The stores often charge higher prices on app for the same items. If there's a sale on items, you won't likely get them on the app. You can say it's a shakedown but you can always refuse DoorDash business and just operate like every other place that doesn't use it. It's not end of the world.

Sure, you could operate without DD. You can also operate without advertising, but it makes it a lot harder to reach customers.

Elsewhere in this post a store owner talks about how DD is a necessary evil. How they have convinced a big chunk of customers to only use DD to order food, and you will lose out if you aren't on the platform.

It's a prisoners dilemma. The total market share remains the same, but if only one grocery store was on DD they'd be at an advantage over those who don't

These grocery stores are all going to continually lose market share to Amazon, Walmart, etc. as online ordering increases. The pricing of in person grocery stores is outrageous and the experience shopping at them is annoying. I hope to see many go out of business sooner than later so we can have better businesses take their place!

You can’t really refuse their business if they want you to be on the app. They will just add you and direct the driver to pay with the issued card like any other customer. The consumer still sees it as “you accept DoorDash orders” though. Then the sales pressure starts since they have your customers.

What pressure? They are going to threaten to delist you? Disappointing their own customers in the process?

The usual marketplace tactics. Dashpass and promotional feautes, search rankings, etc. Well documented.