The All-Inclusive Guide to Uber Eats for Restaurants

If you aren’t already on Uber Eats, you’re leaving money on the table. This leading third-party food delivery marketplace connects you to a vast network of customers, expanding your reach beyond the limits of your immediate vicinity.  

In today’s delivery-driven dining landscape, utilizing Uber Eats can be the key to boosting sales, streamlining operations, and improving profitability. After all, in the United States, an estimated 50.6% of the population is projected to use meal delivery services in 2024. 

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into how to set up an Uber Eats account, so you can increase reach and drive sales for your restaurant.  

Getting Started With Uber Eats 

The first step is to create an Uber Eats account, which allows you to start receiving orders online. Here’s what you need to do:  

• Fill out the registration form with your restaurant’s basic information, including your business’s name, address, and contact details.  
• Set up your payment details to ensure you can receive payouts from Uber Eats. 
• Upload your menu to the platform, ensuring it’s accurate and up-to-date. 
• Configure your restaurant’s settings, such as operating hours, delivery zones, and pricing options. 

Once your Uber Eats account is live, you can use the Restaurant Dashboard to manage online orders, monitor performance, and access promotional tools that help you attract more customers.

Understanding Uber Eats Fees and Payments 

Does Uber Eats charge restaurants to use its platform? Yes, it does. 

Uber Eats applies a commission fee on each online order, and the rate may vary depending on the plan you choose and your location. Restaurants can select from various plans, each offering different commission percentages and benefits, such as increased visibility, access to promotional tools, or lower delivery fees for customers. 

These fees are generally applicable in most countries, but local regulations and market conditions can affect the total cost. For the latest details on fees, payment terms, and plan options, you can either check Uber Eats’ website or reach out to their support team.  

By understanding these fees, you can better manage your costs. For example, many restaurants increase their menu prices on Uber Eats to help cover the commission fees, charging more for delivery orders than for in-person dining. 

3 Ways to Optimize Your Uber Eats Presence 

To maximize your restaurant’s success on Uber Eats and drive more online orders, it’s crucial to enhance your visibility and appeal on the platform. Here are three ways to do that: 

1. Optimize your menu with clear, enticing descriptions that highlight the unique aspects of each dish. If you want to offer promotions to entice customers, consider options like "buy one, get one free" instead of percentage-based discounts like 50% off. This approach can be more effective for your sales and profit margins, as it encourages larger orders and higher overall sales. 
2. High-quality food images are essential for showcasing your dishes and making them more appealing to potential customers. Invest in professional photos and ensure that your images are well-lit and appetizing. Pay attention to the colors and textures of each dish; vivid, well-captured images help your dishes stand out in the app. 
3. Actively engage with customer feedback by responding promptly to your reviews and ratings. Maintaining a high rating is key to building trust and encouraging more orders from satisfied customers. 

Managing Orders and Operations 

Effectively managing orders and operations is key to running a successful restaurant on Uber Eats. The Uber Eats app allows you to easily accept, prepare, and track orders, helping you stay organized. 

To optimize your operations, focus on simplifying your workflow. If you haven’t already done so, implement a clear system for handling high-volume periods to avoid order cancellations and ensure that each dish is prepared as ordered. You can also use the app’s tracking features to monitor order status and delivery times. This will help you identify areas for improvement and improve overall efficiency. 

Also, establish a feedback system (formal or informal) where delivery drivers and staff can report issues or suggest improvements. As you begin using Uber Eats, you're likely to encounter initial challenges and the occasional unavoidable mishap. Having a feedback mechanism in place will help you promptly address these issues. 

Uber Eats Technology and Integrations 

Integrations play a crucial role in improving the efficiency of your restaurant’s operations. Uber Eats offers robust support for connecting with various point of sale (POS) systems, which can significantly streamline your processes.  

First, by integrating your POS with Uber Eats, you can automate order processing and menu management. You’ll no longer need to manually enter orders, as the system automatically syncs them from your POS. This saves time and money and eliminates the risk of human error. 

Second, integrating your POS also provides real-time inventory syncing. This feature keeps your stock levels updated, helping you avoid overselling. As a result, your menu will always accurately reflect available items, and you’ll never have to disappoint customers who have ordered items that are out of stock. 

Third, for restaurants seeking more customized solutions, Uber Eats’ application programming interface (API) offers flexibility for developing unique features or connecting with other systems. This can help you create tailored integrations that meet your specific needs and further enhance your restaurant’s performance.

6 Tips on Growing Your Business With Uber Eats 

There are many ways in which you can use Uber Eats to tap into a broader customer base and expand your reach. Here are six strategies:  

1. Offer self-delivery options to provide more flexibility and convenience for your customers. 
2. Tailor your menu to highlight items that travel well and maintain quality during delivery. Consider adding exclusive delivery-only items or meal deals that cater specifically to the delivery market. 
3. Expand your delivery zones to reach new neighborhoods or areas if feasible. This can increase your restaurant’s exposure and attract customers who may not have previously ordered from you. 
4. Use the Uber Eats app to manage your delivery orders and times. During busy periods, you can adjust delivery estimates to better align with your restaurant’s current capacity. This helps set realistic expectations for customers and reduces the risk of late deliveries. 
5. Offer exclusive benefits such as discounts or promotions to Uber One members. This not only incentivizes repeat business but also helps build a loyal customer base.  
6. Utilize Uber Eats’ analytics and reporting features to understand customer preferences and ordering habits. Use this data to refine your menu, adjust pricing, and create targeted marketing campaigns. 

4 Insights for Customer Reviews and Ratings 

Customer reviews and ratings play an essential role in shaping your restaurant’s reputation on Uber Eats. Here are four ways you can actively manage your reviews and ratings on Uber Eats: 

1. Respond promptly to customer reviews and ratings to demonstrate that you value their feedback. 
2. Use this feedback to make informed improvements to your menu, service, and overall customer experience. For example, if multiple customers mention issues with delivery times, consider optimizing your delivery process to address this concern. 
3. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and ratings. A higher rating enhances your restaurant’s visibility and attracts more customers. 
4. Regularly monitor your restaurant’s rating and reviews and adjust your strategy as needed to address any recurring issues or capitalize on positive trends. 

Uber Eats Customer Service and Support 

Navigating challenges and ensuring smooth operations is crucial for running a successful restaurant on Uber Eats. When issues arise with orders, payments, or other aspects of the platform, Uber Eats provides a range of customer support options to assist you. 

You may contact Uber Eats’ customer support team for help with any issues related to orders, payments, or technical difficulties. For real-time order management, use the Uber Eats app to track your orders and monitor delivery times. You can also utilize Uber Eats’ frequently asked questions (FAQs) and guides on their website to troubleshoot common issues and understand the platform’s features.  

Third-Party vs First-Party: When to Use Each, and How to Make Both Work Together

As a restaurant owner, you’re always looking for effective strategies to drive revenue without sacrificing quality or creating inefficiencies. Online ordering apps can be an asset here. However, because they take commission, you need to offset those costs. In a perfect world, you successfully strike a balance between third-party and first-party ordering. The good news is that with a focused strategy and restaurant technology, you can seamlessly run both models simultaneously.

Uber Eats is a third-party online ordering and delivery platform that restaurants of all sizes can utilize. Oftentimes, virtual kitchens, establishments trying to break into new markets, and early growth restaurants benefit from the resources that Uber Eats offers. However, because it takes commission, Uber Eats tends to be a good option for young and growing restaurants. Leverage it to expand your reach and build brand recognition. Once you have solid online ordering operations underway, you can pivot to first-party.

 

Most of the time, you’ll see stronger margins with first-party ordering. Additionally, about 58% of customers prefer to order directly from the restaurant—they just need to know how to find your establishment and place an order without major hurdles. 

Another way to encourage first-party ordering is through a loyalty program. When customers enroll in your rewards program, they earn exclusive offers for ordering from your restaurant. This builds your relationship with them and encourages repeat visits, increasing their customer lifetime value. 

By leveraging both ordering models, you can attract new customers and maintain strong connections with existing ones. 

Uber Eats Strategy by Restaurant Type and Business Size

The following table is a breakdown of Uber Eats tactics based on restaurant type and business size. 

Business Type	Small Brand	Mid-Size Chain	Enterprise Operator
QSR	Basic plan, menu pricing offsets	Custom packaging, POS integrations	High-frequency promos, API integration
FSR	Limited zones, set delivery windows	Curated delivery menu, high-ticket combos	Brand-owned ghost kitchens
Virtual Kitchen	Uber Eats as primary platform	Optimize photos, meal bundles	Co-brand with influencers or menu collabs

Uber Eats isn’t a one-size-fits-all platform, but it is flexible. It’s important to know your restaurant’s needs and goals before deciding the best way to use the app. 

5 Pricing and Packaging Tips for Profitability on Uber Eats

Your restaurant can maximize revenue from Uber Eats by using these five tactical pricing and packaging ideas:

1. Use combo deals or bundles to increase average order value: By coupling two or more menu items, you create an added sense of value for the customer as well as increase how much money they spend.
2. Raise Uber Eats menu prices to offset commission: If you increase menu item prices on the platform by 10-20%, you can offset commission and drive revenue. 
3. Limit delivery availability for high cost of fragile items: Only offer to deliver menu items that won’t spill, break, or otherwise have a lower quality upon arrival to ensure customer satisfaction with their order. 
4. Add limited-time platform-exclusive deals or promotions: You can create urgency by running “only available on Uber Eats this month” campaigns, encouraging customers to order through the platform who might otherwise not.
5. Keep packaging costs low without sacrificing food quality: To save money and improve margins, try to keep your packaging costs under $1.25 per order. But make sure you maintain food quality. 

These techniques work for restaurants of all sizes and budgets. By implementing these strategies, you can resolve common pain points like offsetting the platform’s commission or lowering risk of customer discontent if they receive broken, soggy, or cold orders. 

Uber Eats’ Internal Marketing Tools

Whether you’re getting started with Uber Eats or revamping your presence on the online ordering platform, take advantage of its internal marketing tools. These are four examples of how to use real platform features to promote your restaurant on Uber Eats:

1. Sponsored listing: Pay an additional fee to have Uber Eats place your restaurant prominently on the app, so more customers see it.
2. Uber one promotions: Advertise your restaurant with Uber One, a subscription service that offers benefits for using on Uber rides and Uber Eats. 
3. Limited-time deals: Offer app-specific limited-time deals to encourage guests to place orders with Uber Eats. 
4. In-app banners: Promote your restaurant by advertising with in-app banners, so customers see your restaurant front and center when shopping for food. 
5. Featured restaurant placement: Showcase your restaurant as a featured option on the app for a limited time. 

Your use of each feature depends on your budget, marketing goals, and target audience. To determine which strategies work best for your audience, consider A/B testing different types of advertising, messaging, and timing. 

Using Uber Eats to Launch New Concepts or Locations

Uber Eats can do more than help you deliver to more customers in your area—you can also use the app to trial new menu concepts or extend your reach into new areas without having to open additional locations. These are three ways that your restaurant can leverage the app to expand your reach:

1. Implement a delivery-only radius expansion: Extend how far you’ll deliver without opening new locations to gauge customer interest in your restaurant for that area.
2. Launch virtual brands using Uber Eats and ghost kitchens: Open a ghost kitchen or virtual brands, without a physical location, to serve customers across more zip codes while staying on budget.
3. Run a test menu for limited-time offers: Trial limited-time deals or promotions on the platform to see how customers react before selling the item in your physical locations. 

These strategies can provide you with competitive leverage without a large price tag. You can use it as a blueprint to scale restaurant delivery reach, experiment with creative menu ideas to see what sticks, and connect with new customers. Fast-casual and mid-market operations may find such approaches particularly impactful because they allow you to work quickly without going over budget. 

 

Managing Uber Eats Across Multiple Locations

If your restaurant spans multiple locations, Uber Eats is still an asset for boosting sales, but you need to take a few extra factors into consideration when deciding how you’ll use the app. Use these four tips when managing Uber Eats across multiple locations:

1. Sync Menus and Pricing Across Stores: Make sure that prices on the app and across stores match. You might increase in-app prices slightly to offset commission but ensure you do so for all locations. 
2. Consolidate Reporting and Analytics: Aggregate customer and purchasing data from across all your locations, both in-store and in-app, to ensure that you’re always accessing comprehensive and accurate data. 
3. Designate Per-Store Team Members to Handle Feedback: Choose team members for each store to handle that location’s online and app feedback to avoid confusion. 
4. Use Customizations for Regional Delivery Zones: Customize standards in the app, such as additional fees or minimum order dollar amounts, based on the individual delivery zone. 

By helping you to manage multiple locations from one place, Uber Eats allows you to manage large operations at scale without introducing unnecessary complexity or expense to your operations. 

In sum, Uber Eats can be an asset to find new customers, help them get to know your brand and build satisfaction, and then transition them to the more profitable first-party ordering. These three steps can guide your strategy at a high level:

1. Acquire Guests Via Uber Eats: Because the app makes it easy to expand your reach into new demographics or zip codes, it’s an asset to attract new customers. 
2. Delight Them with Fast Delivery and Efficient Packaging: With a new customer interested, make sure that you boost satisfaction with fast delivery, high-quality food, and good packaging. 
3. Shifts Them to First-Party Ordering and Loyalty Programs: By maintaining top-notch performance, you can draw customers into your rewards program, which helps encourage first-party ordering. 

You can boost the odds of launching a successful first-party online ordering strategy by leveraging all-in-one technology, like Paytronix. The platform assists with data collections, loyalty program management, and guest engagement automation. Use it to guide customers from early brand exposure in Uber Eats to engaging directly with your restaurant as loyal, repeat guests. To learn how Paytronix can transform your restaurant marketing strategy, schedule a demo today. 

6 Tips on Growing Your Business with Uber Eats 

There are many ways in which you can use Uber Eats to tap into a broader customer base and expand your reach. Here are six strategies: 

1. Offer self-delivery options to provide more flexibility and convenience for your customers.
2. Tailor your menu to highlight items that travel well and maintain quality during delivery. Consider adding exclusive delivery-only items or meal deals that cater specifically to the delivery market.
3. Expand your delivery zones to reach new neighborhoods or areas if feasible. This can increase your restaurant’s exposure and attract customers who may not have previously ordered from you.
4. Use the Uber Eats app to manage your delivery orders and times. During busy periods, you can adjust delivery estimates to better align with your restaurant’s current capacity. This helps set realistic expectations for customers and reduces the risk of late deliveries.
5. Offer exclusive benefits such as discounts or promotions to Uber One members. This not only incentivizes repeat business but also helps build a loyal customer base. 
6. Utilize Uber Eats’ analytics and reporting features to understand customer preferences and ordering habits. Use this data to refine your menu, adjust pricing, and create targeted marketing campaigns.

Understanding Uber Eats Fees and Payments

Does Uber Eats charge restaurants to use its platform? Yes, it does.

Uber Eats applies a commission fee on each online order, and the rate may vary depending on the plan you choose and your location. Restaurants can select from various plans, each offering different commission percentages and benefits, such as increased visibility, access to promotional tools, or lower delivery fees for customers.

These fees are generally applicable in most countries, but local regulations and market conditions can affect the total cost. For the latest details on fees, payment terms, and plan options, you can either check Uber Eats’ website or reach out to their support team. 

By understanding these fees, you can better manage your costs. For example, many restaurants increase their menu prices on Uber Eats to help cover the commission fees, charging more for delivery orders than for in-person dining.

3 Ways to Optimize Your Uber Eats Presence

To maximize your restaurant’s success on Uber Eats and drive more online orders, it’s crucial to enhance your visibility and appeal on the platform. Here are three ways to do that:

1. Optimize your menu with clear, enticing descriptions that highlight the unique aspects of each dish. If you want to offer promotions to entice customers, consider options like "buy 1, get 1 free" instead of percentage-based discounts like 50% off. This approach can be more effective for your sales and profit margins, as it encourages larger orders and higher overall sales.
2. High-quality food images are essential for showcasing your dishes and making them more appealing to potential customers. Invest in professional photos and ensure that your images are well-lit and appetizing. Pay attention to the colors and textures of each dish; vivid, well-captured images help your dishes stand out in the app.
3. Actively engage with customer feedback by responding promptly to your reviews and ratings. Maintaining a high rating is key to building trust and encouraging more orders from satisfied customers.

Managing Orders and Operations

Effectively managing orders and operations is key to running a successful restaurant on Uber Eats. To do this, simply use the Uber Eats app. The app allows you to easily accept, prepare, and track orders, helping you stay organized.

To optimize your operations, focus on simplifying your workflow. If you haven’t already done so, implement a clear system for handling high-volume periods to avoid order cancellations and ensure that each dish is prepared as ordered. You can also use the app’s tracking features to monitor order status and delivery times. This will help you identify areas for improvement and improve overall efficiency.

Also, establish a feedback system (formal or informal) where delivery drivers and staff can report issues or suggest improvements. As you begin using Uber Eats, you're likely to encounter initial challenges and the occasional unavoidable mishap. Having a feedback mechanism in place will help you promptly address these issues.

Uber Eats Technology and Integrations

Integrations play a crucial role in improving the efficiency of your restaurant’s operations. Uber Eats offers robust support for connecting with various point of sale (POS) systems, which can significantly streamline your processes. 

First, by integrating your POS with Uber Eats, you can automate order processing and menu management. You’ll no longer need to manually enter orders, as the system automatically syncs them from your POS. This saves time and money and eliminates the risk of human error.

Second, integrating your POS also provides real-time inventory syncing. This feature keeps your stock levels updated, helping you avoid overselling. As a result, your menu will always accurately reflect available items, and you’ll never have to disappoint customers who have ordered items that are out of stock.

Third, for restaurants seeking more customized solutions, Uber Eats’ application programming interface (API) offers flexibility for developing unique features or connecting with other systems. This can help you create tailored integrations that meet your specific needs and further enhance your restaurant’s performance.

4 Insights for Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customer reviews and ratings play an essential role in shaping your restaurant’s reputation on Uber Eats. Here are four ways you can actively manage your reviews and ratings on Uber Eats:

1. Respond promptly to customer reviews and ratings to demonstrate that you value their feedback.
2. Use this feedback to make informed improvements to your menu, service, and overall customer experience. For example, if multiple customers mention issues with delivery times, consider optimizing your delivery process to address this concern.
3. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and ratings. A higher rating not only enhances your restaurant’s visibility but also attracts more customers.
4. Regularly monitor your restaurant’s rating and reviews, and adjust your strategy as needed to address any recurring issues or capitalize on positive trends.

Uber Eats Customer Service and Support

Navigating challenges and ensuring smooth operations is crucial for running a successful restaurant on Uber Eats. When issues arise with orders, payments, or other aspects of the platform, Uber Eats provides a range of customer support options to assist you.

You may contact Uber Eats’ customer support team for help with any issues related to orders, payments, or technical difficulties. For real-time order management, use the Uber Eats app to track your orders and monitor delivery times. You can also utilize Uber Eats’ frequently asked questions (FAQs) and guides on their website to troubleshoot common issues and understand the platform’s features. 

Wrapping Up

Uber Eats is a powerful platform for restaurants to reach new customers and increase sales. If you aren’t already on the platform, what are you waiting for?

Of course, joining Uber Eats isn’t just about creating an account, uploading your menu, and hoping for the best. To truly benefit from the platform, you’ll need to understand how Uber Eats operates, review the associated fees and payment structures, and possibly adjust your pricing. Additionally, ensure that your kitchen team is prepared to handle the increased order volume.

That said, Uber Eats is an excellent platform for any restaurant that wants to expand its reach and grow its business. By focusing on delivering outstanding customer service and keeping your customers satisfied, you can use Uber Eats to build a loyal customer base and increase your revenue.

Getting online is crucial to any restaurant business—whether you’re using platforms like Uber Eats or exploring other online ordering systems. To learn more, check out Paytronix’s 2024 Online Ordering Guide and 2024 Online Ordering Report.

Ready to explore first-party online ordering so you don’t hand over 10% to 30% of all your digital orders to third-party marketplaces? Book a demo now and see the difference firsthand.