Delivering for DoorDash is a popular side-gig that I frequently mention as an option on this site. I even have a DoorDash overview posted if you want to know more about it before reading further.
If you are not familiar with DoorDash, in short they are a food delivery service. You can also get delivery from retailers like Dollar General and CVS, but this company’s primary focus is restaurant food/fast food delivery.
Luckily, I have a DoorDash delivery driver in the family with 600+ orders under his belt who is willing to give me some details about what he loves — and hates — about delivering for DoorDash.
Keep in mind that this person lives in a more rural area, so their experiences may differ from someone who is dashing through a big city.
So, if you’re seriously thinking about applying as a DoorDash driver, the pros and cons of DoorDash that I’ve shared with you below can help you make up your mind.
Remember that no job or side-gig is going to be perfect. You just have to decide for yourself if the benefits outweigh the harm.
Doordash – Advantages and Disadvantages
DoorDash Professionals
Dashing is very flexible
As a DoorDash driver, you typically enjoy schedule flexibility. Saying you can “work whenever you want” can be a little confusing because you have to schedule yourself to work in blocks of time. But it’s up to you when you schedule yourself.
However, if you are a top dasher, you can enjoy the Dash Anytime benefits they offer. DoorDash also offers occasional challenges where, if successfully completed, you can earn that perk as well.
You get tips
You usually get tips in addition to what DoorDash pays you. And you get to keep 100% of those tips.
Work by the hour or pick orders
If you work in an area that offers this, you have the freedom to work hourly (paid hourly) or pick and choose the orders you want to make.
This option is more common in densely populated areas.
Instant payment access
With DoorDash, there’s no waiting to get paid. With the Dasher Direct Card you can get instant access to your earnings.
If you don’t have a Dasher Direct card, your paycheck is sent weekly.
Potential for good salary
If you live in an under-served area with peak pay, you can earn well.
Peak Pay is when DoorDash offers a bonus incentive on top of every order with lots of orders and/or very few dashers.
The incentive is not a fixed amount and will vary depending on your area and other factors.
You still get paid if an order is cancelled
If someone cancels an order — or a business closes when you arrive — you still get half the pay. So your driving time will not be for any.
DoorDash cons
Hourly orders usually do not come with tips
Hourly Pay “Earn by Time” mode if you’re a dasher. This may seem like an attractive option, but there are many Dashers It has been alleged that this order usually does not come with any tips.
So you probably won’t make good money, and you might even make less if you choose that option. You just can’t know for sure.
However, if you live in an area where you find that wait times at restaurants are very long or getting stuck in traffic is common, this option can be competitive with – or even better than – earning by ordering.
DoorDash will always be there for the customer
Sometimes things go wrong that are completely out of your control. For example, a customer may claim that you stole their food. Or that you somehow messed with their food even when you didn’t. It’s rare, but it happens.
DoorDash is always on the customer’s side. So, you are always at risk of losing this gig even if you don’t do anything really wrong.
No tip orders are bundled with good orders
DoorDash’s system will integrate good payment orders with no tip orders, and then you won’t see how much each one actually paid until the order is complete.
This is apparently an ongoing problem that many dashers complain about. I found one Here’s the Reddit thread on that You want to read more.
There are actually some lawsuits going on about this because, as an independent contractor, you have a right to know what you’re getting paid for before you do the work.
So that sums it up! I hope this inside look at the pros — and cons — of driving for DoorDash helps you decide if it’s something you should consider.
While the scheduling flexibility and immediate access to your funds are extremely attractive, the downsides can be dealbreakers for some people.
Good luck if you want to pursue this opportunity, and if you are a Dasher please comment below to share your own experience. I’d love to hear how it’s going for you.
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Anna Thurman is a home blogger and mother of two. He has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 13 years. His results are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.
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