Doordash driver using the Dasher app during pickup.

Doordash Driver Jobs – Should You Sign Up In 2019?

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Earning extra money in today’s economy is a challenge.

If you apply to be Doordash driver, you can discover how easy it is to work a flexible job, set your own hours, and earn money in an easy-going setting. Even better, driving for Doordash means less wear and tear on your car versus driving for Uber or Lyft. And to top it off, you don’t even need a car to deliver for doordash. In most markets, motorcycles and bicycles are ok.

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(Disclosure – We independently research our content to provide free advice for you. We may get compensation if you sign up with services, or purchase products through our affiliate links.)

Doordash Driver – How To Get A Doordash Delivery Job

While you can make as much as $25 per hour as a Dasher, as the company refers to its delivery workers, average full-time pay is more likely to be in the $14 – $20/hr range, and can vary substantially by location.

Doordash is currently available in all 50 states and almost 1,800 locations.

Read on to discover more about how to get started and what it takes to have success when delivering for Doordash.

Or, if you’re ready to start today, hit the button below to begin your application.

 

Doordash Dasher Requirements For 2019

In 2019, to qualify to drive Doordash jobs, you will to meet the following requirements:

  • Be 18 years of age or older.
  • If you’re driving, you’ll need a U.S. driver’s license and a vehicle insurance policy.

Doordash Vehicle Requirements For 2019

There are no specific Doordash vehicle requirements. You can pretty much use any car for Doordash. In most markets, you are also able to use a motorcycle, scooter, bike, or even walk while dashing.

Check your local Doordash driver vehicle requirements.

These are basic requirements that every Doordash dasher needs to meet. Much of the process you’ll go through is similar to what drivers for Uber and Lyft go through, but you don’t need to worry about specifics such as having a four-door car since you’re delivering food, not people.

Doordash jobs aren’t as complicated as you might expect. Once you fill out your application and get approved, you’re ready to start signing up for shifts and getting paid.

There’s usually no orientation or the need to shadow someone else. And because you’re setting your own hours, you’ll have greater freedom over deciding what days and times work best for your needs.

One important aspect to be aware of is you should know your city. The more efficient you are in getting around town, the more you’ll earn as a Doordash dasher.

So, if you’re new in town, get used to driving around, finding out where restaurants are and know your way around. 

This includes learning about neighborhoods and residential roads, too. After all, you’ll need to drive to your customers once you’ve picked up food from the restaurant of their choice.

Be sure to check our Dasher Tips and Answers To Common Doordash Questions.

How To Use The Doordash Dasher App

Doordash dashers are independent contractors, so you’ll need to supply a few items. That includes your smartphone, car, insurance, and any supplies you might need for your work.

The good news is, all the supplies you purchase and the use of your phone, can get deducted for work purposes come tax time.

The dasher app is where you’ll perform the majority of your work as a driver.

Once you pass your background check and are approved to start dashing, the first thing you’ll need to do is choose when and where you want to dash. You can schedule dash shifts up to five days in advance, or six once you qualify for Dasher early access.

Peak times to drive doordash are usually on weekdays between 11:00AM – 2:00PM and 5:00PM – 9:00PM.

doordash driver app schedule dash

 

Once you start your shift, you’ll log in to the Doordash dasher app when you’re ready and tap “Dash Now.”

Each Doordash market is divided into zones. While you can choose to dash in different zones within your market, you must start in the zone you selected for your shift.

Demand in the Doordash app is color coded. The darker the red, the more need for dashers in that zone.

Doordash driver app dash now

 

Once you start your shift, you’ll have the opportunity to take orders as they come in.

You’ll always be able to see the guaranteed earnings for the individual delivery up front.

doordash driver pay dasher app accept order

 

Doordash Driver Pay – How Much Do Doordash Drivers Make?

When Doordash first started, they offered dashers a set amount per hour.

Doordash driver pay changed in 2017, and now Doordash no longer offers a minimum payout. This means it’s important to figure out what times you’ll make the most money.

However, Doordash does still tell you the minimum you’ll earn on each individual delivery, before you accept it.

Here are a few things to remember about driver pay when you’re venturing out for the first time.

  • There are certain peak periods where you are likely to earn the most. Generally, these are during lunch and dinner hours.
  • Certain periods may have bonuses attached to them.
  • Doordash will send you notifications that tell you about any specials for drivers going on.

Just as there are sign-on bonuses and promos for Lyft drivers who sign up, certain markets offer a sign up bonus or guaranteed earnings.

Doordash pays all dashers weekly by direct deposit. Any tips you received through the app get transferred during this time and are deposited with the rest of the money earned while driving. Drivers / Dashers on Doordash keep 100% of their tips.

Although the pay structure operates differently than it used to, you can still make a good part or full-time job out of driving for Doordash.

Find Out About Dasher Busy Pay Bonus Opportunities

As touched on earlier, there are certain times where you can earn extra working for Doordash than you normally would. Known as bonus periods, these get indicated on the app and vary based on where you’re located, what time of day it is, and if it’s a holiday.

Doordash calls these special times busy pay. They normally expect more customers to order during this period than there are drivers to serve them. As a consequence, dashers who drive during those times are likely to make more.

They want to encourage more drivers to come out during this time period, so they use this pay structure as a way for them to earn extra. This is a win-win for everyone since customers get their food and drivers make extra.

If you get a Busy Pay order, it’ll come up on the driver app when you’re alerted, so there’s no mistaking what it is. Take advantage of these when you can.

Learn How Tips Work for Drivers

While driving or dashing for Doordash, there’s more than one way to get a tip. While cash tips are always nice, customers can also tip directly in the Doordash delivery app.

If you bring your delivery to the customer and don’t get anything more than thanks, don’t assume they don’t appreciate your hard work or didn’t tip you. Many people don’t carry cash on them and look for alternative ways to tip servers and delivery drivers.

Also, the customer may not leave the tip in the Doordash customer app right away. If you don’t see the tip right away, check your Doordash earnings the next day.

Tips are often dependent on how quickly you bring the food to the customer, the time of day, if the order was checked for accuracy, and sometimes your personality. Gain a better understanding of what drives people to tip you, but understand that unfortunately, not everyone follows proper tipping etiquette.

People can rate drivers based on their delivery, so make sure to leave every customer with a smile and thank them for their business.

Know How Dashing Affects Your Vehicle

Because we’ve established you’ll work as an independent contractor, figure out how this impacts your car, motorcycle or bike. Some considerations to think about are:

  • How often you drive or deliver for Doordash
  • How far you’re driving or riding when you’re Dashing
  • The condition of the roads in your area
  • The weather and type of climate you live in
  • What kind of condition your vehicle is currently in

If you plan on making a decent portion of your money making the drive for Doordash, it’s important to learn ways to keep your maintenance costs down, and to keep track of your mileage to lower your tax bill.

Understanding Taxes and Being an Independent Contractor

If you’re used to bing an employee, you know that a certain amount gets withheld from your paycheck each week. That means you don’t have to set aside money come tax time.

When you’re working as an independent contractor for Doordash, you’ll notice taxes aren’t taken out. This sounds nice at first and can trick you into thinking you’re making more money.

Be careful, and make sure you’re setting aside part of your Doordash earnings. Setting aside money for tax time is important since you’ll likely owe taxes at the end of the year. Also, be sure to take every tax deduction you’re allowed to, including the mileage tax deduction.

Doordash Driver Tips to Help You Make the Most As A Dasher

As you get ready to embark on your journey of being a delivery driver for Doordash, you’re sure to learn a lot. No two days are ever the same, and you’ll be astounded by the variety of people you come in contact with.

Taking note of these tips makes life easier and ensures you’ll have fun while on the job. Doing so can help you walk away with more in tips and ensure your time gets spent in an effective manner.

1. Find the right times to schedule yourself. This is a cross between when people need drivers and when you have free time.

2. Even if a customer or someone in the restaurant you’re picking food up from come off as rude or unprofessional, don’t let that set the tone for your day. People have bad days, but you don’t have to let their attitude affect you.

3. Take advantage of bonus pay and working during busy hours whenever you can. This maximizes how much you’ll get paid, and you stand the chance of getting bigger tips if it’s a holiday or there’s a major event going on in your town.

4. If you’re having problems working or the company’s red card that allows you to pay for an order isn’t working, contact driver support. This ensures that there’s a record of the issue, and the problem gets solved in a quick manner.

Learn More About Working with Doordash

If you think you want to give it a shot and become a Doordash driver, there’s no time like the present to get started. Apply to Doordash today; then you can start working and getting paid on a schedule that works for you.

If you’re ready to start driving for Doordash, click the button below to start your application. In certain markets, you may be eligible for a Doordash sign up bonus guarantee.

 

 

Doordash Driver Delivery Tips

Doordash Dasher Tips: How to Maximize Your Income

Being a Doordash dasher and making food deliveries on DoorDash is a great way to make some extra cash in your spare time.

Earning potential depends on your location as well as how much you work and when you work.

If you want to maximize your earning potential, you’ll need to work efficiently and be smart about which deliveries you take on and how you complete your trips.

(Disclosure – We independently research our content to provide free advice for you. We may get compensation if you sign up with services, or purchase products through our affiliate links.)

Doordash Driver Tips For New Dashers

You’ve probably already seen the How To Dash page on Doordash (if not, go check it out). Below, we’ve put together some helpful pro tips for maximizing your Dasher income with DoorDash.

Work as efficiently as possible to maximize your delivery numbers.

At the end of the day, your earning potential rests in the number of food deliveries you take on. That’s why it’s important for you to work as efficiently as possible to maximize your order numbers and improve your potential pay.

As a Doordash dasher, the more that you can compress your delivery times, the more orders you will be able to squeeze into your shift.

One way to work more efficiently is to cut down on your drive time. Here are a few insider tips for getting to the restaurant and delivery destination as quickly as possible:

  • Know where you’re going. Driving in the wrong direction is a big waste of time. Make sure that you take an extra few seconds to review your route before getting in the car.
  • If you can’t find the restaurant, call them. If you have a hard time locating the restaurant, don’t un-claim the order. Call the restaurant and ask for cross streets.
  • Check traffic before you leave. Making sure that you take the fastest possible route to your destination helps you save time so you can take on more orders. Always check the traffic, and choose the less busy route.
  • Read customer instructions before delivery. Customers will often leave additional instructions on their order to help you locate their home faster, such as the location of their building or a gate code. Check these out before you head their way.

Another way to improve efficiency is to keep things like extra napkins, straws, and utensils in your vehicle. That way, if the restaurant does not include these items when you pick up the delivery, you can slip them in before you drop the order off at the customer’s house.

Letting the customer know that you’ve added these items is a great way to earn extra tips.

Be strategic about the orders you pick up

Another way to boost your earning potential on DoorDash is to be more strategic about the orders that you pick up.

Doordash dasher on foot

 

Each time you get a DoorDash order request, the app lets you know where the restaurant is (including the distance from your current location) and what the order value is. You then have 60 seconds to accept or decline the order.

You do not have to accept every order that comes your way.

If you are more strategic about the orders you pick up, then you are able to increase your chances of maximizing earning potential during your shift. Typically, larger orders come with bigger tips and are more likely to be worth driving a further distance for.

Additionally, picking up orders that are closer to one another allows you to take on more deliveries in the same shift.

For example, you may decide that any orders under a certain order-total threshold are not worth your time unless they are in the immediate vicinity. Taking on smaller orders that are further away uses up time that you could be using to focus on larger orders that are likely to pay more.

Similarly, you may decide to only pick up orders that are in a certain mile radius from your current location. That means you won’t have to drive too far to complete the order, which takes time away from the rest of your shift.

That said, it’s important to note that, if you don’t accept an order, there is no guarantee that the next order that comes your way will be bigger or closer. Similarly, not every large order will lead to a big tip. You could end up spending a significant amount of time picking up and delivering a large and difficult food order only to walk away with no tip at all.

 

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Dash during the busiest hours for higher earning potential

Another way to maximize your earning potential is by dashing during the heaviest order times of the day and the most busy delivery days of the week. Though the busiest order days and times will depend on your particular location, there are patterns in nearly every area:

  • Weekend nights tend to be the busiest and most lucrative delivery times.
  • The sweet spot for lunch deliveries is between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekdays.
  • The dinner rush takes place during anywhere from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the week.
  • Breakfast time is less busy for DoorDash deliveries and may not be worth your time.

The only way to know for sure when the busy hours and days are for your location is to experiment a little. Try picking deliveries during different times of the day and days of the week to see when the greatest demand is in your area.

doordash driver app schedule dash

 

Not only will there be the potential for more orders (and tips), but you will be able to make more money per hour as you won’t have to wait and waste time between order requests.

In addition to the standard Doordash dasher busy times when people are likely to order, you should also take into account the weather when choosing your DoorDash shifts. People are more likely to order food to be delivered when it’s raining or snowing out.

Picking up deliveries during poor weather periods is a great way to earn big tips since most customers will be happy to have a convenient way to get their food.

Another thing to mention is that DoorDash provides incentives for dashers who make deliveries during the busiest times of the day, typically during the lunch and dinner rushes. Known as “Busy Pay,” this incentive will vary depending on demand in your area. However, you will be able to see the amount before you accept the delivery.

Check to make sure the order is right before you leave the restaurant

The amount of earning potential for DoorDash dashers is not just a matter of how many deliveries they can take on.

Tips also play an important part in how much DoorDash drivers can earn in a typical shift.

For this reason, it’s important to make sure that the order is correct and complete before you make the delivery to the customer. Even though it may technically be the fault of a restaurant that an order is incorrect, the customer may take it out on you by not giving you a tip.

Checking to ensure that the order is correct does take some extra time. However, it’s worth it in the end when you are able to provide a satisfying experience for the customer, especially if they decide to reward you with a larger tip.

To save time in making sure the order is right, you can review the order on the app before you enter the restaurant. That way, you can quickly scan the order in the restaurant to ensure that everything is there.

If you find that something is missing in the order, you can then request it from the restaurant before heading to the delivery location. Veteran dashers know that restaurants often forget to include drinks with the order.

Always check the app to see if any drinks were ordered so that you can ensure that the drinks make it to the customer.

Bonus Tip: Refer other Doordash dashers to earn extra cash

As a bonus tip, another easy way to make money through DoorDash is by referring new drivers. DoorDash makes it easy for drivers to refer others to the company, allowing both the referring Dasher and the referred Dasher to benefit from special bonuses. The DoorDash referral bonus amounts vary by location and tend to change depending on the market in the area. To see the referral rates for your area, check out your local DoorDash city page.

You can refer new Dashers through text message, email, Facebook (and Facebook Messenger), and Twitter. In order to get credit for a referral, you’ll need to make sure that the new Dasher has included your phone number on the sign up page under the “Referrer Phone #” field. These referral bonuses are then added to your weekly pay once the referred Dasher completes a certain number of deliveries within their first 30 days.

 

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Doordash Driver Questions

Common Doordash Driver Questions

What Is DoorDash, Exactly? How Does It Work?

(Disclosure – We independently research our content to provide free advice for you. We may get compensation if you sign up with services, or purchase products through our affiliate links.)

If you’ve ever wanted to pick up food from your favorite restaurant but found yourself frustrated that they didn’t deliver, apps like DoorDash are a match made in heaven for you. Available on iOS and Android, DoorDash is a third-party delivery service that connects its users with restaurants in and around their area.

The app is designed to determine both delivery time and delivery distance for its fleet of drivers. Doordash developers continually work to more accurately predict how long each of the restaurants it works with will take to prepare food and how long it will take the driver to arrive at their address.

It also uses these predictive services to determine the maximum delivery radius for a particular restaurant; this varies by location, however.

DoorDash distinguishes itself from other delivery services like Caviar and Amazon Flex in a few ways.

First and foremost, it’s not solely open to people who own a car. Cyclists are also able to sign up for the delivery service. It also features Group Ordering, which allows multiple DoorDash users to collaborate with one another on a single order, splitting the check and keeping all their orders to a single delivery driver.

If you want to try ordering through Doordash, use our promo code and get a few bucks off your first delivery by clicking the button below.

 

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How Does DoorDash Make Money?

Like most delivery services, DoorDash adds a small premium to each delivery order. Though it varies by restaurant, city, and delivery distance, this fee is usually somewhere between $3 and $7. It also has a few sources of revenue aside from this service fee.

Participating restaurants must generally pay a commission (usually around 20%) on orders delivered by DoorDash’s drivers. Though this may seem somewhat steep, it’s worth remembering that this is business those restaurants might not otherwise enjoy.

 

Aside from commission, DoorDash also charges restaurants for marketing and advertising through the app. Like on yelp, a business owner can choose to pay a fee to move itself to the top of the list of restaurants.

How Much Do DoorDash Drivers Make?

The short answer is that ‘it depends.’ When DoorDash first launched, Dashers, as delivery-people are known, were paid a flat rate per order, plus whatever they received as a tip. More recently, DoorDash has changed to a more flexible, scaling payment model.

For each delivery, a Dasher makes a certain amount, plus their tip, along with what’s known as a “pay boost.” This boost accounts for various factors, including delivery distance, order size, and traffic.

Rates are also subject to the city in which you operate – as you might expect, larger cities mean better pay. Generally speaking, this averages out to an hourly rate of between $14 and $20. Hourly rates can be higher in certain markets during busy hours. Click here to see the rates in your Doordash market.

That said, it’s also important to consider additional costs that might crop up for you as a Dasher. First, it’s important to remember that you’re a contractor, not a full-time employee – that means taxes are entirely your responsibility, and ignoring them can be quite costly.

Other costs you’ll want to consider are gas and insurance.

Does The DoorDash Delivery Fee Go To The Driver?

Generally, no. The delivery fee is part of DoorDash’s revenue stream. As already described, Dashers receive a pay boost, though Door Dash is somewhat mum on the specifics of where the money is drawn from.

How Do I Become a DoorDash Driver?

To work with DoorDash, you need to be eighteen years of age or older, own an iPhone or Android device, and be willing to volunteer your social security number and submit to a background check.

Unlike many other delivery services, DoorDash does not require its employees to own a car, and no vehicle inspection is required.

What’s Required To Become A DoorDash Driver?

Depending on where a Dasher is located, they may be able to use a motorcycle, bicycle, or scooter. In some scenarios, they may even be able to deliver on foot. DoorDash provides more information about the different vehicle types in each market on their website.

Note that you will be required to have an auto insurance policy, and DoorDash also provides its own commercial auto insurance policy covering up to $1,000,000 in bodily injury or property damage from accidents while on active delivery.

How Do I Start Delivering For DoorDash?

To sign up to become a DoorDash driver, simply click the button below to start your application.

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How Do I Complete A Delivery Through DoorDash?

Generally speaking, there are two ways to deliver through the DoorDash app. The first is known as scheduled delivery. Though the interface is slightly different depending on your operating system, the basic steps remain the same between both iOS and Android.

First, open up your menu, and click on “Schedule.” On this page, you can see all available dashes and can sign up for whichever happen to catch your attention.

 

Once you’ve signed up for a Dash, you’ll see it at the bottom of your app’s homepage.

You can also Dash without using the Schedule. Open up the DoorDash map, and press “Dash Now.” Before hitting “Dash,” be sure to look at your map; if the area you’re in is gray or yellow, DoorDash does not require more dashers. If, on the other hand, it’s pink or red, that means more dashers are required.

 

Note that during breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there will almost always be work available for you. You can learn more by watching this video.

 

How Do I Get Paid Through DoorDash?

Configuring your payment information in DoorDash is relatively simple. From your smartphone, launch the Dasher app and navigate to the Earnings tab.

In the top right corner of your screen, you’ll see a red bank symbol – click on it, and fill out the following information:

  • The name on the bank account you want to use
  • Your Social Security Number
  • Your bank’s routing number – you can generally find this by contacting your branch.
  • Your bank’s account number. This can be found on a check, or through online banking.

From here, just tap Submit Bank Details. Verify that the information you’ve entered is correct, and you should be good to go.

 

Once you’ve made 25 deliveries and worked with DoorDash for two weeks, you’ll have access to a service known as Fast Pay. This allows you to cash out your earnings daily for a withdrawal fee of $1.99. To configure Fast Pay, navigate to the Earnings section of your app, and click on “Use Fast Pay.”

This will immediately transfer your earnings to the debit card you’ve configured with your account.

How Does the DoorDash Rating System Work?

DoorDash rates its employees (known as Dashers) based on three categories, each averaged from your 100 most recent deliveries. Each DoorDash market has a different minimum score for each of these ratings. Check on the DoorDash website to determine what the minimum is where you work.

Customer Rating is essentially what it sounds like. When a customer receives an order through DoorDash, they rate both the driver and the restaurant separately, giving each a score between one and five stars. The rating is only applied once it has been received, so a Dasher may see their overall score change long after they’ve completed a delivery.

If your Customer Rating drops too low, you may be removed as a Dasher.

Acceptance Rate measures how often you accept delivery opportunities you receive. When a delivery is assigned to you by DoorDash, it’s because you’re the best choice for the job. Consistently declining such orders leads to a low Acceptance Rate.

As with customer rating, if this gets too low, it can potentially impact your access to the platform.

Completion Rate is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the number of deliveries you have completed, divided by the number of deliveries you’ve accepted. Canceled orders count as completed deliveries for the purposes of this statistic.

Not surprisingly, it’s somewhat difficult to lower your completion rate. The only way to really do it is by removing yourself from a delivery after accepting it. It’s generally expected that you’ll cancel a delivery every now and then, so you needn’t stress too much if you need to ditch a job because of an emergency.

Acceptance Rate and Completion Rate are fairly easy to control. Accept the majority of the deliveries that come your way, and don’t cancel jobs once you’ve picked them up. Customer Rating can be a bit trickier.

To keep your customers happy and get your rating up, the most important thing is communication. Be friendly and personable, and always serve people with a smile. You might also consider texting your customers when you’re on the way – keep them up-to-date about where you are and what you’re doing.

Avoid accepting orders that are already late, and where possible, avoid contacting customers to ask for directions or further instructions on where to deliver their food. But most importantly, understand that sometimes, you’re going to get a low rating. Some people will be unpleasant to you through no fault of your own.

Don’t stress about that – as long as you’re pleasant, quick, and capable, you’ll be just fine.

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