Picture this: you’ve got a local business — maybe it’s a cozy café on the corner, a flower shop downtown, or even a small convenience store where folks grab a quick double-double on the go. Business is steady, but most of your customers are the ones walking past your storefront. So, how do you reach people a few blocks over, or even across town, without them having to stumble upon you by chance?
That’s where DoorDash Merchant comes in. By signing up, your shop isn’t just waiting for foot traffic anymore — you’re showing up right on people’s phones. Instead of hoping someone finds you, you’re literally delivering your business straight to their door.
And let’s be real: here in Canada, life can get busy (and don’t even get me started on winter, eh?). Nobody’s keen on trekking through snow just to grab dinner or a bag of chips. With DoorDash, your business keeps moving, even when customers would rather stay cozy inside.
The best part? Signing up as a DoorDash Merchant is simple. Honestly, it’s about as easy as creating a new social account, except this one can actually boost your sales and help you connect with way more locals.
So, if you’re ready to turn your “hidden gem” into a community favourite across neighbourhoods, stick around. We’ll walk through exactly how to sign up, step by step. Trust me — this could be the game-changer your business has been waiting for.
What is DoorDash Merchant?
Alright, so before we get into the nitty-gritty of signing up, let’s clear one thing up: being a DoorDash Merchant doesn’t just mean restaurants.
A lot of folks hear “DoorDash” and instantly think pizza shops or burger joints, but in reality, it’s way more than that. If you’re running a local business and selling products people might want delivered, chances are you can hop on board.
Here are some examples:
- Restaurants & cafés → everything from sushi spots to coffee shops.
- Beverage joints → bubble tea, juice bars, smoothie places.
- Grocery & specialty food shops → bakeries, butchers, seafood markets.
- Retail stores → convenience shops, pet stores, flower shops.
- Pharmacies & health shops → vitamins, essentials, even everyday meds.
So yeah, it’s not just about food. It’s about making your business more accessible to people in your neighbourhood — and let’s face it, Canadians love convenience. When someone’s craving a latte, running out of dog food, or just doesn’t feel like bundling up to grab some cold meds, they’ll hop on DoorDash and boom — your business is right there.
In other words: signing up as a merchant is basically saying, “Hey, neighbour, I’ve got what you need, and I’ll bring it right over.”
Benefits of Becoming a DoorDash Merchant
So, why even bother signing up as a DoorDash Merchant, eh? Well, let’s break it down — because the perks aren’t just nice-to-haves, they’re real game-changers for local businesses.
Reach new customers in your neighbourhood
Think of DoorDash like a digital main street. Folks who’ve never walked by your shop can still find you with a couple taps on their phone. Instead of waiting for foot traffic, you’re showing up where people already spend their time.
Boost your sales with delivery and pickup
It’s simple math: more ways to order = more chances to sell. Some people want it delivered to their door, others prefer picking it up on the way home. With DoorDash, you cover both bases.
Get free marketing through the app
Ever notice how DoorDash highlights “featured” or “recommended” spots? Your shop could be one of them. Suddenly, you’re not just relying on word of mouth — the app itself helps put your business in front of hungry or curious customers.
Flexibility to run things your way
You set your menu, your hours, and your prices. Want to close early on a snowstorm night? Easy. Feel like running a promo for hockey game day? Totally up to you. You’re in control.
Access to insights and sales data
Here’s the part a lot of small business owners don’t think about: the data. DoorDash gives you info on what people are ordering, when they order, and how often. That’s like having a free customer survey running 24/7 — super handy if you want to plan specials or stock smart.
Signing up as a DoorDash Merchant isn’t just about delivering food or goods. It’s about making your business part of your community’s everyday routine. And when you’re the go-to spot for folks in your neighbourhood, that’s when things really take off.
Getting Ready to Sign Up
Okay, so you’re thinking, “This sounds great, but what do I actually need before I hit that sign-up button?” Don’t worry — it’s not like applying for a mortgage or anything. The prep work is pretty straightforward, but having everything lined up will save you a ton of hassle later.
Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
Basic business info
- Your business name, address, and phone number.
- The legal info of the business owner (your full name and email).
- Make sure this matches your official documents — trust me, it avoids headaches down the road.
Banking details
- You’ll need a Canadian bank account to get paid.
- Have your account and transit number ready. (Pro tip: double-check those digits — one wrong number and you’ll be wondering where your money went, eh?)
Menu or product list
- If you’re a restaurant: your food menu with prices.
- If you’re retail: your product catalogue or a list of items you want to sell.
- Keep it simple at first — you can always expand later.
Visuals that sell
- A clean, high-res logo for your store.
- Photos of your products or dishes (good lighting goes a long way).
Remember, people eat with their eyes first — especially when they’re scrolling on their phone.
A dash of patience
Once you send everything in, there’s usually a short wait while DoorDash reviews your info. Don’t sweat it — grab a Timmies and chill.
Getting these ducks in a row before you start makes the sign-up smoother than fresh ice at a hockey rink. That way, when you hit “submit,” you’re not scrambling around for paperwork or second-guessing your details.
How to Sign Up for DoorDash Merchant
Alright, you’ve got all your info ready. Now it’s time for the fun part — actually signing up. Don’t worry, it’s not rocket science. Here’s how it goes, step by step:
1. Head to the official sign-up page
Pop over to the DoorDash Merchant sign-up site. Make sure you’re on the legit page (you don’t want to end up in some sketchy corner of the internet, eh?).
2. Fill out your business basics
They’ll ask for your business name, address, and the type of shop you’re running. Whether you’re a pizzeria in Toronto or a pet shop in Vancouver, you just plug it in.
3. Add your contact and owner details
This is where you put in your legal name, email, and phone number. Keep it accurate — this is how DoorDash reaches you if there’s an issue.
4. Upload your docs
Depending on your business type, you might need to upload some supporting info (like proof you own the place). Nothing wild — just make sure you’ve got digital copies handy.
5. Connect your bank account
Here’s the part that gets everyone smiling: payments. You’ll link your Canadian bank account so you can get paid out weekly. Double-check your account and transit numbers before hitting save.
6. Build your menu or product list
Through the Merchant Portal, you’ll start adding items:
- Restaurants → dishes, combos, drinks
- Shops → product names, descriptions, prices
Don’t stress about being perfect right away — you can update and tweak anytime.
7. Review and submit
Give everything a once-over, hit submit, and you’re off to the races. DoorDash will review your application, and once you’re approved, you’re live on the app.
Honestly, the whole thing can be done in less time than it takes to watch a period of hockey. And once you’re set up, your business is right there in people’s pockets, ready for their next order.
Setting Up Your Menu & Products
Now that you’re officially in the game, it’s time to make your store look sharp inside the app. This is where you set up your menu (if you’re a restaurant) or product list (if you’re retail). Think of it like dressing up your shop window — first impressions matter, eh?
Upload your items
- Restaurants → add dishes, sides, drinks, and any combos.
- Shops → add your top products first (snacks, essentials, whatever brings people in).
Don’t worry about being perfect — you can always update as you go.
Photos that pop
People order with their eyes. A dark, blurry photo can tank sales faster than a Leafs playoff run (sorry, had to say it).
- Use good lighting — natural light if possible.
- Keep the background simple so the product shines.
No need for fancy gear, even a decent phone camera works.
Descriptions that help, not confuse
Keep it short, clear, and helpful:
- For food → list the main ingredients.
- For products → size, flavour, or key detail. Example: instead of “Latte,” try “12oz Latte – made with local 2% milk.”
Set your prices smartly
Match your in-store pricing if you can, but remember: delivery customers often expect to pay a bit more for the convenience. Just don’t go wild, or people will bounce.
Add options & extras
DoorDash lets you create add-ons (toppings, sizes, bundles). This is where upselling happens — a small tweak can add a nice bump to your sales.
Example: “Add bacon for $2” or “Upgrade to large for $1.”
Test before you go live
Place a “fake order” through the Merchant Portal to see how your menu looks. Better to catch a typo now than have a customer wondering what “Baco Chese Piza” is supposed to be.
Think of your menu or product list as your digital handshake with the customer. If it looks clean, clear, and appetizing, you’re way more likely to earn that first order — and then the repeat ones after.
Key Features in the DoorDash Merchant Portal
Once you’re set up, the Merchant Portal is basically your command centre. Think of it like the dashboard of your car — everything you need to keep your business rolling is right there.
Live order management
- Orders pop up in real time, so you can accept, prep, and track them.
- You’ll see pickup times and delivery status, so no guessing games.
- It’s smoother than fresh Zamboni’d ice when you get into the rhythm.
Business hours control
- You decide when you’re open or closed on the app.
- Got a snowstorm and closing early? Just switch yourself offline.
- Want to extend hours during a local festival? Flip the switch the other way.
Promotions & discounts
- Create deals like “Free delivery over $20” or “15% off for first-time customers.”
- Seasonal promos (think Valentine’s flowers or playoff snacks) can really draw attention.
- A little promo can go a long way — Canadians love a good deal, eh?
Menu & product updates
- Add, remove, or tweak items anytime.
- Sold out of something? Mark it unavailable with one click.
- Keeps customers happy and saves you from awkward “sorry, we’re out” moments.
Insights & reports
- Sales reports: daily, weekly, monthly.
- See what items sell best and when.
- Basically free market research — super handy when planning specials or stock.
Customer feedback
- Ratings and comments show up right in the portal.
- Not every review will be glowing, but hey, even the best poutine shop in town gets the odd complaint.
- Use it to improve, and your customers will notice the effort.
The Merchant Portal isn’t just a tool, it’s your partner. The more you use it, the better you’ll understand your customers and how to keep your business thriving in every neighbourhood.
Fees & Commission for DoorDash Merchants
Alright, let’s be straight — DoorDash isn’t free for merchants. They take a cut, and you should know what you’re signing up for. But before you roll your eyes, remember: it’s the price of getting your business in front of way more customers than you could reach on your own.
1. Commission rates
- DoorDash charges a commission per order, usually somewhere in the 15%–30% range, depending on the plan you pick.
- Lower commission = less marketing exposure. Higher commission = more visibility in the app.
- Think of it like hockey seats — nosebleeds are cheaper, but if you want to be front row, you pay a bit more.
2. Delivery options
- DoorDash Delivery → they handle the drivers, you just prep the order.
- Self-Delivery → you use your own staff for delivery, and the fee is lower. Handy if you already have drivers on payroll.
3. Marketing add-ons
- You can pay extra for promos or “boosts” to get featured spots in the app.
- Totally optional, but it can pay off during busy seasons (holidays, playoffs, summer patio season).
4. Payouts
- DoorDash pays out weekly straight to your Canadian bank account.
- Some areas let you cash out daily (with a small fee).
- So yeah, you don’t have to wait forever to see your money.
5. The trade-off
Yes, giving up a slice of your profit stings a bit. But the flip side? You’re pulling in sales you might never have gotten otherwise. For many businesses, the extra volume more than covers the fees.
At the end of the day, it’s kinda like renting a booth at a busy farmers’ market. You pay to be there, but the foot traffic (or in this case, app traffic) makes it worth your while.
Tips for Succeeding as a DoorDash Merchant
Getting on the platform is one thing. Thriving on it? That’s where the real work (and fun) begins, eh. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you stand out and keep those orders flowing:
Keep your menu fresh and accurate
Nobody likes ordering a butter tart only to find out it’s sold out. Update your menu often so customers can trust what they see. It’s like shovelling your driveway — a little upkeep saves a lot of hassle later.
Respond quickly to orders
The faster you confirm and prep, the smoother the delivery. Customers notice when their food or products show up on time, and good ratings follow. Slow responses? That’s how you end up in the penalty box.
Use promotions wisely
- First-order discounts or free delivery can hook new customers.
- Seasonal promos — think Valentine’s flowers, Canada Day BBQ packs, or playoff snacks — show you’re in tune with the community.
Invest in good photos
A sharp, well-lit photo sells better than a blurry one every time. Even if it’s just your Nanaimo bars, make ’em look as tasty as they are.
Read and learn from feedback
Yeah, not every review will make you smile. But Canadians are pretty polite — if something’s off, most folks just want to see you improve. Show you’re listening, and they’ll keep coming back.
Think local, act local
Lean into your neighbourhood vibe. Highlight local ingredients, create bundles for nearby events, or just keep it friendly in your descriptions. People love supporting local businesses — give them a reason to pick you over the chain down the street.
Treat DoorDash like an extension of your shop. The same effort you put into greeting customers face-to-face should carry over to how you present yourself online. Do that, and you’ll go from “just another option” to the go-to spot in your neighbourhood.
Conclusion
So, there you have it — the full scoop on becoming a DoorDash Merchant. From signing up, setting up your menu, and learning the ropes in the Merchant Portal, to actually thriving with promos and customer feedback, you’ve now got the playbook in hand.
At the end of the day, DoorDash isn’t just about delivery — it’s about giving your business a bigger stage in your own backyard. Whether you’re running a café, a flower shop, or that little corner store everyone in the neighbourhood relies on, DoorDash helps you connect with more locals who might never have walked through your doors otherwise.
Sure, there are fees, and yes, it takes some effort to keep your menu sharp and your ratings solid. But if you play it smart, the payoff is worth it. It’s like hockey — you don’t win every shift, but if you keep showing up and working hard, you’ll build momentum.
So, if you’re ready to turn your shop from a “hidden gem” into a neighbourhood favourite, now’s the time. Sign up, get your business out there, and let DoorDash help you grow beyond your front door.
Because in the end, it’s not just about more orders — it’s about becoming part of your community’s everyday life. And honestly? That’s a pretty sweet deal, eh.
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