How to Change the Menu on DoorDash: A Restaurant Owner’s Definitive Guide

So, you need to change your DoorDash menu? Excellent. That’s a sign your business is adapting, growing, or perhaps just optimizing for better profits. The good news is, it’s a relatively straightforward process. You primarily have two main avenues for adjusting your DoorDash menu: directly through the Merchant Portal or by contacting DoorDash Support. Let’s delve into the details, shall we?

Accessing and Navigating the Merchant Portal

The Merchant Portal is your command center. It’s where you’ll spend the bulk of your time managing your DoorDash presence. Think of it as your digital restaurant manager, always ready to make adjustments.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Menu Modification via the Portal

1. Log in to your Merchant Portal: Using your registered email and password, head over to the DoorDash Merchant Portal. It’s the same place you go to review orders, track performance, and generally keep an eye on your DoorDash operation.

2. Navigate to the Menu Tab: Once logged in, look for the “Menu” tab. It’s usually prominently displayed in the navigation bar. Click it, and you’ll be transported to your digital menu board.

3. Explore Menu Sections: Your menu will likely be divided into sections like “Appetizers,” “Entrees,” “Desserts,” etc. This is where the real fun begins. You can add, edit, or remove items within these sections.

4. Adding New Items: To introduce a culinary masterpiece, click the “Add Item” button within the appropriate section. A window will pop up prompting you for details. This includes the item name, description, price, preparation time, and any available customizations (think size options, add-ons, or substitutions). Be descriptive and accurate; customers rely on this information.

5. Editing Existing Items: To tweak an existing offering, simply click on the item you wish to modify. You can then adjust the name, description, price, preparation time, and customization options just as you would when adding a new item. Accurate pricing and descriptions are paramount; inaccurate information leads to unhappy customers.

6. Removing Items: Sometimes, dishes just don’t perform, or ingredients become scarce. To remove an item, locate it on your menu, and look for a “Remove” or “Delete” option. Confirm your decision, and it will be gone from your online menu. Note that seasonal items should be temporarily disabled rather than permanently deleted so you can reinstate them easily.

7. Managing Customizations: This is where you can fine-tune your offerings. For each item, you can define available sizes (small, medium, large), add-ons (extra cheese, avocado), and substitutions (vegetarian option, gluten-free bread). Think carefully about common requests and incorporate them here.

8. Review and Save: Before publishing your changes, take a moment to review everything. Check for typos, incorrect prices, and accurate descriptions. Once you’re satisfied, click the “Save” or “Publish” button. Your updated menu should be live on DoorDash within minutes.

Utilizing DoorDash Support for Menu Changes

While the Merchant Portal gives you direct control, sometimes you need a helping hand. DoorDash Support can assist with more complex menu changes or troubleshoot issues.

When to Contact Support

• Bulk Menu Updates: If you have a completely new menu or extensive changes, DoorDash Support can streamline the process.

• Technical Difficulties: Encountering glitches in the Merchant Portal? Support is your go-to resource.

• Integration Issues: If your Point of Sale (POS) system isn’t syncing correctly with DoorDash, Support can investigate.

How to Contact DoorDash Support

• Phone: Find the support number in your Merchant Portal or on the DoorDash website.

• Email: Send a detailed email outlining your request to the designated support email address.

• In-App Chat: Many Merchant Portals offer a live chat feature for immediate assistance.

When contacting support, be prepared with specific details about the changes you want to make. Have item names, descriptions, prices, and any relevant images ready. The more information you provide, the faster they can assist you.

Best Practices for Menu Management

• Keep it Current: Regularly review your menu to ensure accuracy and reflect seasonal changes.
• Optimize for Delivery: Some dishes travel better than others. Prioritize items that maintain quality during transit.
• High-Quality Photos: Invest in professional photos of your dishes. Visual appeal can significantly boost sales.
• Strategic Pricing: Balance profitability with customer value. Monitor competitor pricing to stay competitive.
• Promotions and Bundles: Use promotions and bundles to entice customers and increase order value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How often can I change my menu on DoorDash?

You can change your menu as often as you need. There are no restrictions on the frequency of updates. However, avoid making changes during peak hours, as this can disrupt service and confuse customers.

2. Can I schedule menu changes in advance?

Unfortunately, the Merchant Portal doesn’t currently support scheduled menu changes. You’ll need to manually update your menu at the desired time. You can, however, pre-plan your changes and prepare all the details in advance to make the update process quick and efficient.

3. What if my POS system is integrated with DoorDash?

If your POS system is integrated, menu changes should ideally be made within your POS. The changes will then automatically sync with DoorDash. However, it’s crucial to verify that the synchronization is working correctly and that all changes are accurately reflected on your DoorDash menu. Contact DoorDash support if you experience any syncing issues.

4. How long does it take for menu changes to appear on DoorDash?

Changes made through the Merchant Portal typically appear on DoorDash within minutes. For changes submitted through DoorDash Support, the timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of the request and the workload of the support team. Always confirm that the changes are visible to customers after implementation.

5. Can I offer different menus for lunch and dinner?

Yes, but this requires careful management. The simplest approach is to disable items that are not available during certain times. For example, disable breakfast items after 11 am. Alternatively, DoorDash Support might be able to assist with more complex time-based menu configurations.

6. How do I handle “out of stock” items?

The best practice is to temporarily disable the item in the Merchant Portal when it’s out of stock. This prevents customers from ordering unavailable items and avoids order cancellations. Remember to re-enable the item once it’s back in stock.

7. Can I add images to my menu items?

Absolutely! High-quality images are highly recommended. They significantly improve the visual appeal of your menu and can increase sales. The Merchant Portal usually allows you to upload images for each item. Ensure the images are clear, well-lit, and accurately represent the dish.

8. What are the size and format requirements for menu images?

DoorDash recommends specific image sizes and formats for optimal display. Check the Merchant Portal guidelines for the latest recommendations. Generally, high-resolution JPEG or PNG files are preferred. Smaller file sizes are also recommended for fast loading.

9. How do I create combo meals or bundles on DoorDash?

The process for creating combo meals or bundles varies. Some Merchant Portals have a dedicated feature for this. If not, you may need to create a new menu item that combines the individual items in the bundle. Clearly describe the bundle contents and price in the item description.

10. How do I add allergen information to my menu?

Providing accurate allergen information is crucial for customer safety. Include allergen details (e.g., “Contains nuts,” “Gluten-free option available”) in the item description. Consider creating a separate “Allergen Information” section on your menu with more detailed information.

11. What should I do if I see an incorrect item on my DoorDash menu that I didn’t create?

Contact DoorDash Support immediately. This could be a sign of a system error or unauthorized access to your account. They can investigate the issue and remove the incorrect item.

12. How can I track the performance of my menu items on DoorDash?

The Merchant Portal provides data on sales, order frequency, and customer ratings for each menu item. Analyze this data to identify popular items, underperforming items, and areas for improvement. Use this information to optimize your menu and pricing strategy.

By mastering these menu management techniques, you can enhance your DoorDash presence, attract more customers, and boost your restaurant’s online revenue. Happy selling!