Grubhub Merchant Sign-Up: Your Ultimate Guide to Skyrocketing Your Restaurant's Reach

Grubhub Merchant Sign-Up

In the fast-paced world of food delivery, restaurants need to seize every opportunity to connect with hungry customers. Grubhub, a powerhouse in the online food ordering industry, offers merchants a robust platform to expand their reach, streamline operations, and boost revenue. Whether you’re a small family-owned eatery or a bustling chain, signing up as a Grubhub merchant can be a game-changer. This article dives deep into the Grubhub merchant sign-up process, delivery options, commission structure, and insider tips to maximize your success—all while keeping you engaged with sharp insights and actionable advice. By the end, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running and make Grubhub work for your business.

Why Grubhub? The Case for Joining the Marketplace

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of signing up, let’s talk about why Grubhub is worth your time. With millions of active users across the U.S., Grubhub connects restaurants to a massive audience craving convenience. The platform’s seamless interface, powerful marketing tools, and flexible delivery options make it a go-to for merchants looking to thrive in the digital age.

Grubhub isn’t just about delivering food—it’s about delivering opportunity. Over 80% of independent restaurants partnered with Grubhub report a high return on investment, and 90% express satisfaction with the platform, according to Grubhub’s own data. From mom-and-pop diners to upscale bistros, merchants benefit from increased visibility, streamlined operations, and access to a loyal customer base. Plus, with features like Grubhub Direct—a commission-free branded website—restaurants can maintain control over their brand while tapping into Grubhub’s infrastructure.

But what does it take to get started? Let’s break down the sign-up process, step by step, and explore how to make the most of your Grubhub partnership.

Step-by-Step Guide to Grubhub Merchant Sign-Up

Signing up as a Grubhub merchant is straightforward, but understanding the process ensures you hit the ground running. Here’s how to get started, with tips to make your onboarding smooth and effective.

Step 1: Visit the Grubhub for Restaurants Website

Your journey begins at get.grubhub.com, Grubhub’s dedicated portal for merchants. This is where you’ll kick off the sign-up process. The site is intuitive, designed to guide you through the initial steps with ease. Don’t just breeze through—take a moment to explore the resources available, like case studies and FAQs, to get a sense of what’s in store.

Pro Tip: Before you start, have your restaurant’s basic info ready: business name, address, contact details, and a digital version of your menu. This will speed things up.

Step 2: Submit Your Restaurant Details

The sign-up form asks for key information about your business, including:

• Restaurant name and location
• Contact information (phone, email)
• Menu details (you can upload a PDF or input items manually)
• Business type (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC)
• Tax ID (EIN) for payment processing

This step is critical because it sets the foundation for your Grubhub profile. Be meticulous—ensure your menu is accurate, with clear descriptions and prices. Customers rely on this info to make quick decisions, and errors can lead to confusion or lost orders.

Engaging Insight: Think of your menu as your restaurant’s first impression on Grubhub. Highlight signature dishes with vivid descriptions—e.g., “Hand-rolled sushi bursting with fresh avocado” beats “Sushi roll.” Small tweaks can drive more clicks.

Step 3: Connect with an Account Advisor

Once you submit the form, a Grubhub Account Advisor will reach out, typically within 1-2 business days. This is your personal guide through the onboarding process. They’ll answer questions, clarify pricing, and help tailor your setup to your business goals.

The advisor will also request additional documents, such as:

• Bank account details for direct deposit
• Proof of business registration
• Any local permits or licenses (if required)

Don’t treat this as a formality—use the advisor’s expertise. Ask about optimizing your menu for online ordering, setting delivery zones, or choosing the right commission tier. Their insights can save you time and money.

Step 4: Complete Onboarding and Receive Your Welcome Kit

After submitting all required documents, Grubhub will finalize your account setup. This typically takes a few days, depending on how quickly you provide the info. Once approved, you’ll receive a Merchant Welcome Kit, which includes:

• A tablet for managing orders (preloaded with the Grubhub for Restaurants app)
• Marketing materials (e.g., window decals, menu inserts) to promote your Grubhub partnership
• A free professional menu photoshoot to make your dishes pop online

The photoshoot is a standout perk. High-quality images can increase order rates, as customers are drawn to visually appealing dishes. Schedule it promptly to get your profile live faster.

Step 5: Set Up the Grubhub for Restaurants Portal

The heart of your Grubhub experience is the Grubhub for Restaurants Portal, accessible via web, tablet, or mobile device. This is where you’ll manage everything: orders, menus, promotions, delivery settings, and financials. During onboarding, your Account Advisor will walk you through the portal’s features, but here’s a quick overview:

• Order Management: Accept, track, and update orders in real time.
• Menu Updates: Add specials, adjust prices, or hide unavailable items instantly.
• Delivery Settings: Set fees, zones, and minimums to control costs.
• Promotions: Create discounts or loyalty programs to attract repeat customers.
• Analytics: Track sales trends, customer preferences, and performance metrics.

Sharp Advice: Spend time mastering the portal early on. It’s your command center. Set up notifications to stay on top of orders and test different delivery settings to find what works best for your market.

Step 6: Go Live and Start Taking Orders

Once your profile is complete, your restaurant goes live on the Grubhub Marketplace (and/or Grubhub Direct, if you opt for it). Customers can now find you, browse your menu, and place orders. Promote your Grubhub presence through social media, in-store signage, and email blasts to drive early traffic.

Engaging Insight: Going live is like opening a new location—without the rent. Treat it as a launch event. Offer a limited-time discount (e.g., 10% off first orders) to hook new customers.

Grubhub Delivery Options: Flexibility to Fit Your Needs

One of Grubhub’s biggest strengths is its flexible delivery options, allowing merchants to tailor their approach based on resources, goals, and customer demand. Let’s explore the three main models and how to choose the right one for your business.

1. Grubhub Delivery: Leverage Their Driver Network

With Grubhub Delivery, the platform handles logistics using its nationwide fleet of drivers. This is ideal for restaurants without in-house delivery staff or those looking to expand their reach without added overhead.

• How It Works: Customers place orders via the Marketplace or Grubhub Direct, and Grubhub assigns a driver to pick up and deliver the food.
• Merchant Control: You set delivery fees, zones, and cart minimums to balance profitability and customer appeal. For example, a $3 delivery fee with a $15 minimum might encourage larger orders.
• Cost: Delivery costs are baked into the Marketplace commission (5% Basic, 10% Plus, 15% Premium). Higher tiers reduce customer delivery fees, boosting order volume.
• Benefits:
  • Access to Grubhub’s logistics infrastructure
  • Increased visibility on the platform (especially for Plus and Premium tiers)
  • No need to hire or manage drivers
• Considerations: Some X posts highlight customer complaints about delivery delays or high fees, which could affect order frequency. Optimize your zones to ensure timely deliveries.

Sharp Advice: Use Grubhub Delivery if you’re new to online ordering or want to focus on cooking, not logistics. Test different fee structures to find the sweet spot for your market.

2. Self-Delivery: Keep Control in Your Hands

If you already have a delivery team or prefer managing your own drivers, Self-Delivery lets you fulfill orders placed through Grubhub’s platform.

• How It Works: Orders come through the Marketplace or Direct, but your staff handles pickup and delivery.
• Merchant Control: Full control over driver scheduling, routes, and customer interactions. You still set delivery fees and zones.
• Cost: No additional delivery fees from Grubhub, just the standard commission (Marketplace) or processing fees (Direct: $99 setup, $49/month, ~2-3% per transaction).
• Benefits:
  • Maintains brand consistency (your drivers, your vibe)
  • Potentially lower costs if you have an efficient team
  • Ideal for hyper-local deliveries
• Considerations: Requires reliable staff and logistics management. You’ll need to ensure timely deliveries to avoid negative reviews.

Engaging Insight: Self-Delivery is like running your own show with Grubhub as the stage. It’s perfect for established restaurants with loyal customers who value your personal touch.

3. Hybrid Model: The Best of Both Worlds

Can’t decide? The Hybrid Model lets you combine Grubhub Delivery and Self-Delivery based on demand, staffing, or order volume.

• How It Works: Use your drivers during peak hours (e.g., dinner rush) and rely on Grubhub drivers for off-peak or long-distance orders.
• Merchant Control: Toggle between options in the portal, adjusting as needed.
• Cost: Depends on the order source—Marketplace commissions for Grubhub Delivery, standard fees for Self-Delivery.
• Benefits:
  • Scales with your business needs
  • Reduces strain on your staff during busy periods
  • Expands your delivery radius without overextending
• Considerations: Requires coordination to avoid confusion. Monitor analytics to optimize when to use each method.

Sharp Advice: Start with the Hybrid Model if you’re unsure. It gives you flexibility to experiment and scale as you learn what drives the most profit.

Grubhub Commission Structure: What You Pay, What You Get

Understanding Grubhub’s commission structure is crucial to making informed decisions about your partnership. The platform offers two main pathways—Marketplace and Direct—each with distinct pricing models.

Grubhub Marketplace Commission Tiers

The Marketplace is where most merchants start, offering visibility to millions of users. Commissions are tiered based on the plan you choose:

• Basic (5% commission):
  • Lowest commission rate
  • Limited visibility on the platform
  • Higher delivery fees for customers, which may reduce order volume
  • Best for established restaurants with a strong local following
• Plus (10% commission):
  • Moderate visibility and marketing support
  • Lower customer delivery fees, encouraging more orders
  • Access to basic promotional tools
  • Ideal for growing businesses seeking a balance
• Premium (15% commission):
  • Maximum visibility, including priority placement
  • Lowest customer delivery fees, driving higher order frequency
  • Access to advanced tools like customer review engagement and Grubhub+ diners
  • Perfect for competitive markets or new restaurants

Key Insight: Higher tiers cost more but unlock better exposure and lower customer fees, which can lead to more orders. Analyze your market to decide if the trade-off is worth it.

Grubhub Direct: Commission-Free Ordering

For merchants who want to avoid commissions, Grubhub Direct offers a branded website for online ordering with no Marketplace fees.

• Setup Fee: $99 one-time per location
• Monthly Fee: $49 per location
• Processing Fees: ~2-3% per transaction (standard industry rates)
• Benefits:
  • No commission on orders, maximizing profit per sale
  • Branded experience strengthens customer loyalty
  • Use Grubhub or Self-Delivery for fulfillment
• Considerations: You’ll need to drive traffic to your Direct site through marketing (e.g., social media, email). It’s less discoverable than the Marketplace.

Engaging Insight: Think of Direct as your own digital storefront, with Grubhub as the architect. It’s a long-term investment for restaurants ready to build their brand online.

Payment Processing and Financials

Grubhub simplifies payments with:

• Direct Deposit: Weekly, bi-weekly, or twice-weekly options
• Monthly Checks: Available for those who prefer traditional methods
• Tax Reporting: Grubhub issues Form 1099-K for transactions, streamlining tax prep

The portal provides detailed financial reports, so you always know where your money’s going. Over 80% of independent merchants report high ROI, making the commission structure a worthwhile trade for most.

Maximizing Your Grubhub Partnership: Insider Tips

Signing up is just the beginning. To truly thrive as a Grubhub merchant, you need to leverage the platform’s tools and avoid common pitfalls. Here are sharp strategies to elevate your game:

1. Optimize Your Menu for Online Appeal:
   • Use vivid descriptions and high-quality photos (take advantage of the free photoshoot).
   • Highlight popular items or create combo deals to boost average order value.
   • Update regularly to reflect seasonal specials or inventory changes.
2. Experiment with Promotions:
   • Offer first-order discounts or free delivery to attract new customers.
   • Use loyalty programs (available in higher tiers) to keep diners coming back.
   • Monitor analytics to see which promos drive the most sales.
3. Fine-Tune Delivery Settings:
   • Set realistic delivery zones to ensure timely service.
   • Test different fees and minimums to balance profitability and customer satisfaction.
   • Use the Hybrid Model to adapt to peak hours or staffing changes.
4. Engage with Customers:
   • Respond to reviews (Premium tier) to build trust and address concerns.
   • Use portal insights to personalize offers based on customer preferences.
   • Promote your Grubhub profile through in-store signage and social media.
5. Integrate with Your POS:
   • Grubhub syncs with popular POS systems, reducing manual entry and errors.
   • Streamline operations to focus on cooking, not admin tasks.
6. Tap into Virtual Restaurants:
   • Create delivery-only menus or brands to test new concepts without risk.
   • Example: A burger joint could launch a “Vegan Vibes” menu to capture plant-based diners.
7. Lean on Support:
   • Contact your Account Advisor for optimization tips or issues.
   • Reach Restaurant Care (877-799-0790) for urgent support.
   • Use training resources to keep your team sharp.

Engaging Insight: Treat Grubhub like a business partner, not just a platform. The more you invest in optimizing your profile, the more you’ll get out of it.

Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them

No platform is perfect, and Grubhub is no exception. Some merchants face hurdles, but with the right approach, you can turn challenges into opportunities.

• Customer Complaints About Fees or Delays:
  • Issue: X posts often mention high delivery fees or slow service, which can deter orders.
  • Solution: Use Self-Delivery for local orders to ensure speed and consistency. Promote Grubhub Direct to reduce fees and build loyalty.
• High Commission Rates:
  • Issue: The 15% Premium tier can eat into margins for low-ticket items.
  • Solution: Start with Basic or Plus to test the waters. Shift high-margin orders to Direct as you grow your customer base.
• Competition on the Marketplace:
  • Issue: Standing out in a crowded market can be tough.
  • Solution: Invest in the Premium tier for priority placement or use targeted promotions to differentiate your offerings.
• Staff Training:
  • Issue: New systems can overwhelm busy teams.
  • Solution: Use Grubhub’s training resources and assign a point person to manage the portal.

Why Grubhub Stands Out in the Food Delivery Game

Compared to competitors like Uber Eats or DoorDash, Grubhub shines for its merchant-centric approach. The free menu photoshoot, dedicated Account Advisors, and commission-free Direct option are rare perks in the industry. Plus, the portal’s robust analytics and marketing tools empower restaurants to make data-driven decisions.

Grubhub’s focus on independent restaurants—evident in its 90% satisfaction rate—sets it apart. While other platforms prioritize scale, Grubhub invests in relationships, helping small businesses thrive alongside chains. The ability to mix delivery models and experiment with virtual restaurants gives merchants unmatched flexibility.

Ready to Sign Up? Here’s Your Action Plan

Becoming a Grubhub merchant is a strategic move to grow your restaurant in the digital age. Here’s a quick recap to get you started:

1. Sign Up: Visit get.grubhub.com and submit your restaurant details.
2. Prepare: Gather your menu, tax ID, and bank info to streamline onboarding.
3. Engage: Work closely with your Account Advisor to optimize your setup.
4. Choose Delivery: Decide between Grubhub Delivery, Self-Delivery, or a Hybrid Model.
5. Pick a Plan: Start with a Marketplace tier (Basic, Plus, Premium) or explore Grubhub Direct.
6. Launch: Go live, promote your profile, and use the portal to track performance.

For pricing details, check https://x.ai/grok. If you’re interested in API integration for advanced customization, visit https://x.ai/api.

Final Thoughts: Your Restaurant, Amplified

Grubhub isn’t just a delivery platform—it’s a launchpad for your restaurant’s growth. By signing up as a merchant, you’re tapping into a vast customer base, powerful tools, and flexible options to scale your business. Whether you’re leveraging Grubhub’s drivers, running your own deliveries, or building a branded Direct site, the platform empowers you to meet customers where they are: online and hungry.

Don’t wait to claim your slice of the food delivery market. Head to get.grubhub.com, start the sign-up process, and let Grubhub amplify your restaurant’s reach. With the right strategy, you’ll turn clicks into customers and orders into opport