If you are still modeling Grubhub with one headline percentage, your margin model is probably wrong.
The cost stack is plan commission, delivery setup, processing, promos, and operational leakage. Get one of those wrong and your “busy night” can still underperform.
This is the clean 2026 version of the math.
Quick Summary
- Public U.S. Grubhub plan commissions: 5% / 15% / 20%
- Grubhub Delivery can be added and starts at 10%
- Grubhub states an order processing fee applies
- Net payout should be tracked by order type, not one blended average
- New customer fee offers can change basket size and conversion
Grubhub Fee Structure (US, Public Pricing)
| Component | Public reference | What it means for operators |
|---|---|---|
| Basic plan marketing commission | 5% | Lower platform demand, lower marketing commission |
| Plus plan marketing commission | 15% | Mid-level visibility/volume economics |
| All Access plan marketing commission | 20% | Highest marketplace push, higher commission |
| Grubhub Delivery add-on | Starts at 10% | Extra variable cost when using Grubhub delivery network |
| Order processing fee | Applies (FAQ) | Additional per-order economics to model |
Grubhub also notes that New York City has separate pricing structures.
The Net-Payout Formula You Actually Need
Use this per order:
Net payout (before tax/remakes/chargebacks) =
Order subtotal
- (Subtotal x marketing commission)
- (Subtotal x delivery add-on, if used)
- processing fee
- merchant-funded promos/creditsIf you use one blended “app fee %” for every order, you will miss your true channel margin.
Example: $45 Order, Three Scenarios
These examples isolate fee logic and exclude taxes, refunds, and promotions.
| Scenario | Fee logic | Fees before processing | Net before processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic + self-delivery | 5% | $2.25 | $42.75 |
| Plus + Grubhub Delivery | 15% + 10% | $11.25 | $33.75 |
| All Access + Grubhub Delivery | 20% + 10% | $13.50 | $31.50 |
That spread is why “same menu price everywhere” can break quickly.
How Much Markup Preserves Net?
To keep the same net as your direct channel:
Required markup % = fee rate / (1 - fee rate)Examples:
- 25% total variable fees -> 33.3% markup needed
- 30% total variable fees -> 42.9% markup needed
This aligns with operator discussions where owners report needing large app markups just to stay whole.
Customer Fee Changes You Should Not Ignore
Customer checkout friction changes conversion and order size, which affects your payout.
Recent signals:
- Grubhub’s customer-fee explainer defines delivery fee, service fee, and small-order fee behavior
- Grubhub+ marketing highlights lower fees and pickup credits for members
- Grubhub announced in February 2026: no delivery/service fees on restaurant orders above $50 (taxes and other fees may still apply)
Practical implication: test bundles and family packs around the $50 threshold, then monitor net kept per order.
Compliance and Trust Signal
In December 2024, the FTC announced a settlement with Grubhub tied to allegations around deceptive practices and hidden fees. For operators, the point is simple: fee transparency has legal and reputation weight.
If guests feel surprised at checkout, reorder rates fall even when food quality is strong.
Weekly Operator Checklist (15 Minutes)
- Break out statement lines by plan and delivery mode
- Compute net kept per order for each order type
- Compare direct-channel net vs Grubhub net on top 10 items
- Reprice app-only weak items first (not full menu)
- Review promo spend and cancellation/refund leakage
- Re-check customer AOV around $50 threshold offers
FAQ
Is Grubhub always cheaper than DoorDash or Uber Eats?
Not always. Your effective cost depends on plan tier, delivery mode, promos, and refund behavior.
Can I stay profitable with Grubhub Delivery turned on?
Yes, if menu pricing and promo policy reflect the full fee stack. No, if you price app orders like in-store orders.
Should I use one Grubhub plan forever?
Usually no. Re-evaluate quarterly based on net kept per order and incremental demand.
What should I monitor first?
Net payout per order type, not gross sales. Gross volume can rise while net contribution falls.
KitchenCost helps you compare direct, pickup, and marketplace economics item by item, so delivery volume does not hide margin loss.
Related Guides
- Uber Eats Merchant Fees & Commission Rates (2026)
- DoorDash Fees Breakdown (2025-2026)
- Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub Fees (US, 2026)
- US Delivery App Pricing Guide
Sources (checked on 2026-02-14)
- Grubhub Pricing and Fees (US)
- Grubhub FAQ: What fees does Grubhub charge restaurants?
- Grubhub FAQ: Delivery and service fees
- Grubhub News: Grubhub to “eat the fees” on $50+ restaurant orders (2026-02-02)
- Amazon Prime x Grubhub+ benefit page
- FTC Press Release: Grubhub settlement (2024-12-17)
- Reddit: r/restaurateur - “How much to markup for Grubhub?”