Turning Summer Insights Into Fall Strategy
Presented by DoorDash Canada
July and August often generate more order volume, more new customers, and more helpful insights than almost any other stretch of the year. Summer gatherings with residents and tourists alike all have the potential to push more people through your digital storefront than usual.
That summer rush is valuable beyond the immediate sales. Reviewing your business insights now, while the numbers are fresh and you’re able to recall qualitative insights, can shape smarter decisions for fall before menu planning and staffing schedules are finalized.
Capture Your Real Peak Ordering Windows
Pull actual order and timing data, as summer crowds can shift peak hours from what you'd expect. Knowing exactly when orders spike lets you build a fall schedule around evidence instead of habit.
Identify What Items Drive Volume
Rank menu items by order volume and margin. The dishes that performed best under summer's pressure and higher order counts are strong candidates to either keep front-and-centre or build fall specials around. Consider removing low-performing items with confidence.
Learn From the New Customers Delivery Brought In
Evaluate how many summer orders came from new versus repeat customers. A high share of new customers suggests visibility tools and promotions are working. Pairing that insight with a fall retention push (ie., repeat-order incentives and loyalty-style promotions) can turn first-time customers into regulars.
Spot the Gaps Before They Become Fall Problems
Review ratings and feedback trends from the busy months. Issues that only show up under volume are worth fixing now like slow prep times, packaging complaints, missing items, while the cause is still fresh, rather than carrying them into a slower season where they're harder to diagnose.
Set a Standing Data Check-In Before Summer Ends
Put one recurring annual review on the calendar in August. A short, regular look at your Merchant Portal insights on DoorDash turns this from a one-time exercise into a habit that keeps paying offwell past the summer rush. Your peak hours, top items, and customer ratings data view could be especially helpful.
Taking the time now to review what actually happened during peak periods can give you a real head start on fall menu, staffing, and marketing decisions.
Want help digging into your summer insights or planning for fall? Reach out to Denia Pavlatou (denia.pavlatou@doordash.com) to start the conversation.