DoorDash error charges: what they cost and how to dispute them
When a customer reports a missing, wrong or bad item and DoorDash decides the restaurant was at fault, it refunds the customer and takes 25% to 100% of the item price plus tax out of the restaurant's payout. If the whole wrong order was handed to the Dasher, the charge is 100% of the subtotal plus tax, net of commission. You can dispute an error charge in the Merchant Portal within 14 days of the delivery, and results usually come back within a few hours. DoorDash absorbs the cost for late deliveries, no-shows, temperature problems, reports made 72 hours or more after delivery, and reports it flags as fraud.
What DoorDash charges for errors
| Situation | Charged to the restaurant |
|---|---|
| Missing, wrong or poor-quality item, restaurant at fault | 25% to 100% of the item price + tax |
| Wrong order handed to the Dasher | 100% of subtotal + tax, net of commission |
| Late delivery, no-show, temperature | $0, DoorDash covers it |
| Reported 72+ hours after delivery | $0 |
| Flagged as fraud | $0 |
From DoorDash's merchant help article, updated October 29, 2026 (DoorDash help).
How to dispute a DoorDash error charge
You need Admin or Store Manager access in the Merchant Portal, and the delivery has to be within the last 14 days.
- Go to Financials, then Transactions.
- Filter for the "Error charge" transaction type.
- Open the order and click Dispute Charge.
- Pick the items and a reason, then submit. It shows "Dispute under review."
- Check back in a few hours for "Dispute approved" or "Dispute denied." Approved refunds show in the Adjustments column and go into your next payout.
Older than 14 days, you have to contact DoorDash Support. Stores that file a lot of disputes in a short time can have the button paused, usually for up to 72 hours.
How to get fewer error charges
Check every bag against the ticket before it goes out, seal it, and keep a photo of the sealed bag for big orders. Mark items out of stock in the tablet the moment you run out, so customers can't order them. Label sauces and sides so they are easy to check.
On your own ordering app there are no error charges taken out by a third party. A mistake is between you and a customer you know, and you decide how to make it right.
FAQ
Can DoorDash charge a restaurant for a refund? Yes, when it decides the restaurant caused the problem.
How long do I have to dispute? 14 days from the delivery in the Merchant Portal.
What else does DoorDash cost? See DoorDash fees for restaurants and the DoorDash tablet fee.
Bottom line
Dispute every error charge you can within 14 days. It takes a minute per order in the Merchant Portal.
Related: DoorDash tablet fee, DoorDash Storefront fees, Grubhub Direct, Grubhub fee calculator, DoorDash vs Uber Eats vs Grubhub.
Sources
Prices and fees were checked on October 29, 2026. They change, so check the source before you decide.