What is DoorDash?
DoorDash is a San Francisco-based technology company that was founded in June 2013. Serving over 4,000 cities, the service allows people to order delivery from more than 310,000 stores, which includes 90% of the top 100 U.S. restaurant brands.
In May 2019, DoorDash surpassed Grubhub in monthly sales, making it the nation’s leading online food delivery service. The company is now valued at about $13 billion and growing. It’s a totally legitimate business that both serves customers and gives its independent contractors a flexible way to earn.
How does being a delivery person for DoorDash work?
At any time, you can log into the DoorDash app and see available delivery opportunities in your area. When a delivery is offered to you, you’ll have the chance to accept or reject it.
If you accept, you’ll go to the restaurant and indicate on the app that you’ve arrived. From the takeout counter, you’ll either pay with your Red Card (a credit card you’ll receive during orientation) or just pick up the food and head out — the app will tell you which to do. You’ll swipe the DoorDash app again to indicate you’ve picked up the food and then swipe a third time once you’ve made the drop-off to the customer.
Who can deliver for DoorDash?
To deliver for DoorDash, you need to meet the following requirements:
Be 18 years of age or older
Have an iPhone or Android smartphone
Sign up with your Social Security number
Have a car, bike, scooter, or other vehicle (requirements vary by area)
Have a valid driver’s license (if delivering by motor vehicle)
Have insurance (if delivering by motor vehicle)
Have a clean driving record (if delivering by motor vehicle), which means:
No major violations (e.g., DUI, reckless driving, homicide, assault, failure to stop and report, driving with a suspended or expired license) in the past seven years
No more than three other major incidents in the last three years (accidents or moving violations not included in the list above)
How much can you get paid with DoorDash?
DoorDash guarantees that you’ll always receive a base pay plus tips. The base pay varies depending on the estimated time, distance, and desirability of the order.1 If you have a large order or the customer tips well (or both), you could make a lot of moolah in just one delivery.
On occasion, DoorDash will also offer an incentive known as Peak Pay during busy ordering and delivery times. You can earn Peak Pay in addition to the base pay on each order by meeting the requirements listed in the delivery offer.
To get paid, you must provide DoorDash with your bank account information, and you’ll receive a weekly direct deposit for the previous week’s orders. You can also access your earnings on demand each day for a $1.99 fee.
DoorDash Benefits
Be your own boss and set your own hours
Keep 100% of the delivery fee plus any tips or boosts
Just pick up the food, drop it off and get paid!
Visit DoorDash
Maximizing your money with DoorDash
One of the perks of hustles like DoorDash is that you get to determine how much you make. You might be able to get paid more than the average Dasher if you hustle and keep your expenses low. Here are some tips to maximize your earnings:
Deliver during busy times to earn Peak Pay
Avoid high-traffic areas that could slow you down
Look for larger orders to accept, which will give you a better chance of earning a huge tip
Provide excellent, friendly service to customers to earn higher tips
Drive a gas-efficient vehicle or deliver by bike to save money on expenses
Use one of the best credit cards for gas
Keep track of your expenses to report for tax purposes
Use other food delivery apps at the same time so you can make the most of every hour
Refer other Dashers to make extra money
How to get good reviews
DoorDash calculates your average rating based on the past 100 reviews you received from customers. To get a great review each time, make sure to:
Deliver the order as quickly as possible
Keep the food warm in an insulated hot bag
Make sure the hot bag stays clean
Follow any delivery instructions provided by the customer
Greet customers with a smile and a friendly exchange
Common questions about DoorDash
Can you make good money with DoorDash?
It’s fair to say you could get paid well when you work for DoorDash considering that the startup costs are low and there’s no education required for the job. However, you should take into account the cost of gas, wear and tear on your vehicle, and paying taxes as a contractor when you calculate your final hourly rate.
Can you pay for DoorDash with cash?
Customers have the option to pay for their DoorDash delivery with cash. These orders will be identified to you as “Cash on Delivery,” and you will have the option of accepting or denying the delivery.
For these deliveries, you will keep the cash from the completed delivery, and the amount of the order will be deducted from your next direct deposit. If the delivery recipient pays you more than the total amount of the order, you get to keep the extra as a tip.
What is Dasher Gear?
Dasher Gear refers to branded products sold in the DoorDash Retail Store, most of which are aimed at people who are delivery partners with DoorDash. The available gear includes shirts, sweats, jackets, hats, car signs and magnets, insulated pizza and catering bags, cup holders, and other items that can make deliveries easier. You can order through the website and have the gear delivered to your home.
Do you need a driver’s license to work for DoorDash?
If you’re delivering by motor vehicle, you’ll need a valid driver’s license to work for DoorDash.
Does DoorDash have an age requirement?
Yes. Dashers need to be at least 18 years old. In addition, you’ll need to have a valid driver’s licence and clean driving record, provide a Social Security number, and have an iPhone or Android smartphone.
Does DoorDash do a drug test?
No, DoorDash does not require a drug test.
Does DoorDash require a background check?
Yes, DoorDash requires that you submit to a background check as well as a motor vehicle check if you’re using a motor vehicle to make deliveries.
How long does the DoorDash background check take?
DoorDash uses an outside consumer reporting agency named Checkr to complete background checks on applicants. Background checks are usually processed within five-to-seven business days, though the process can take longer. DoorDash allows you to check on the status of your DoorDash background check directly through the Checkr website.
How long does it take to start working for DoorDash?
Expect your background check to take a few days. After that, you’ll need to either sign up for a Dasher Orientation or request an Activation Kit by mail. You’ll also need to order any other DoorDash gear ahead of time (though there’s no requirement to dress in DoorDash gear).
So, while the amount of time it takes to get started may vary, we estimate you’ll need one to three weeks to get up and running. People in select cities are even eligible for Instant Dashing, which means you’ll be able to get started immediately after your background check clears.
How to become a delivery person for DoorDash
The signup process with DoorDash is very straightforward. Follow these steps to become a Dasher:
Go to DoorDash, scroll down, and click on "Get Started" under "Deliver with DoorDash"
Complete your DoorDash profile
Provide your info for a background check and motor vehicle check
Sign up for a Dasher Orientation or request an Activation Kit
Install the Dasher app
Set up your Red Card
Set up direct deposit
Declare W-9 Taxpayer Identification
Schedule your first dash
Dasher Orientations are offered in a wide range of cities, including New York, Washington D.C., and dozens more. DoorDash also has offices outside of the contiguous United States, in locations like Puerto Rico and across Canada as well. If you are seeking a no-contact way to get started as a DoorDash driver, then requesting an Activation Kit would better suit your needs.
Other side hustles to consider
While DoorDash is an excellent way to earn some extra money in addition to your full-time job, it may not be the best fit for everyone. Depending on the city you live in, delivering with Postmates or Uber Eats may be a better option for you. To make the best choice for you, research which of these services is available in the area you want to work, how much they pay, and how quickly you can start earning. You may even find that doing deliveries for both companies is the best solution for you.
If parking stresses you out and you want more face time with customers, you might consider driving for a rideshare company like Lyft. Or maybe you’re new to a city or otherwise nervous about driving and getting lost. In that case, consider a side hustle you can do by foot, such as Rover. You can even learn how to make money without leaving your house, such as teaching English with VIPKid.
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