How to Operate and Manage Your Store Orders

You can manage DoorDash orders in real time using the Merchant Portal, the Business Manager app, a point-of-sale (POS) integration, or the DoorDash Tablet. This includes adding pickup instructions, identifying pickup orders, marking items out of stock, contacting customers or Dashers, and canceling orders when needed.

Mar 20, 2026
12 min read
Mx - Learning Center - Manage Orders - Header

What ways can I view and receive orders on DoorDash?

You can view and receive orders on DoorDash through:

On top of how to pause or cancel your DoorDash orders in the Merchant Portal, here’s how to adjust existing orders on your DoorDash Tablet.

How do I add pickup instructions for Dashers and customers?

Clear pickup instructions help reduce delays and confusion during pickup. Regardless of whether you use a POS integration or tablet, you can add instructions for both Dashers and customers in the Merchant Portal. Here's how:

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Add Dasher pickup instructions

  1. In the Merchant Portal, navigate to Settings and click on Account Settings

  2. Select Edit under Dasher Pickup Instructions

  3. Choose the option that fits your needs and add optional details, such as:

    • Where Dashers should park

    • Where to wait inside your store

    • Areas Dashers should avoid

  4. Select Save Changes

Add customer pickup instructions

  1. In the Merchant Portal, go to Account Settings

  2. Select Edit next to Customer Pickup Instructions

  3. Enter clear, concise instructions customers should follow when picking up their order

  4. Select Save

How do I know if an order is pickup?

You can identify pickup orders directly in the Merchant Portal.

  1. In the Merchant Portal, go to Orders

  2. Review the Fulfillment type column doe orders labeled Customer Pickup

  3. Check the Time column to see the estimated pickup time

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How do I mark an item out of stock in the Business Manager app?

If an item or modifier is unavailable, you can mark it out of stock from the Business Manager app.

  1. In the Orders view, select the active order

  2. Select Out of stock

  3. Choose the item or modifier that's unavailable

  4. Tap Next, then select how long the item will be out of stock:

    • For a few hours

    • Until the end of the day

    • Indefinitely (the item will automatically become available again after the selected time)

  5. If needed, select the ? icon to contact Support. Support can help coordinate next steps with the customer, such as a replacement or removal

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How do I cancel a DoorDash order?

If you're unable to fulfill an order due to an out-of-stock item or kitchen issue, you can cancel the order from your DoorDash Tablet. You must own a tablet to cancel orders.

  1. On your tablet, go to Orders

  2. Select Issue with Order in the top right corner

  3. Select Yes, Cancel this Order

  4. Review any fees associated with the cancellation

  5. Confirm the reason for canceling and complete the cancellation

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Canceling an order can negatively impact customers and Dashers and may result in fees. You'll always be prompted to review the impact before completing the cancellation.

Canceling orders with a POS integration

Merchants can't cancel orders with a POS integration. You must have a DoorDash Tablet to cancel orders. To pause orders, head to the Merchant Portal.

  1. In the Merchant Portal, tap Store Availability

  2. To pause your store across all channels, click on Pause All Ordering Channels

If your store has high avoidable wait times, DoorDash will automatically pause orders to your store for up to 30 minutes, allowing you time to catch up on orders.

How do I contact a customer or a Dasher?

You can contact customers or Dashers through the Business Manager app or DoorDash Tablet – both of which use your Merchant Portal credentials.

Business Manager app

To resolve order issues, offer substitutions, or mark items out of stock:

  1. Select the phone icon next to the customer's or Dasher's name

  2. If changes are needed after contact, select Contact Support in the top right corner

Make sure to confirm substitutions or refunds in real-time to ensure order details stay accurate.

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DoorDash Tablet (active or completed orders)

To contact customers or Dashers on ongoing orders

  1. On your DoorDash tablet, open the active order

  2. Select Issue with Order

  3. Select the customer or Dasher you want to contact

  4. Enter the phone number you want DoorDash to use to connect the call

  5. Select Submit and DoorDash will connect the call within 30 seconds

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If the customer has opted in to be contacted for out-of-stock items, you may see Contact [Customer name] directly on the order screen, under Call the Customer.

  1. Click Next

  2. Add a phone number so DoorDash can connect you with the customer

  3. Hit Submit

If you run into any issues, view the Support page. Depending on the issue, you may also cancel the order or adjust pricing in the tablet.

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With a POS integration

To contact a customer about an active order, you'll need to call DoorDash Support. They can assist you further with:

  • Making status updates

  • Modifying/canceling live orders

  • Reporting items as unavailable

Self-Delivery merchants

If you use Self-Delivery, customer contact information appears directly on the tablet, allowing you to contact customers without going through DoorDash Support.

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How do I block a Dasher?

If you're dissatisfied with a Dasher's service, you can block them on your tablet or the Merchant Portal.

  1. Log in to the Merchant Portal and go to Orders

  2. Select the relevant order

  3. Select Rate Dasher

  4. If multiple Dashers are listed, select the Dasher you want to block

  5. Select Block Dasher

  6. Provide feedback and select Submit

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