To sell more on DoorDash and Uber Eats, you need three things: a menu built for delivery, a rating above 4.5, and visibility inside the app through the right plan and promotions. Then you need a fourth: a way to move repeat customers to your own ordering channel, where you don't pay commission.
For Brazilian restaurants in the US, delivery apps are often the first way American customers try your food. That makes them a powerful discovery channel — and an expensive one if you don't manage them.
How much do DoorDash and Uber Eats charge restaurants?
DoorDash charges 15%, 25% or 30% per delivery order on its Basic, Plus and Premier plans, and 6% on pickup orders (DoorDash pricing). Uber Eats uses a similar tiered model in roughly the same 15–30% range. Verify current Uber Eats rates before publishing — they changed in 2026.
On a $50 order, that means $7.50 to $15 goes to DoorDash before you pay for food, packaging and labor. That is why more orders alone don't guarantee more profit.
Which plan should I choose?
Basic has the lowest commission but a smaller delivery area and less visibility. Plus and Premier reach more customers, including DashPass members. A practical rule: start on Plus to test demand, then compare your net margin per order before moving up or down.
7 ways to get more orders on delivery apps
These are ordered by impact and cost. The first four cost nothing but time.
1. Rebuild your menu for delivery
Cut your delivery menu to the dishes that travel well and sell best. Fewer options make decisions faster. Coxinha, pão de queijo, feijoada, picanha plates and açaí bowls usually hold up well; delicate fried items and dishes that get soggy should stay in the dining room.
2. Write names Americans can search and understand
Customers search the app in English. Pair the Portuguese name with a clear description: "Pão de Queijo — Brazilian cheese bread (6 pcs)." This helps you appear in searches for "cheese bread" and keeps your authenticity.
3. Use professional photos for every item
Items with photos get noticeably more orders than items without them. Shoot dishes in natural light, from above, in the actual delivery packaging so expectations match reality.
4. Protect your rating
The apps rank higher-rated restaurants above others. Most ratings drop because of three problems: missing items, cold food and long waits. Add a final checklist at the packing station, and use sealed, insulated packaging.
5. Run promotions with a clear goal
Use promotions to win first orders, not to discount loyal customers. "Free delivery on your first order" or "$5 off orders over $30" brings new customers in. Track cost per new customer, not just order volume.
6. Create bundles that raise the average ticket
Combos like "Feijoada for two + 2 guaranás" increase order value, which dilutes the fixed costs of each delivery. Name them in English with a Brazilian touch.
7. Be open when demand peaks
Late evenings and weekend lunches are strong delivery windows. If your kitchen closes early, you are absent from the app at the hours when competition is lower.
How to stop depending on delivery apps
The apps are best for discovery; your own channel is best for profit. Once a customer has ordered twice, give them a reason to order directly next time.
Direct online ordering on your website, with pickup and your own delivery or a delivery-as-a-service partner.
A loyalty offer printed on a card in the bag, with a QR code to your site.
SMS and email lists to bring customers back with weekly specials.
Google Business Profile with an "Order online" button pointing to your own link.
What delivery metrics should I track?
Track four numbers every week: net margin per order (after commission and packaging), rating, average ticket and percentage of repeat customers. If net margin per order is falling while orders grow, the app is growing at your expense.
FAQ
Is it worth being on both DoorDash and Uber Eats?
Usually yes at the start, because each app has different customers. After three months, compare net margin per order and keep investing where it is higher.
Can I charge higher prices on delivery apps?
Yes. Many restaurants set delivery prices 10–20% above dine-in prices to offset commission. Be transparent and keep prices consistent across apps.
Why are my orders dropping on DoorDash?
The usual causes are a lower rating, items marked unavailable, reduced opening hours or a competitor running promotions in your area.
Can an agency manage my delivery apps?
Yes. CTG Digital manages menus, photos, promotions and direct-ordering strategy for Brazilian restaurants in the US, in Portuguese and English.
Want to know how much you really keep per delivery order? Request a free delivery margin review from CTG Digital.