Being a DoorDash Merchant is great — you’re in front of tons of potential customers every day. But let’s be real: just being on the app isn’t enough to rake in the sales. If you really want your business to grow and pull in more orders, you need a strategy.
Think about it like hockey: you can skate onto the ice, but if you don’t know where the net is, you’re not scoring. Same thing here. With the right moves — from smart menu setups to clever promotions and good customer service — you can turn casual app browsers into loyal customers who keep coming back.
In this guide, we’ll break down all the ways you can boost your DoorDash sales, reach more locals, and make your business a go-to spot in every neighbourhood. Trust me, it’s not just theory — these tips are practical and proven.
Optimize Your Menu or Product Listings
Your menu or product list is basically your first handshake with customers — make it count. A messy or confusing listing can turn people off faster than a sudden snowstorm. Here’s how to do it right:
Eye-catching photos
- Use clean, well-lit images. Natural light works wonders.
- Highlight your bestsellers or signature items first.
- Even a simple coffee or baked good can look irresistible with a good photo.
Clear, informative descriptions
- Keep it short but helpful: size, ingredients, flavour, or key features.
- Example: instead of “Latte,” try “12oz Latte – made with local 2% milk.”
- Clarity prevents confusion and reduces complaints.
Highlight bestsellers
- Put popular items at the top of your menu so they’re easy to spot.
- People love going with what’s tried and tested.
Add-ons and upsells
- Offer extras like toppings, bundles, or upgrades.
- Example: “Add bacon for $2” or “Upgrade to large for $1.”
- Small tweaks like these can really bump up your average order value.
Keep it updated
- Sold out of an item? Mark it unavailable.
- Seasonal changes? Rotate items accordingly.
- Accuracy builds trust and keeps ratings high.
A well-optimized menu isn’t just about looking good — it’s about making it easy for customers to say yes to ordering from you.
Leverage Promotions & Discounts
Promotions aren’t just gimmicks — they’re powerful tools to grab attention, attract new customers, and boost sales. Done right, they can turn a casual order into a repeat habit. Here’s how to play it smart:
First-order promos
- Offer a discount or free delivery for new customers.
- Works like a charm to get someone to try your business for the first time.
- Canadians love a little incentive, eh?
Free delivery or percentage-off deals
- Target slow periods with special deals to keep orders steady.
- Example: “10% off from 2–4 PM” or “Free delivery for orders over $20.”
- Makes customers more likely to pick your place over competitors.
Seasonal promotions
- Tie promos to holidays or local events: Valentine’s Day flowers, Canada Day BBQ bundles, or hockey playoff snacks.
- Shows you’re in tune with your community and adds a personal touch.
Smart use of Merchant Portal features
- DoorDash lets you set up promos easily through the portal.
- Track performance — double down on promos that work, tweak the ones that don’t.
Remember, promotions aren’t just about giving discounts. They’re about building habits and customer loyalty, making your shop the first place locals think of when they want something delivered.
Manage Operations Efficiently
Running a DoorDash Merchant account isn’t just about listing your menu — it’s also about making sure orders flow smoothly. A few smart habits here can seriously boost your sales and keep customers happy.
Respond to orders quickly
- Accept and prep orders as soon as they come in.
- The faster you move, the happier customers are — nobody likes waiting in the cold.
Keep product quality consistent
- Every order should match what customers expect.
- Consistency builds trust and better ratings, which in turn improves visibility in the app.
Maintain accurate stock
- Mark sold-out items promptly.
- Avoid disappointing a customer mid-order; nothing kills momentum like an “out of stock” surprise.
Optimize your hours
- Match your availability to local peak times: lunch, dinner, or late-night cravings.
- Seasonal or community events? Adjust hours to catch the extra traffic.
Prep for busy periods
- Stock up, pre-portion items, and have extra staff if needed.
- A smooth operation keeps orders coming and prevents backlogs that hurt ratings.
Think of this like running a well-oiled rink: if the ice is smooth and players know their positions, the puck moves fast. Same with DoorDash — the better your operation, the more orders you can handle efficiently.
Improve Customer Experience
Getting orders is one thing, but keeping customers happy is how you really boost sales. Happy customers come back, leave good reviews, and tell their neighbours about you — it’s all part of growing your business.
Packaging matters
- Make sure products arrive safely and look neat.
- A small touch, like wrapping a pastry or securing a drink, goes a long way.
Personal touches
- Throw in a thank-you note or a little extra (napkins, condiments, sample).
- Small gestures make customers feel appreciated — Canadians notice the thoughtfulness.
Maintain high ratings
- Quick response, accurate orders, good packaging = better ratings.
- High ratings improve visibility on DoorDash and attract more orders.
Handle feedback professionally
- Not every review will be glowing — that’s normal.
- Respond politely, fix issues if possible, and show customers you care.
Consistency is key
- Make every order as good as the last.
- Regulars rely on you to deliver the same quality every time.
In short, treating DoorDash orders like in-store customers — with care, speed, and attention — turns first-time buyers into loyal neighbourhood fans.
Use Merchant Portal Insights
The Merchant Portal isn’t just for taking orders — it’s a goldmine of data that can help you make smarter decisions and boost your sales. Think of it like having a coach reviewing game tape: the more you know, the better you play.
Analyze sales reports
- Check daily, weekly, and monthly sales to see trends.
- Spot your busiest times and plan staffing or promos accordingly.
Identify bestsellers
- See which items fly off the virtual shelves.
- Highlight them in your menu or push them in promos to maximize revenue.
Adjust inventory & offerings
- Stock up on popular items and rotate seasonal specials.
- Avoid wasted ingredients or missed sales opportunities.
Track customer behaviour
- Look at repeat customers, popular add-ons, and order patterns.
- Use this info to create targeted deals or bundles.
Plan promotions strategically
Pair data with promotions: offer deals when order volume is low or boost items that need attention.
Using these insights makes your DoorDash business more proactive instead of reactive. Basically, you’re not just hoping sales happen — you’re actively guiding them, eh?
Boost Visibility Through Marketing
Getting listed on DoorDash is great, but if you really want to increase sales, you need to make your business stand out. Think of it like putting up your best sign on Main Street — but digitally.
Paid promotions in DoorDash
- You can pay to feature your store or items in the app.
- Useful during busy seasons or when launching new products.
Promote via social media
- Share your DoorDash link on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.
- Encourage followers to order online — convenience is a huge draw in Canada, especially during winter.
Encourage repeat orders
- Offer small incentives for customers to order again, like “Order 2x, get free delivery next time.”
- Loyal customers are gold; it’s cheaper to keep them than constantly find new ones.
Partner locally
- Collaborate with nearby businesses for bundle deals or cross-promotions.
- Example: coffee shop + bakery promo for morning commuters.
Seasonal & local marketing
- Tie marketing to events: Canada Day, hockey playoffs, long weekends.
- Shows you’re in tune with your community, not just another faceless merchant.
Smart marketing isn’t about spending a ton — it’s about making your store easy to find and appealing to locals. Done right, it keeps the orders coming consistently.
Keep It Local, Keep It Canadian
Being a DoorDash Merchant isn’t just about putting products online — it’s about connecting with your community. Canadians love supporting local businesses, especially ones that feel part of the neighbourhood.
Align with local events
- Think hockey nights, Canada Day, long weekends, or local festivals.
- Offer special bundles or themed items that tie into these events.
Highlight local ingredients or products
- People love knowing their food or goods are sourced locally.
- Example: “Made with fresh Ontario apples” or “Locally roasted coffee beans.”
Use neighbourhood-friendly branding
- Make your messaging warm, personal, and community-focused.
- Example: “Your corner bakery, now delivering across the block!”
Engage with your customers
- Encourage reviews, respond politely, and show appreciation.
- Canadians notice effort and friendliness — it goes a long way.
Build a loyal local following
- Repeat customers become your core supporters.
- The more you embed yourself in the community, the more consistent your sales.
Being local isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a strategy for trust, repeat business, and higher sales. Make your business feel like part of the neighbourhood, and people will choose you over the faceless chain every time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best DoorDash Merchants can slip up. Avoid these common mistakes, and your sales will thank you:
1. Overpricing items
- Customers will bounce if your prices feel too high compared to competitors.
- Find the sweet spot — fair and profitable.
2. Poor-quality photos
- Blurry or dark images turn people off fast.
- Invest a little time in clean, well-lit photos — it pays off.
3. Slow response to orders
- Delays frustrate customers and hurt ratings.
- Treat online orders like in-store orders: fast and accurate.
4. Ignoring feedback
- Negative reviews happen — don’t brush them off.
- Respond politely, fix the problem if possible, and learn from it.
5. Not updating menu or stock
- Outdated items or missing stock frustrate customers and lower ratings.
- Keep your menu current and accurate.
Avoiding these mistakes is like keeping the ice clean in a hockey rink — if it’s smooth, the game runs better. For your DoorDash business, smooth operations = happier customers and higher sales.
Conclusion
Boosting your sales as a DoorDash Merchant isn’t about luck — it’s about strategy, consistency, and knowing your customers. From optimizing your menu and using smart promotions, to running smooth operations and connecting with your local community, every little move counts.
Think of it like hockey: showing up is step one, but playing smart, making passes, and scoring consistently is how you win the game. Apply these tips, and you’ll turn casual orders into repeat customers and steadily grow your business in every neighbourhood.
At the end of the day, being a DoorDash Merchant isn’t just about selling — it’s about becoming a trusted, go-to spot for locals. Nail the basics, stay engaged, and your neighbourhood will keep coming back for more.
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