How Delivery Platform Payouts Work (Fees & Delivery Charges Explained)

Tap a step to follow along in order.

  1. Understand what your payout is made of

    Your payout is usually the order total minus commission, the delivery fee (or your share of it), and payment processing fees.

  2. Check the commission structure

    Commission rates differ between platforms, and even within the same platform depending on your plan (flat-rate vs. percentage-based), so the exact number is only accurate when you check your own plan in the merchant portal.

  3. Check how the delivery fee is split

    Delivery fees vary by platform, region, and distance, and are typically split between the merchant and the customer at some ratio rather than paid entirely by one side.

  4. Check your payout schedule

    Payouts usually run on a fixed cycle β€” weekly or by business day β€” and some platforms offer a faster payout option for a fee, so check the merchant portal's announcements for specifics.

  5. Review your payout statement in detail

    The merchant portal's payout or earnings section usually breaks down commission, delivery fees, and other deductions order by order.

  6. Why this matters

    Understanding your payout structure precisely is essential for pricing your menu correctly and calculating your real profit margin without guesswork.

Always confirm exact rates on your own merchant portal

Commission, delivery fee, and advertising rates can change with plan, region, and season, and platforms update their policies periodically. Numbers you find in old posts online may no longer apply β€” checking the payout terms tied to your specific plan in the merchant portal is the only reliable source.

Payout amount and reported revenue aren't the same thing

The amount that actually lands in your account isn't the same figure you should report as revenue for tax purposes β€” payouts are net of fees, while revenue reporting typically needs the gross order amount. It's worth clarifying this distinction with a local accountant or tax advisor rather than assuming they match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do commission rates differ between platforms?

Yes. Commission structures depend on both the platform and the specific plan you're enrolled in, so the accurate number is only available in your own merchant portal.

What if my payout looks lower than expected?

Check the itemized deductions for each order in your merchant portal's payout details, and contact merchant support if something still doesn't add up β€” they can walk through the specific charges with you.