entrees
Sides
Desserts
Drinks
Specials or Combos

For stores, create product categories such as:

Snacks
Beverages
Household items
Health & beauty
Pet supplies
Alcohol (where permitted)

6.2 Add items with descriptions and prices

For each item, provide:

Item name (short, clear, and searchable)
Description (ingredients, flavor, features – concise but informative)
Price (match your in-store pricing or adjusted for delivery, depending on your strategy)
Modifiers and options
- Sizes (small/medium/large)
- Add-ons (extra cheese, sauces, sides)
- Choices (protein selection, topping choices, dressing type)

6.3 Upload high-quality photos

Include:

Clear, well-lit photos of popular dishes or products
Avoid clutter and use simple backgrounds
Aim for a consistent style across images

DoorDash may provide guidelines or automated tools to help with menu creation, and you can update your menu at any time through the Merchant Portal.

7. Set up taxes, fees, and store preferences

During the onboarding flow, you’ll have some configuration options:

Sales tax settings:
- Tell DoorDash how to apply tax for your location and items.
- Some regions may calculate automatically; others require your input.
Delivery and service fees (plan-dependent):
- Decide whether to absorb some costs or pass certain fees to customers.
- Review how fees affect your menu pricing and profit margins.
Order preparation time (“prep time”):
- Estimate how long you need to prepare typical orders.
- You can set different prep times for different periods or adjust later as needed.
Order throttling (if available):
- Limit how many orders can come in at once to avoid overwhelming your kitchen or staff.

8. Provide banking and payment details

To get paid, you’ll need to enter your payout information:

Bank account holder name
Bank name
Routing number
Account number
Account type (checking/savings)

DoorDash uses this information to deposit your earnings (minus commissions and fees). You may be able to:

Choose payout frequency (e.g., weekly).
Use fast pay or instant payout options (often with an extra fee, if available).

Double-check your banking details carefully to avoid delays or failed payouts.

9. Review and sign the DoorDash merchant agreement

Before your restaurant or store goes live:

You’ll see the DoorDash Merchant Agreement or similar contract.
Review key items:
- Commission rates and fees
- Payout terms
- Cancellation or termination conditions
- Responsibilities for food quality, safety, and compliance
Sign electronically to finalize your enrollment.

If you have questions about terms or fees, clarify them with DoorDash support or your account representative (if assigned) before agreeing.

10. Verification and approval process

Once you’ve submitted your information and signed the agreement, DoorDash will review your application. This may include:

Verifying your business address and legitimacy
Checking your licenses and compliance (especially if you sell alcohol or regulated items)
Confirming your bank information

Approval time can vary by region and volume, but usually ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks. You might receive:

Emails with status updates
Requests for additional documents (e.g., licenses, ID verification)

Respond promptly to any follow-up questions to avoid delays.

11. Set up your DoorDash Merchant Portal and tablet or POS

After approval, DoorDash will guide you through the final setup steps.

11.1 Access the Merchant Portal

Using your login (email and password), you’ll enter the DoorDash Merchant Portal, where you can:

View and accept orders (if you use web-based order management)
Edit menu items, prices, photos, and availability
Change hours and temporarily pause your store (“Store closed” status)
Track sales, metrics, and order history
Manage promotions and marketing tools (like discounts or featured listings)

11.2 Configure hardware (tablet or POS integration)

DoorDash may offer several ways to manage incoming orders:

DoorDash-provided tablet (in some regions)
- A device dedicated to receiving DoorDash orders.
- Shows new orders, estimated pickup times, and status.
Use your own tablet or computer
- Run the Merchant Portal in a browser.
POS system integration (if supported)
- Integrates DoorDash with your existing point-of-sale system.
- Orders flow directly into your POS, which can simplify operations.

Follow the setup instructions you receive from DoorDash to make sure your hardware or system is connected and tested before your store goes live.

12. Train your staff on DoorDash orders

Before you start receiving real customer orders, make sure your team understands:

How orders appear on the tablet or POS
How to accept, confirm, or adjust order times
How to safely package food or products for delivery
Where to stage orders for pickup (clearly labeled shelf or counter)
How to communicate order issues (e.g., item out of stock) through the DoorDash system

Smooth internal processes lead to faster prep times, fewer errors, and better reviews.

13. Go live on DoorDash

Once everything is set up and tested, DoorDash will publish your restaurant or store listing.

When you’re live:

Customers in your area will see your business in the DoorDash app and website.
You’ll start receiving live orders during your set operating hours.
Make sure:
- Your menu is accurate.
- Prep times are realistic.
- Staff is ready for incoming orders.

Monitor the first days closely and adjust settings if you see consistent delays, stock issues, or bottlenecks in your kitchen or store.

14. Optimize your DoorDash presence for better results

After you’ve signed up and gone live, you can improve performance over time.

14.1 Keep your menu and inventory up to date

Mark items “out of stock” if you run out.
Update prices and descriptions when needed.
Add new or seasonal items and test what sells best.

14.2 Improve photos and item descriptions

Replace low-quality photos with clearer, more appetizing images.
Use descriptive but concise language that helps customers decide quickly.
Highlight bestsellers and signature items at the top of categories.

14.3 Use marketing tools (where available)

DoorDash often offers:

Promotions (discounts, BOGO, free item with purchase)
Sponsored listings or “featured” placement
DashPass participation (subscription program where customers may see reduced fees)

These tools can increase your visibility and order volume, though they may affect margins. Experiment and track results in the Merchant Portal.

14.4 Monitor ratings and reviews

Customer feedback affects your ranking and appeal:

Respond professionally to reviews when possible.
Address recurring complaints (missing items, inaccurate prep times, packaging issues).
Train staff and adjust processes based on real customer experiences.

15. Common questions about signing up as a DoorDash merchant

Do I need a business license to sign up?
Yes, in most regions you’ll need a legitimate business and appropriate permits. DoorDash may request documentation, especially for food or alcohol.

Can home-based cooks sign up?
DoorDash generally works with licensed, inspected businesses. Some regions allow home-based operations under specific laws, but you must meet all local regulations first.

Can I sign up multiple locations?
Yes. Each location is usually set up as a separate listing with its own hours, menu variations, and settings. Multi-location brands can manage everything in the Merchant Portal.

How long does it take to get approved?
It varies but often ranges from several days to a couple of weeks, depending on your location, completeness of your application, and verification needs.

Can I adjust or cancel my contract later?
Terms and flexibility depend on your region and agreement. Review your contract carefully and reach out to DoorDash support if you need to renegotiate or make changes.

16. Summary: Steps to sign up your restaurant or store as a DoorDash merchant

To recap, here’s the process in simple steps:

Confirm your business is eligible and in a DoorDash-covered area.
Visit the DoorDash for Merchants sign-up page.
Create your merchant account with basic business details.
Choose your partnership plan (delivery, pickup, etc.).
Enter detailed business info: category, hours, address, and instructions.
Build your menu or product list with accurate prices and photos.
Configure taxes, prep times, and store preferences.
Add your bank account for payouts.
Review and sign the DoorDash merchant agreement.
Wait for verification and approval, responding to any requests.
Set up your Merchant Portal access and hardware/POS integration.
Train staff on handling DoorDash orders.
Go live and start receiving orders.
Continuously optimize your menu, photos, and operations.

By following these steps carefully, you’ll set up your restaurant or store as a DoorDash merchant in a way that’s efficient, compliant, and geared toward strong performance on the platform.

Citeables