For most restaurants, getting listed on a delivery platform is a structured process that follows a clear set of onboarding steps. Understanding these steps in advance helps you prepare the right information, avoid delays, and start receiving orders as quickly as possible.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the typical onboarding steps for restaurants on delivery platforms, from the first application to the moment you start serving online orders.

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1. Initial Registration and Application

The onboarding journey usually starts with a simple online form on the delivery platform’s website or app.

Common steps include:

• Choosing “Partner with us” or “Add your restaurant” on the platform’s site.
• Entering basic business details, such as:
  • Restaurant name and brand name
  • Business type (independent restaurant, chain, virtual brand, etc.)
  • Contact person (owner or manager)
  • Phone number and email address
  • Restaurant address and service area
• Specifying cuisine type and category
  • Cuisine tags (e.g., Italian, burgers, sushi)
  • Service style (fast casual, café, fine dining, bakery, etc.)

At this stage, the platform is primarily gathering enough information to confirm that your restaurant is a good fit for their marketplace and to route your application to the right team.

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2. Business Verification and Compliance Checks

Once you submit your details, the delivery platform usually conducts basic verification to ensure your restaurant is legitimate and compliant.

Typical requirements:

• Business registration documents
  • Business license or registration certificate
  • Trade name certificate, if applicable
• Food safety and hygiene documentation
  • Health department permits
  • Food handler or hygiene certifications (varies by region)
• Tax and banking details
  • Tax ID or VAT/GST number
  • Proof of bank account for payouts

Some platforms may request:

• Photos of the storefront and interior
• Proof of identity for the owner or authorized signatory
• Insurance documentation (e.g., liability insurance), depending on local laws

Verification can be automated or manual. If documents are missing or unclear, the platform may pause onboarding until you provide accurate information.

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3. Contract, Terms, and Commercial Agreement

After basic verification, you’ll typically receive a contract or digital agreement.

Key parts of the agreement often include:

• Commission rate and fees
  • Percentage charged on each order
  • Any onboarding or device rental fees
  • Delivery fees and who pays them (customer vs. restaurant vs. platform)
• Payment terms
  • Payout frequency (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly)
  • Settlement method (bank transfer, other options)
  • Deductions (refunds, chargebacks, promotions)
• Service and operational expectations
  • Minimum opening hours you must maintain
  • Average preparation time expectations
  • Cancellation and refund policies
• Brand and content usage
  • Rights for the platform to use your name, logo, and menu images
  • Rules around promotions and discounts

You typically accept the agreement:

• By e-signing a digital contract, or
• By checking a box confirming you agree to the platform’s terms and conditions

This step is crucial because it defines how your partnership will work financially and legally.

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4. Restaurant Profile Creation

Once the contract is in place, the next step is to build your restaurant’s profile on the platform so customers can find and recognize your brand.

Profile elements usually include:

• Basic restaurant information
  • Name exactly as you want it shown
  • Short description (e.g., “Family-owned pizzeria serving stone-baked pizzas and fresh salads”)
  • Cuisine tags and categories
• Brand assets
  • Logo in high resolution
  • Cover image or banner (if supported)
  • Photos of your storefront or interior
• Contact and location details
  • Address and map pin verification
  • Contact number for support (not always shared with customers)
• Opening hours
  • Regular schedule (e.g., Monday–Sunday, 11 am–10 pm)
  • Special hours or temporarily closed days

Some platforms offer a dedicated “restaurant portal” where you can complete and edit this profile yourself; others collect the information and set it up for you.

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5. Menu Setup and Configuration

Menu setup is one of the most time-consuming but critical steps in onboarding.

You’ll usually need to:

5.1. Structure your menu

• Create categories, such as:
  • Starters / Appetizers
  • Main Courses / Mains
  • Burgers / Pizza / Sushi
  • Desserts
  • Beverages
• Organize items logically so customers can find popular dishes quickly.

5.2. Add item-level details

For each menu item, you’ll typically provide:

• Item name
• Short description (ingredients, flavor, key details)
• Price (including tax where required)
• Availability options (all day, specific times, or specific days)
• Tags (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, spicy)

Platforms may also ask for:

• Allergen information
• Dietary labels (halal, kosher, organic, etc.)

5.3. Configure customization options

Most delivery platforms support detailed customization, such as:

• Add-ons or extras
  • Extra cheese, sauce, toppings
  • Side dishes
• Size options
  • Small, regular, large, family size
• Modifiers
  • Cooking preference (well done, medium)
  • Spice level
  • Bread or base selection

A well-structured menu improves customer experience and reduces order errors.

5.4. Upload photos

High-quality visuals are critical for conversions:

• A clear photo for bestsellers and key items
• Category banners (if supported)
• Avoid cluttered or low-light images

Depending on the platform, you may:

• Upload your own photos, or
• Schedule a professional photoshoot arranged by the platform

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6. Setting Operating Hours and Delivery Zones

Next, the platform will determine when and where your restaurant can receive orders.

6.1. Operating hours

You’ll define:

• Regular service hours for each day (e.g., lunch and dinner)
• Preparation windows if your kitchen closes before the restaurant’s front-of-house
• Special or seasonal hours (holidays, events, reduced hours)

Some platforms allow separate hours for:

• Pick-up / takeaway
• Delivery only
• Specific menus (e.g., breakfast menu, late-night menu)

6.2. Delivery coverage and logistics

Depending on the platform’s model:

• If the platform manages delivery:
  • They define coverage radius based on location and rider availability
  • You may provide input on maximum acceptable radius to ensure food quality
• If you manage your own delivery:
  • You set delivery zones (by radius, zip code, or neighborhoods)
  • You define delivery fees or minimum order amounts

Properly set zones help keep delivery times reasonable and food quality high.

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7. Hardware, Software, and Tablet Setup

To manage live orders, you’ll need access to the platform’s order management system.

Options typically include:

• Platform-provided tablet
  • Pre-installed app
  • Connected printer (optional)
  • Monthly rental or deposit may apply
• Bring-your-own-device (BYOD)
  • Install the restaurant app on an existing tablet or phone
  • Set up notifications, sounds, and order printing
• POS integration
  • Integration with compatible point-of-sale systems
  • Automatic order injection into your kitchen workflow

Typical setup tasks:

• Connecting to stable Wi-Fi
• Logging into the restaurant account
• Setting notification preferences (sound, auto-accept options)
• Testing the printer (if used)

Some platforms provide step-by-step guides, videos, or in-person setup assistance.

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8. Training and Operational Guidelines

Before going live, many platforms offer training to ensure your team knows how to use the system and meet service standards.

Training usually covers:

• Order flow
  • How new orders appear on the tablet
  • Accepting or rejecting orders (and when rejection is allowed)
  • Adjusting preparation times
• Communication tools
  • How to contact delivery riders
  • How to communicate with customers if an item is unavailable
• Menu and availability management
  • Marking items as out of stock
  • Temporarily pausing orders during rush periods
• Handling issues
  • Late deliveries
  • Order errors or missing items
  • Customer complaints and refunds

Some platforms also share:

• Best practices for packaging and sealing
• Branding tips for increasing repeat orders
• Guidance on handling peak times and promotions

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9. Test Orders and System Checks

Before you start receiving real customer orders, a test run is often conducted.

Typical tests include:

• Sending a test order through the system
• Checking:
  • Tablet receives the order
  • Staff can accept and process it
  • Order details and modifiers display correctly
  • Printer, if used, prints accurate tickets

You can also use this step to:

• Confirm prep time estimates are realistic
• Test internal kitchen workflows for delivery orders
• Identify any missing menu items or wrong prices

Fixing issues at this stage prevents negative customer experiences later.

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10. Go-Live: Activating Your Restaurant on the Platform

Once everything is tested and approved, the platform activates your listing.

Activation usually includes:

• Your restaurant becoming searchable and visible in the app/website
• Your menu appearing under the chosen cuisine/category
• Customers being able to place live orders during your set opening hours

Some platforms perform a soft launch, where:

• You appear to a smaller audience initially
• They monitor performance metrics (acceptance, prep time, on-time delivery)
• Visibility increases as you demonstrate reliable operations

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11. Marketing, Promotions, and Visibility Optimization

After going live, ongoing optimization is important to grow your order volume.

Common marketing and visibility options:

• Introductory offers
  • Discounts for first-time customers
  • Free delivery for initial weeks
• Platform promotions
  • Participation in campaigns (weekend deals, cuisine festivals)
  • Sponsored placement or boosted listings
• Menu optimization
  • Featuring bestsellers at the top
  • Adding combo meals and bundles
  • Adjusting photos and descriptions based on performance

Monitoring your performance dashboard helps you measure:

• Order volume and revenue
• Average basket size
• Popular items and time slots
• Ratings and customer feedback

Use these insights to refine your menu, preparation times, and promotions.

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12. Ongoing Management and Support

Onboarding doesn’t truly end at go-live. Efficient ongoing management is essential.

Typical ongoing tasks:

• Updating menu items, prices, and photos
• Adjusting opening hours or closing during holidays
• Managing stock availability in real time
• Responding to customer reviews and feedback (if allowed by the platform)

Support options usually include:

• Restaurant support hotline or chat
• Email support for billing and technical issues
• Access to help centers and FAQs

Building a strong relationship with the platform’s account manager (if assigned) can help you:

• Join more visibility campaigns
• Resolve issues faster
• Understand new features and tools

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How Long Does Restaurant Onboarding Usually Take?

Timeframes can vary depending on:

• How quickly you provide documents and menu details
• Local regulations and verification requirements
• Platform workload and support capacity

Typical ranges:

• Basic onboarding (documents + menu + setup): 3–14 days
• With POS integration and professional photoshoots: 2–4 weeks

Preparing documents and menu data in advance can significantly speed up the process.

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How to Prepare for a Smooth Onboarding

To streamline the onboarding steps for your restaurant on delivery platforms, prepare:

• Valid business license and food safety documents
• Clear bank and tax information
• A well-structured menu in digital format
• High-quality logo and photos
• Realistic operating hours and prep times

Being ready with these elements ensures your restaurant can move through registration, setup, and activation with minimal friction—and start benefiting from delivery platform exposure faster.