Hey, Ben here! This one comes up a lot, and it did again in our Q&A when Rob asked, “Can we use DoorDash for our carts?”

The Temptation of Delivery Apps

It’s a fair question — food delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats sound great on paper.

But for most street vendors, they’re more trouble than they’re worth.

Let me explain why.

The Cost That Eats Your Profit

Jason jumped in right away: “You can, but I don’t recommend it. They take 30 to 35 percent depending on the account and time of year.”

That’s a third of your sale — gone before you even count ingredients.

For small vendors selling hot dogs, lemonade, or simple meals, those margins are too thin to survive that cut.

Even big chains have walked away.

Jason told us about a friend who owns over 200 McDonald’s franchises.

They completely dropped DoorDash because of back charges, lost food, and still having to pay the fees.

The Food Safety and Control Problem

Another big reason?

You lose control.

Once your food leaves with a third-party driver, you can’t guarantee how it’s handled.

Jason said it bluntly: “I wouldn’t eat food those drivers touched.” He’s right — if something goes wrong, you take the hit, not the app.

For street vendors who work so hard to build trust face-to-face, it’s just not worth risking your reputation on someone else’s delivery habits.

When Food Delivery for Vendors Can Work

Now, there are a few exceptions.

As I told the group, “Some vendors make it work — usually those selling higher-priced meals.”

We’ve got a vendor who sells loaded baked potatoes from his cart — $15 each.

That’s enough profit to absorb delivery fees and still make money.

If you’re selling something premium, packaged neatly, and meant for takeout, then maybe delivery apps can supplement your business — not replace it.

But for most of us in the hot dog, lemonade, or kettle corn game, the best delivery is still the one that happens right across the counter.

Helpful: Judy Does $1600 With Kettle Corn Business

Better Options for Street Vendors

If delivery fits your audience, consider hiring your own local delivery person — a kid, friend, or part-timer.

You keep control, protect your food, and skip the massive fees.

Jason summed it up perfectly: “I’d rather hire a kid to deliver for me than pay DoorDash 30%.”

Wrapping It Up

Delivery apps might sound modern, but they don’t fit the street vending model.

We’re built on connection, consistency, and quality — things you can’t outsource to a gig driver.

So, if you’re thinking about signing up, crunch the numbers and trust your gut.

Most of the time, your best delivery system is still a smile, a quick serve, and a good spot.