Norbert Szabo
I’m excited to share the top DoorDash tips and tricks. We have collected and vetted the best Doordash Tips from a seasoned driver to make sure you can avoid the coming mistakes and maximize your earning potential during your DoorDash career.
Table of Contents
As a food delivery driver, you need to learn how to boost your earnings and streamline your workflow. This guide full of DoorDash tips will help you make the most of your DoorDash experience, whether you’re a newbie or a pro looking to up your game.
Don’t stress out if you can’t focus on all details first. In the beggining try to pick up one or two tips that may have the biggest impact on your income. Later on you can get into the minute details once you feel confident in your DoorDash business.
From setting up your Dasher account to mastering advanced strategies, I’ll cover everything you need to know. You’ll learn how to maximize your earnings, navigate the app like a pro, and handle common issues with ease.
Let’s dive into the world of food delivery and personal finance to help you thrive in the gig economy.
Getting Started: Essential DoorDash Dasher Tips
Starting as a DoorDash delivery driver is exciting so here are some key tips for new Dashers. We’ll cover setting up your account, using the DoorDash app, and preparing your vehicle for deliveries.
Setting Up Your Dasher Account
Creating your Dasher account is easy. Just sign up online, give the needed info, and pass a background check. After approval, you can start accepting orders through the DoorDash app.
Understanding the DoorDash App Interface
The DoorDash app is your main tool. It shows orders, delivery details, and how much you earn. Spend time getting to know it. Knowing the app well will make your deliveries smoother. When you open the DoorDash app, the first thing you typically see is the main dashboard, which includes the following:
Your Dash Area:
It displays your current location and nearby delivery areas. The app may also highlight areas that are busy or have peak pay.
Schedule Button:
If you’re in an area that requires scheduling, there will be an option to view or set your schedule for dashing. Many drivers have the false belief that working longer shifts gets you the most money. We will dwell on this topic a little deeper later in the post and it will be well worth reading.
Promotions Tab:
You can see any current promotions or peak pay opportunities available in your area during that time. Don’t be fooled by the hype! Give your area a test run first and never bother chasing peak pay—most of your cash will come from tips anyway.
Stick around, and I’ll spill the secrets on how to rack up tips while zooming from one spot to the next!
Earnings Overview:
An overview of your earnings for the day or week may be shown, along with options to view your total earnings and previous shifts.
Rating Info:
There may also be a section showing your current ratings, including acceptance and completion rates. Alright, let’s dive into the juicy details of how to crush it like a pro in this biz, even if you’re just getting started!
Tips and Tricks for Keeping a Vehicle for Doordash
Your car is key for successful deliveries. Treat it like a business and not like a regular job. Here’s a quick checklist to run through if you want to take this business seriously:
- Regular maintenance checks
- Work on fuel economy to save money.
- Clean interior for food storage, especially the insulated bag
- Use insulated bags to keep food fresh.
- GPS or phone mount for easy navigation
- Extra phone charger
- Don’t forget to have your Red Card ready
As they say, money in money out! Picking the wrong ride can really cost you in the long run. This comparison will help you figure out if your car vibes with your delivery strategy and income goals.
| Vehicle Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Compact Car | Great fuel economy, easy parking | Limited space for large orders |
| SUV | More space for orders, comfortable for long shifts | Lower fuel efficiency |
| Electric Vehicle | Lowest fuel costs, eco-friendly | Limited range, longer charging times |
Maximizing Earnings: Strategies for Higher Payouts
As a Dasher, you always need to be on a lookout for ways to boost your earnings. It’s not just about working harder—it’s about working smarter.
Stop running around like crazy chasing deliveries and burning through gas!
Pro Tips to Boost Those Earnings
Provide Excellent Customer Service:
I can’t stress enough how important it is to be courteous and professional with customers. A friendly attitude and clear communication go a long way!
Have Clear Goals For Your Shifts:
Establish your monetary goals for each shift to keep you focused and motivated. Most of your earnings should come from tips and your goals will help you evaluate your orders by payout and distance.
Read Delivery Instructions:
Always pay attention to those special instructions customers leave, like where to drop off the order or if they want a heads-up call. Following these little details boosts customer satisfaction, and who knows—it might just lead to better tips!
Know the Items:
Make sure to double-check the order so everything gets delivered as it should. If something’s missing or off, handle it before it turns into a bad rating or lost tip.
Positive Attitude:
Keeping a positive vibe during deliveries can really make a difference. A great mood can lead to a better experience for the customer, and maybe even a bigger tip!
Always Deliver:
When the weather’s rough, it’s late, or it’s super busy, you can earn extra. Customers appreciate the effort and are often more generous with tips during those tougher conditions!
Leveraging Peak Pay Periods:
Although I’ve said otherwise previously if you are just starting out you can use peak pay as extra cash on top of your regular pay until you get skilled in the advanced strategies. Working during these busy hours add a boost to your earnings.
Selecting High Value Orders:
Not every order is worth the same. Aim for orders that pay at least $1 per mile. This way, you don’t spend more on gas than you make. Also look for big orders from fancy restaurants, as they often come with better tips. Compare the base pay to the distance you need to travel. Never burn more gas than you get paid for!
Learn to dissect your orders:
For instance, if an order offers a $3 base pay plus $2 in peak pay, that totals $5. The remaining amount (e.g., an $8 order) is likely attributed to the customer’s tip. Also over time, you will get a clear understanding of which types of orders(from certain restaurants, in specific areas, or during particular times) yield higher tips compared to base pay.
Tips For Balancing Acceptance Rate and Profitability
for Doordash Pros
Having a high acceptance rate might sound good, but it’s not always the best. Learn to pick your orders carefully. Here’s how to decide:
| Order Type | Distance | Minimum Pay | Accept? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1-3 miles | $6 | Yes |
| Long Distance | 4-7 miles | $8 | Maybe |
| Peak Pay | 1-3 miles | $8 | Definitely |
| Low Pay | Any | Below $1/mile | No |
Once you realize it’s all just simple math and there’s no need to stress, dashing suddenly feels like a breeze! You can increase your earnings without working longer hours. It’s all about making smart choices and making the most of each delivery.
Don’t worry too much about having a sky-high acceptance rate. Focus more on your monetary goals. Being selective about your deliveries yields more profit.
Navigating the Dash: Efficient Delivery Techniques
Mastering efficient delivery techniques using these Doordash tips and tricks is crucial for boosting earnings as a DoorDash driver.
Test our area. You have to figure out which routes turn into traffic nightmares and when it’s most likely to happen during the day. The app will automatically point you to hotspots that have high-order activity. However, if you rely on that too much, you’re just walking into a battle with some serious competition!
Once you figure out your favorite restaurants during peak times forget about the apps’ basic recommendations. Instead, try grabbing more deliveries simultaneously from hotspots you have found to bring you the most profits.
Here’s how these techniques can improve your performance:
| Technique | Average Orders/Hour | Average Earnings/Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Without Optimization | 2 | $18 |
| Using Hotspots | 3 | $24 |
| Stacked Orders | 4 | $32 |
By using these strategies, you will see a big increase in your efficiency and earnings. Remember, practice is key to mastering delivery apps like DoorDash.
Set Yourself Up For Success
If I only had five minutes to share all my DoorDash tips and tricks that will set you apart from 99% of the DoorDash drivers out there, this is what I would tell you:
1. Know Your Market:
Understanding base pay and tips, busy areas, and which restaurants typically have faster service can help improve efficiency and earnings.
2. Utilize the Red Card:
Always have your red card handy for orders that require payment. This allows you to take advantage of orders that might not be available to others who may not be prepared.
3. Adapt to Local Changes:
Be aware that delivery instructions can change due to business hours or staffing issues at restaurants; being flexible helps you navigate these situations effectively.
4. Prioritize Customer Interaction:
Being polite, professional, and communicative can greatly enhance the likelihood of receiving tips and positive feedback.
5. Track Your Earnings:
Regularly review your earnings in the app to identify trends and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Managing Your Finances: Tax and Expense Tracking
As a DoorDash driver, note that smart financial management is key to maximizing earnings. Being an independent contractor means taking charge of your own taxes and expenses.
Let’s dive into some essential tips to keep your finances in check.
Mileage tracking is crucial for DoorDash drivers.
Every mile you drive for work can be deducted come tax time.
Use MileageWise, a popular app among drivers, to automatically log your trips. It’s a game-changer for accurate expense tracking.
Remember, as an independent contractor, you’re responsible for paying self-employment tax. Set aside about 30% of your earnings to cover this. Keep all receipts for work-related expenses like phone bills, car maintenance, and hot bags.
These can all be potential tax deductions. To stay compliant, make sure to:
- Track all your mileage
- Save receipts for work-related expenses
- Set aside money for taxes
- Consider using apps like MileageWise for easy tracking
By staying on top of your finances, you’ll be better prepared for tax season and have a clearer picture of your true earnings. It might seem like extra work now, but trust me, it pays off in the long run.
Calculate how much money you can get back with IRS-Proof mileage logs:
Looking for a comprehensive DoorDash mileage logging solution?
Use MileageWise to track your miles. This all-inclusive software guarantees precise documentation of your journeys, empowering you to maximize your tax deductions while adhering to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines for mileage logs. With our powerful Dashboard and intuitive Mobile App, managing your mileage has never been easier.
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
Dasher Support and Problem-Solving
As a Dasher, you will face many challenges. Let’s look at some common problems and how to solve them. These Doordash tricks and tips will help keep your ratings up and deliveries running smoothly.
Dealing with Order Cancellations
Order cancellations can be tough, but they happen. If a customer cancels, contact support quickly. They usually offer half pay for my time. Always stay polite with the customer. It’s usually not their fault.
Navigating Restaurant Delays
Long waits at restaurants are a big problem. Use this time to contact the customer and update them. If the wait is too long, reach out to Dasher support. They can sometimes unassign the order without hurting my completion rate.
Resolving Customer Disputes
Customer disputes can be tricky. Always double-check orders at the restaurant to avoid problems. If a problem comes up, stay calm and contact support right away. They’re trained to handle these situations and can often solve them quickly.
Remember, Dasher support is your ally in tough spots. Don’t hesitate to contact them for any issues you can’t solve on your own. With practice, you’ll become a pro at handling these common challenges. This will make your Dashing experience smoother and more profitable.
Take pictures… Always Take pictures.
Make sure that you have some evidence that you have completed the delivery. Some clients just want free food but it should never affect your stats, more importantly your life in a negative way.
FAQs
How do I set up my Dasher account?
First, download the DoorDash Dasher app. Then, sign up by providing your personal info and agreeing to a background check. You’ll also need to upload your driver’s license and insurance. Once you’re approved, you can start accepting delivery jobs in your area.
What should I know about the DoorDash app interface?
The Dasher app is your main tool. It shows you available orders and lets you navigate to restaurants and dropoff spots. You can also manage your earnings and use features like accepting orders and fast pay. Learning how to use the app well will make you more efficient.
How can I maximize earnings during peak pay periods?
DoorDash offers extra pay during busy times. Keep an eye on the app for these opportunities. Dash during these times to earn more. Just be ready for busier restaurants and more orders.
What's the best way to handle stacked orders?
Stacked orders can be profitable but challenging. Always check the order details and plan your route carefully. If you need to delay, let the customer know. Good planning and execution help you earn more and keep customers happy.
How do I use hotspots effectively?
Hotspots are areas with lots of orders. Position yourself in or near them to get more requests. Make sure to find your own spots asap.
How can I track mileage and expenses for tax purposes?
As an independent contractor, tracking job-related expenses is important. I use the MileageWise app to log miles and create expense reports. Keeping good records helps me save money on taxes.
I picked out this video for you because not only does he share some of the best Doordash tips and tricks that really set him apart from other drivers, but he also gives some great insights on using the Doordash app itself.
