How to Choose the Best Order Protocol for Your Business
What order protocol options do I have?
As a Merchant on DoorDash, you can receive orders in the following ways:
Your existing point-of-sale (POS) system using a POS Integration
Your own Android tablet using the Order Manager app
Email
Direct POS Integration | Middleware Integration | |||
Summary | Popular with high-medium volume stores (~300+ orders per month) Great operational efficiencyMost preferred | Popular with high-medium volume stores (~300+ orders per month) Great operational efficiencyMost preferred | Popular with medium-low volume stores (60-300 orders per month) Good operational efficiency | Suited for low volume stores (less than 60 orders per month)Lowest operational efficiencyLeast preferred |
Best For | Businesses of all sizes, from quick-service to full-service, with an existing POS system. | Businesses of all sizes, from quick-service to full-service, with an existing POS system that does not support integration. Also for businesses using multiple third-party delivery providers. | Businesses of all sizes without a POS system or where POS integration is not available. | Small businesses that do not have a POS system and/or efficient internet connectivity. |
It Provides | An easy, seamless way to manage delivery and pickup orders using your POS. | An easy, seamless way to manage delivery and pickup orders using your POS. | Quick order management, access to Dasher status monitoring, item availability updates, and real-time prep time adjustment. | Manual work to receive, confirm, and update orders. |
Country Availability | Varies by provider | Varies by provider | All markets | All markets |
Functionalities | Functionalities | Functionalities | Functionalities | Functionalities |
Receive Delivery and Pickup Orders | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Receive Scheduled Orders | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Managed Menu Changes | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Menu Item modifiers | Varies by provider | Varies by provider | ✓ | |
Manage Menu Photos | Varies by provider | Varies by provider | ✓ | |
Manage Prep Times | Varies by provider | Varies by provider | ✓ | ✗ |
Track DoorDash Business Health | ✓ | Varies by provider; available on Business Manager app or Merchant Portal | ||
PricingMerchant charges/fees paid to DoorDash | FREE Some providers charge a fee for 3rd party integrations. Reach out to your provider for details | FREE Some providers charge a fee for 3rd party integrations. Reach out to your provider for details | $6/ WEEK | FREE |
Extra Hardware | None | None | DoorDash or Personal Android Tablet | Computer or tablet |
Menu Management Features | Menu Management Features | Menu Management Features | Menu Management Features | Menu Management Features |
Item 86'ing (Item OOS in real-time) | Varies by provider | Varies by provider | ✓ | |
Manage Store Hours | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Manage Store Holiday/Special Hours | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Update Menu Hours | Varies by provider | Varies by provider | ✓ | |
Separate and Day-part Menus | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Special Instructions* | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Menu Item Sort Order | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Menu Item Level Hours** | Varies by provider | Varies by provider | ✓ | |
Price Override/Inflation | Varies by provider | Varies by provider | ✓ | |
Live Operations Features | Live Operations Features | Live Operations Features | Live Operations Features | Live Operations Features |
Busy Kitchen | Contact Merchant Support | Contact Merchant Support | ✓ | Contact Merchant Support |
Temporarily Pause Store | ✓ | |||
Contact Customer | Business Manager app or contact Merchant Support | Business Manager app or contact Merchant Support | ✓ | Business Manager app or contact Merchant Support |
Cancel/Refund Customer | Business Manager app or contact Merchant Support | Business Manager app or contact Merchant Support | ✓ | Business Manager app or contact Merchant Support |
Dasher Updates | Business Manager app or contact Merchant Support | Business Manager appor contact Merchant Support | ✓ | Business Manager app or contact Merchant Support |
Contact DoorDash Merchant Support | Business Manager app, phone, or email | Business Manager app, Merchant Portal, phone, or email | ✓ | Business Manager app or contact Merchant Support |
*The default setting for Special Instructions is off. Contact POS Support to enable this feature and allow customers to provide special instructions.
**This feature allows specific menu items to be available during certain hours.
Note: All order protocols (except POS) include a follow-up confirmation call so you don’t miss any orders. You can request to receive email notifications if you’re using an aggregator.
Point-of-sale (POS) protocol
We can integrate with your POS system so you can receive DoorDash orders directly to your register or kitchen. Find out if integration is available here or talk to your POS provider directly.
Tablet protocol
If using your own Android tablet:
Download the Order Manager app from the Google play store to start receiving your orders. If you’re unable to download the app, your device may not be compatible.
If using a DoorDash tablet:
Once your request has been approved, the tablet will arrive with the Order Manager App already installed and ready for use.
With a tablet, you have the option to rent a Bluetooth printer (for a fee) to print order receipts. For more information on how to request a printer, contact Merchant Support.
Note: With the tablet protocol, you have the option to also receive orders through email or fax. To learn more, see here.
Email protocol
If you don’t have a POS system and/or have low internet connectivity, we recommend you only choose this option if you keep a computer near your register or POS.
DoorDash Business Manager App
The new DoorDash Business Manager App app lets you track orders in progress, troubleshoot issues, access support, monitor business performance, and get real-time notifications — all on your phone.
Download the app for iOS or Android.
