DoorDash Review [2024]: Simple Tips To Earn More

Filling your free time with ways to make money is a great way to reach your financial goals. I’m always on the lookout for new ways to supplement my income, and DoorDash is always at the top of the list.

It’s probably because the requirements to drive for DoorDash are easy to meet, and the pay isn’t terrible as long as you know how to please customers. Knowing the tips and tricks to maximize your earnings and make the most of this side hustle is essential.

What is DoorDash?

By now, you’ve likely heard of DoorDash and possibly used it to order food. They operate in over 7,000 cities and partner with the top restaurants in each area. They are a technology company that partners with restaurants and independent contractors to offer door-to-door delivery for hungry customers.

DoorDash is one of the most popular food delivery apps for customers, but how does it stack up for drivers?

How does it work for Dashers?

Dashers are DoorDash delivery drivers with smartphones who accept available offers, pick up the order from the restaurant, and deliver it to the customer.

After logging into the app and accepting an offer, here’s what a typical delivery looks like:

• You can use the DoorDash app to get directions to the restaurant. In the app's settings, you can choose which map service to use.
• Read the restaurant’s instructions. Every restaurant has different pickup instructions, so reading them ahead of time will save you time and hassle.
• Collect the order. Go inside the restaurant and locate the order, or tell the staff why you’re there. Determine if you must pay with your Red Card or if the order was already paid. Swipe on your app to let the customer know you picked up the order.
• Use the DoorDash app to locate the customer. The DoorDash app will now direct you to the customer’s location.
• Deliver the order. Swipe on the app again to let the customer know you’ve arrived. Be sure to read specific delivery instructions, such as leave on the back porch, to keep customers happy.
• Confirm delivery. You’ll swipe one more time on the app. This confirms delivery, and this job is complete.

It sounds like a lot, but the process is simple once you get the hang of it and handle your first few orders. The good news is that you don’t have to accept every offer. 

Dashers see an offer amount before accepting an order so they can determine which orders they want to accept. The offer amount is the minimum guaranteed amount. The actual earnings may be higher.

Who can deliver for DoorDash?

To deliver for DoorDash, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be 18 years of age or older (as of January 16th, 2024, new applicants in AZ, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, KY, MT, NJ, NM, TX, UT and WV must be at least 19 years old)
• Have an iPhone or Android smartphone with adequate storage capacity
• Have a valid 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)

How much do Dashers earn?

DoorDash is transparent about payment and allows Dashers to accept or decline offers as they see fit.

Payment depends on several factors, including:

• Base pay: This is your cut of the DoorDash fee charged to the customer. It’s usually between $2 - $10 per order, depending on order complexity, distance, and order desirability ¹.
• Peak Pay: DoorDash runs Peak Pay promotions to attract more drivers to the app during busy times. Your promo tab will show the per-order bonus you’ll receive if you deliver between the stated hours. Not every driver is eligible for Peak Pay, so always check your app.
• Challenges and streaks: Challenges and streaks encourage Dashers to deliver more orders within a certain timeframe or to accept and complete consecutive offers while active on the app.
• Tips: Like most gig economy apps, drivers keep 100% of the customer tips earned. If there’s one piece of advice I can offer for any gig economy app, it’s to go above and beyond for every customer. You’ll earn higher tips and increase your hourly rate.

When does DoorDash pay?

I love DoorDash’s payment options, as they offer flexibility and the opportunity to get paid almost instantly when you need it.

• Weekly direct deposit: Dashers can get a free weekly direct deposit for all orders completed Monday through Sunday of the previous week, including tips.
• Fast Pay: If you need instant access to your funds and have a valid debit card, you can use DoorDash’s Fast Pay service for $1.99 per transfer. To use this service, you must have completed 25 DoorDash orders, been on the app for 14 days or longer, and added your debit card at least seven days before requesting payment.
• DasherDirect: If you frequently prefer instant payments, DasherDirect offers instant direct deposit for free. This prepaid Visa card also offers at least 2% cash back on gas purchases and access to Wellness Core, a wellness perks program.

Get Paid to Make Deliveries

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 earnings with DoorDash

One of the perks of hustles like DoorDash is that you get to determine how much you make. Whenever I work for a gig economy app, I do everything possible to get paid more than the average contractor. This includes prioritizing high-paying orders, managing my time well, and keeping my 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 better tips
• 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

FAQs

Other side hustles to consider

DoorDash is a great way for millions of drivers to earn extra money, but it’s not for everyone. For example, if DoorDash isn’t popular in your area, you may have better luck with Postmates or Uber Eats. 

If they are all equally used in your area, I suggest signing up for all three services and logging into the most active one when you want to work.

Other options to make extra income include:

• Rideshare with Uber or Lyft
• Grocery delivery with Instacart
• Pet sitting with Rover
• Tutoring online with VIPKid

Learn More

Minimal requirements for drivers to get approved

Can deliver on bicycle or scooter in some areas

Keep 100% of customer tips