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How to partner with a third-party delivery platform

Published: October 2022 | Updated: April 2025

Online ordering and delivery have seen massive growth, and the numbers are continuing to climb. In fact, the third-party delivery market worldwide was valued at $87.6 billion in 2024 and is predicted to surpass $197 billion by 2033.

Customers increasingly want to experience their favorite products in the comfort of their spaces, and it’s in business owners’ best interest to meet that demand. Third-party delivery platforms can help. Before choosing to use one, there are several aspects to consider.

In this article, we’re covering common questions about third-party delivery platforms, including:

What is a third-party delivery platform?

A third-party delivery platform, such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, and foodpanda, facilitates the transportation of goods by using a technology interface or application to connect businesses, customers, and independent delivery people to one another.

As opposed to a third-party delivery service, which provides delivery services directly, a third-party delivery platform acts as an intermediary or marketplace that connects independent couriers with those in need of their services.

For business owners, this arrangement can be beneficial in 2 key ways:

It connects them to new potential customers who are using the platform to browse products available for delivery
They can tap into a network of delivery people—who can earn money by fulfilling orders—without having to build out a delivery infrastructure of their own

What businesses can leverage third-party delivery platforms?

These platforms have come a long way as demand has increased. Now all kinds of businesses can work with them to expand their offering and keep up with the competition.

Restaurants

Delivery has been on a steady rise for the past decade, and in 2025 half of all restaurant operators say that off-premises sales account for a larger piece of the revenue pie than they did in 2019.

Third-party platforms make it easier for restaurants of all sizes, from small mom-and-pop corner shops to global chains, to open up this new sales channel without taking on too many additional overhead costs—especially if their physical space or resources are limited.

Food and beverage establishments can also open virtual restaurants. These are delivery-only kitchen concepts added to existing storefronts to meet customer demand for new items. For example, a pizza restaurant could add a virtual restaurant for chicken wings—a popular appetizer already listed on their menu—to bring more attention to that menu item.

Grocery

Everyone needs to stock up their pantry, and many consumers today want the convenience of getting their grocery items at their door. In fact, digital grocery sales are predicted to account for 19% of all US e-commerce sales by 2026—more than apparel and accessories. Grocery stores of all sizes can meet this demand by using third-party delivery platforms.

Retail

Customers expect to receive their goods faster than ever before, and same-day delivery is a boon for businesses: as many as 70% of industry leaders say offering ultrafast delivery increases sales. Such quick turns can cause logistics and overhead challenges, however, so more and more retailers of all sizes are using third-party delivery apps to get their products into the hands of their customers and meet those expectations.

Specialty

Delivery of specialty items can be difficult to coordinate, but demand is growing. According to recent research, the global floral delivery market alone is predicted to surpass $11 billion by 2030. Using a third-party delivery platform, businesses like convenience stores, pet stores, flower shops, and liquor stores can make the entire experience more convenient.

Benefits of using third-party delivery platforms

Need a bit more information before you decide if you’re going to choose a platform for delivery? Check out many of the ways these platforms can help your business grow and run more smoothly.

Reach new customers

Many third-party delivery platforms have customer-facing apps with large user bases. For example, if you list your business on the Uber Eats platform, you can tap into a global base of active users that numbered 171 million per month across the rides and delivery network in February 2025. This presents an opportunity to be seen by many people using the app for on-demand convenience. On many third-party delivery apps, you can amplify this exposure by launching ad campaigns to make your business even more visible to browsing customers.

Increase sales

Offering more ways to order can go beyond reaching new customers and gaining brand exposure—it can also directly affect your bottom line. Some platforms help contribute to revenue-driving goals with marketing tools like offers—think “buy one get one free” deals—that will appear when customers search the app for businesses to order from.

Manage overhead costs

In many cases, third-party delivery platforms will help facilitate order fulfillment by connecting you with people who have signed up to deliver through that network. This can help you streamline your operations, reach customers in farther delivery zones, and avoid costs that are often associated with hiring, training, and insuring your own delivery staff. When you partner with Uber, you’ll gain access to a network where, as of the end of 2024, there are over 8 million monthly active drivers and couriers across the platform.

Boost customer satisfaction and retention

In a time when customers can get almost anything at their doorstep, it’s hard to meet expectations if you don’t offer delivery. With a third-party delivery platform, you can meet this need for on-demand convenience. Depending on the platform you work with, you may also gain access to in-app features that can help you exceed customers’ expectations—like review responses to communicate with them directly.

Access operational tools

Keeping track of all the moving parts that come with offering delivery can be tough. Many third-party delivery apps will give you access to tools that will help you manage orders with ease, create eye-catching online menus, track insights and analytics, add technology integrations, and more.

Achieve flexibility and control

When you select the right third-party delivery platform, you gain control. Look for options that give you the features that suit your business. This may include flexible pricing plans and different fulfillment methods. For example, Uber Eats allows you to switch easily back and forth between using your staff and connecting with couriers on the platform as needed.

Ways to work with a third-party delivery platform

Once you understand the benefits of these platforms, a whole new question arises: How can I work with a third-party delivery platform and start seeing the impact on my business? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but you can choose from several options based on your goals.

List your business on a marketplace

Get more eyes on what you offer by listing your business on an online marketplace. New customers can discover you through searching, then order from you.

Power delivery on your website

Convert your existing online traffic into sales opportunities by adding online ordering for delivery. Platforms like ChowNow, Toast Digital Storefront, and Webshop through Uber allow you to offer online orders for delivery and pickup directly through your existing site.

You can also integrate on-demand delivery with your current technology stack: if you use Uber Direct, for example, you can accept orders on your owned channels, like your website, app, and social media platforms, and use a third-party delivery platform integration to provide same-day local delivery. This will help you keep up with the level of speed that customers often receive from big retailers.

Get support with fulfillment

Fulfill orders your way. Many third-party delivery platforms give you the option of using your own delivery staff or offering pickup to fulfill orders that customers place on the app where your business is listed. Uber also offers first-party support by way of hybrid delivery, which is a combination of in-house and Uber Direct. For example, if a restaurant has a small group of couriers that it uses regularly, it can tap into Uber’s delivery network as-needed to fill in the gaps during times of illness or high demand.

How to get started with a third-party delivery platform

After you decide which platform is right for your business, you’ll generally have to complete a simple signup and activation flow before you can start taking orders. At Uber Eats, this process is designed to be as streamlined as possible. Here’s how it works:

Sign Up

First, tell us a little about your business so we can confirm your identity and license.

Choose your plan

Next, select your preferred pricing plan. We offer several flexible plans that you can choose from based on your business’s goals, how much exposure you’d like to new customers, your preferred delivery method, and other factors.

Complete your setup and begin taking orders

Then you’ll log in to your portal to add your banking and tax information. From there, you’ll review and adjust your menu, hours, and prices. After all your credentials are confirmed, you can start accepting orders—either from the Uber Eats tablet we send you or on your integrated POS platform.

Learn more about how you can increase your reach on the Uber Eats marketplace, offer on-demand delivery for orders placed directly with your business, and easily integrate Uber with the systems you’re already using.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the value of using a third-party delivery platform?
Working with a third-party delivery platform, you can meet the needs of customers who prefer the comfort and convenience of receiving goods in their own space. Plus, you can expand your capacity to bring in business while controlling your overhead costs.

According to internal data from Uber’s 2023 Merchant Impact Report, 81% of US merchants believe that Uber Eats helps expose their business to new customers and 85% say that this exposure has been beneficial to their bottom line.
How does third-party delivery platform technology work?
Once a business chooses such a platform, it selects the products it will offer to customers browsing the app. When an order comes in, the business prepares the order. The third-party delivery platform technology will then facilitate order fulfillment by connecting the business to available delivery people in its network who will handle the transportation of goods to the customer. Generally, businesses can use an app to track progress along the way and will receive confirmation when the order arrives.
What third-party delivery capabilities does Uber’s platform offer?
You can use Uber Eats to reach new customers and generate sales in various ways. These include:

Uber Eats app: Expand your reach by allowing customers to search for or discover your business in the Uber Eats app. We offer flexible options for delivery fulfillment—including self-delivery and pickup—along with several pricing plans to meet your business’s needs. And through our suite of integrations, you can manage your menu and pass orders into your chosen POS platform.

Webshop: Convert your website and social channel traffic into sales with an online plug-in that makes it easy for customers to place orders for delivery and pickup. We also partner with many industry-leading online-ordering platforms, such as ChowNow, Square Online, and Toast Digital Storefront.

Uber Direct: Delight customers with on-demand delivery through Uber’s platform. This integration allows grocery stores, pharmacies, retail shops, and other businesses to power same-day delivery from their online store with delivery people in Uber’s network. You own the branding; we facilitate fulfillment. You can access Uber Direct by signing up directly through our website or through one of our many platform partners.
How much will it cost?
We offer transparent, flexible pricing options. With 0% commission on Uber Direct, you pay only a fixed fee based on distance, speed of delivery, and region. You can choose to pay or pass the cost of delivery on to your customers. If you’re listing your business on the Uber Eats marketplace, pricing will differ depending on which plan works best for your business. You can learn more about our options on our pricing page.
What types of businesses can deliver with Uber Eats?
Uber Eats isn’t just for food. We also help businesses of all sizes, from single-location shops to global brands, send other items—like groceries, pet food, toys, clothing, and more—to their customers in their community. Visit our website to explore more information about the different types of businesses we serve, solutions to help you reach your goals, success stories, and additional resources to help you grow.