About This Third-Party Delivery Cost Calculator
Use the third-party delivery cost calculator to see what food delivery apps really take from each order. DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and similar platforms charge a commission on order value, sometimes a delivery fee, and occasionally service or marketing fees. When you are running a restaurant or food business on these apps, the platform cost can erase a large share of the margin, so it helps to model it before setting delivery menu prices.
How to Use the Calculator
- Enter the average order value.
- Enter the commission rate charged by the delivery app (commonly 15-30 percent).
- Add any delivery fee or service fee you absorb per order.
- Optionally enter monthly delivery order volume to see the monthly cost.
- Review the per-order and monthly totals, then decide whether the channel is worth it.
How the Math Works
Per-order platform cost equals commission (order value times commission rate) plus delivery fee plus service fee. Net per order equals order value minus platform cost. Monthly cost equals per-order cost times monthly orders. The percentage of order value lost to the platform is platform cost divided by order value, multiplied by 100.
Calculator results are estimates, not official platform statements. Marketplace fees, processor rates, carrier charges, taxes, return costs, and discounts can change by category, region, seller account, customer location, and timing. Use the result as a planning checkpoint, then confirm important assumptions with your marketplace dashboard, accounting records, shipping software, or a qualified professional.
Interpretation Tips
- Pickup orders on most apps carry a much lower commission than delivery orders — model both.
- A high commission can turn a profitable dish into a loss on low-margin items.
- Some apps let you raise prices on the delivery menu to offset the commission.
- Include marketing and promotional fees when the app charges them.
- Check your true food cost and labor before judging whether delivery is profitable.
Third-Party Delivery Cost Calculator FAQ
How much do delivery apps charge restaurants?
Delivery apps typically charge a 15-30 percent commission on order value, plus delivery, service, or marketing fees. The exact amount depends on the app, the commission tier, and whether the order is delivery or pickup.
Do pickup orders cost less than delivery?
Usually yes. Pickup orders often carry a lower commission (sometimes 5-10 percent) because the app does not provide a driver.
Should I raise prices on delivery apps?
Many restaurants do to offset the commission, but the right increase depends on your food margin and customer price sensitivity. Compare your margin against the app fee before deciding.
How do I know if delivery is profitable?
Model the platform cost per order, subtract food and labor cost, and compare against the added volume and reach. If margin per delivery order is thin or negative, the channel may not be worth it.
Can this calculator tell me which app to use?
No. It models the cost of a single commission structure. Compare several apps by entering each one commission and fee set.