Delivery App Commission Rates: Uber Eats vs DoorDash vs Deliveroo vs Grubhub (2024)
Compare commission fees, payment terms & hidden charges across top food delivery platforms in US, UK, Canada & Australia.
Quick Answer
Swiggy/Zomato charge 18–28% commission in India. Uber Eats/DoorDash charge 15–30% in the US. Deliveroo charges 25–35% in the UK. Negotiate at 200+ orders/month; consider direct ordering via QR menu to save commission entirely.
Commission rates by platform and country
Delivery platform commissions are the single largest line-item expense for delivery-dependent restaurants. Rates vary by country, volume, and negotiation.
- Swiggy/Zomato India: 18–28% (negotiable at volume)
- Uber Eats US: 15–30% depending on plan
- DoorDash US: 15–30% (Plus, Premier, Basic tiers)
- Deliveroo UK: 25–35%
- GrabFood SEA: 20–30%
Hidden charges beyond commission
Commission is not the full cost. Add: payment processing (1–2%), marketing/ad boosts (5–15% extra), packaging, and rider wait time penalties.
Total platform cost often reaches 35–40% of order value when all fees are included.
- Payment gateway fee: 1–2% on top of commission
- Ad/marketing boosts: optional but often necessary for visibility
- Packaging cost: ₹15–40 per order
- Rider wait time penalties if food is not ready
- Customer discounts funded partly by restaurant
Negotiating lower commission rates
Restaurants doing 200+ orders/month have leverage. Contact your account manager with data: order volume, average ticket, and competitor offers.
Multi-brand cloud kitchens get the best rates — 15–18% at 500+ orders/month.
- Prepare: 3-month order volume data before calling
- Ask for rate review at 200+ orders/month
- Multi-outlet: negotiate group rate
- Threaten (politely) to reduce ad spend if rate is not adjusted
- Get new rate in writing — verbal promises do not stick
The case for first-party (direct) delivery
At 25% commission, a ₹500 order costs you ₹125 in fees. Direct ordering via WhatsApp + own rider costs ₹50–80 all-in.
Break-even for own delivery: typically 15–20 orders/day within 3 km radius.
- Direct order cost: rider salary + fuel + packaging ≈ ₹60–80/order
- Platform order cost: 25% of ₹500 = ₹125/order
- Savings per direct order: ₹45–65
- Break-even own delivery fleet: 15–20 orders/day
Use DineCard to enable direct ordering
A DineCard QR menu with WhatsApp order link converts dine-in regulars into direct delivery customers — zero commission.
Update your menu, prices, and availability instantly. At ₹99/month, one direct order/day saves more than the subscription cost.
- Add WhatsApp order link to DineCard menu footer
- Offer 10% direct-order discount (still cheaper than 25% commission)
- Insert QR menu card in every delivery package
- Track direct order growth monthly
Frequently Asked Questions
What commission do Swiggy and Zomato charge in 2024?
18–28% depending on city, cuisine, and order volume. New restaurants start at the higher end. Negotiate after 3 months of consistent volume.
Can I negotiate delivery app commission rates?
Yes, at 200+ orders/month. Contact your account manager with volume data. Multi-outlet operators have the most leverage.
How can DineCard help me avoid delivery commissions?
DineCard QR menu with WhatsApp ordering lets customers order direct — zero platform fees. Free 14-day trial at dinecard.in — ₹99/month after.
Is self-delivery cheaper than Swiggy/Zomato?
Yes, above 15–20 orders/day within 3 km. You save 18–28% commission minus rider cost (₹40–60/order). Use platforms for discovery, direct for repeat customers.
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