Menu Setup

How to Add Menu Items and Descriptions in the Merchant Portal

Everything you need to know about how to add items to your menu, edit items and options, as well as how to temporarily deactivate them.

10/9/23
9 min read
DoorDash Merchant Portal - Items and Descriptions

Why is editing your menu important?

According to a 2022 DoorDash US small restaurant owners study, adding menu item descriptions can have a long-term impact, increasing sales by up to 23% per month.

How do I add a new item to my menu?

1. In the Menu Manager section of the Merchant Portal, click on the category to which you’d like to add an item.

2. Click Add An Item at the end of the list of items in the category.

Merchant Portal - Menu Manager

3. Type in the text box to add the Name, Price and Description of the new item.

Merchant Portal - Menu Item

4. Click Save to add your new Item. The item will now appear on the menu.

How do I add an item description?

1. In the menu section of your Merchant Portal, to add a description to an item, click on Edit.

2. Click and hold the blue dots next to the category you want to move. Drag the item to the new position and click Save.

Merchant Portal - Menu Item Description

How do I edit an item’s price?

1. In the Menu Manager, select Edit under the item that you would like to edit.

Merchant Portal - Edit Menu Item

2. Update the price for the item and click Save.

Do you have different prices onsite versus online?

If an item on your menu has a different price for pickup and delivery, here’s how to edit it:

1. In the Menu Manager section of the Merchant Portal, click Edit under the item for which you would like to adjust the price.

2. Under the item’s name, you will see two fields: DoorDash Delivery Price and Standard Price.

Merchant Portal - Menu Price

3. Input the two prices and click Save.

Note: Small, US-based restaurants who mark up their menu prices can see up to 33% lower order volume and 83% lower reorder rates. This is why having pricing consistent across your in-store and online menus is so important.

Adding a tax rate to menu items

1. Depending on your location, your store is responsible for collecting and remitting all taxes. Please ensure you specify a tax rate, otherwise, the item will be taxed using your store's tax rate.

2. In the Menu Manager section of the Merchant Portal, click Edit under the item for which you would like to adjust the price.

3. At the bottom left of the item, fill in the field called Item Tax Rate (Optional).

4. Click Save.

Merchant Portal - Menu Item Tax

How do I organise items into categories?

Categories are useful because they can sort your menu items in a particular way, making it easier for customers to find what they might be craving. Sort the order of categories in the Menu section of the Merchant Portal.

1. In the left column of the Menu editor, click Sort.

Merchant Portal - Menu Sort

2. Click and hold the blue dots next to the category you want to move. Drag the item to the new position and click Save.

Merchant Portal - Sort Categories - Menu

If you have the same menu in multiple locations, you can share that menu across your various restaurants. When a shared menu is edited, the changes are reflected for all stores that use that menu. However, temporary deactivations to items and options can be applied to specific locations.

How do I mark an item out of stock?

When you run out of an item, you can temporarily deactivate it from your menu using the Menu Editor in your Merchant Portal.

1. Hover your mouse over the item and click Deactivate.

Merchant Portal - Deactivate Menu Item

2. Once you select Deactivate, a pop-up will appear offering you the option to reactivate the item at the end of the day.

Other important things to consider when building your menu

  • Photos: Photos are a great way to showcase your menu.Here are tips on how to upload photos, follow photo best-practices, and even sign up for a free photoshoot.

  • Modifiers: Modifiers make it easy for your customers to customise their order.

Author

Merchant Learning

Merchant Learning