By now, you’ve probably heard of (or even used) DoorDash. The app is a popular side hustle and delivery platform that lets people earn money by dropping off food and other items.
Because it’s so flexible and easy to use, many dashers are constantly looking for ways to boost their earnings.
In this article, I’ll share tips on how to make the most money on DoorDash. I’ll explain why this gig can be surprisingly profitable, and how to get the most out of every delivery.
Why DoorDash?
DoorDash is a great way to boost your income while keeping total control over your schedule. The signup process is simple, so you can start earning fast. And with a few smart strategies, you can get more bang for your buck.
The Possibilities of Earning Through DoorDash
DoorDash offers a great opportunity to earn an income. However, many dashers are unaware of all the benefits DoorDash has to offer.
In 2021, there were about 2 million couriers delivering for DoorDash. According to Glassdoor the average salary of a courier driver ranges from $17 to $20 an hour.
That said, if you approach your DoorDash deliveries with a strategic mindset, you’ll see that there’s a lot of room for growth than you may have anticipated.
But what are the possibilities of earning through DoorDash?
The delivery platform offers three main ways to make money. Let’s discover more about them!
1. Base Pay
Every dasher gets base pay for each delivery. This amount is calculated based on:
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Distance
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Estimated delivery time
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How desirable the order is
Base pay tends to be higher during busy hours and lower when demand is slower.
2. Tips
Tips are a huge part of your income as a dasher. Customers choose how much to tip, usually between 10% and 20% of the order total. While some folks may not tip at all, most do—so being polite and professional really pays off.
Still, I wouldn’t rely solely on tips to make decent money.
3. Promotions
DoorDash also offers various promotions and incentives to increase your final earnings. Some of those promotions include peak pay and guaranteed earnings incentives.
What Are Some Tips On How To Make The Most Money On DoorDash?
Since DoorDash lets you choose your own hours, you’ll want to work during peak times like lunch and dinner. Take advantage of Surge Pricing and bonus offers, and try to stay active even during slower periods. Learning how surge zones work (and possibly using multiple devices for different apps) can also help boost your income.
And don’t forget: tips are a bonus, so it pays to be polite and friendly with every customer.
7 DoorDash Tips for Increasing Your Earnings
1. Find the Best Time of The Day To Dash
The time of the day in which you do deliveries can have a significant impact on your overall earnings. Because of that, you should find the best time to dash to increase your earning potential. Most of the time, peak hours are during lunch and dinner, as that’s when most people order food.
However, peak hours could also be during the mornings and late evenings. If possible, experiment to find out which of these times works best for you and to create your dashing schedule.
2. Maximize Tax Write-Offs
Did you know DoorDash drivers are independent contractors? That means you’re responsible for your own taxes, but it also means you can deduct business expenses.
Keep track of gas, tolls, delivery bags, and anything else you use for work. These write-offs can lower your tax bill and keep more cash in your pocket.
3. Provide an Excellent Experience for Your Customers
Customer ratings matter. Higher ratings can lead to more delivery opportunities and bonuses, while lower ratings might limit your access to high-paying orders.
To improve your rating, be on time, communicate if there’s a delay, and hand off the order with a friendly attitude. Small touches make a big difference.
4. Schedule Your Deliveries in Advance
If too many dashers are active in an area, it can “grey out” in the app, preventing new drivers from getting orders.
To avoid this, schedule your dashes in advance, especially in high-demand zones. DoorDash lets you book up to six days ahead, so take a few minutes to lock in your best time slots.
5. Know Which Deliveries To Accept (And Which Ones To Decline)
Dashers who deliver on DoorDash make a base pay for each delivery. This is determined by the delivery distance, expected delivery time, and other factors.
Because of that, not every delivery will be worth your time. It’s essential to learn which deliveries will earn you money and which deliveries may lose you money.
As a rule of thumb, try to avoid deliveries with a base pay lower than $2 per mile. Anything lower wouldn’t even cover your gas costs.
Additionally, you should try to avoid:
- Orders too far away from hotspots
- Orders from Walmart
- Fast food drive-through orders
6. Patiently Wait at a Dash Hotspot
The app highlights hotspots, there are areas with lots of active orders. Waiting near these zones usually means faster order offers and better pay.
They’re not always 100% accurate, but in general, staying close to popular restaurants can help you earn more in less time.
7. Use Your Bike for Deliveries
Driving may seem convenient, but it comes with costs like gas, maintenance, wear and tear. If you’re in a bike-friendly city, consider switching.
Using a bike eliminates fuel expenses and reduces the risk of vehicle-related delays. It’s also more eco-friendly and great for short-distance deliveries.
Why Should I Use DoorDash?
Driving for DoorDash might seem tedious at first, but consistent effort can pay off. The platform rewards dashers with bonuses like peak pay, completion incentives, and other promotions.
You’ll also see occasional challenges, like completing a certain number of deliveries in a set timeframe—that unlock extra earnings. These perks can really add up over time.
Is Driving For DoorDash Worth It?
Whether DoorDash is worth it depends on your situation. If you live in a busy area, like a college town or a major city, there’s usually no shortage of delivery requests.
Things like driving a fuel-efficient car, living near restaurants, and being smart about scheduling can all boost your profit margins. For many people, it’s a flexible side hustle that actually delivers.
Who Should Drive For DoorDash?
Anyone with a reliable mode of transportation can sign up. That includes bikes, scooters, motorcycles, and cars.
If you’re looking for a side hustle with flexible hours and an easy-to-use app, DoorDash is worth considering. Whether you want to supplement your main income or make use of downtime, Dashing offers a straightforward way to earn.
Final Thoughts
Making money through DoorDash can be incredibly rewarding, especially when done correctly.
Anyone can work for DoorDash and make a sizable income from doing so by looking into the hidden benefits and maximizing the app’s full potential.
Delivering during peak times, minimizing spending costs, and utilizing tax write-offs are all examples of how you can earn more. By following these tips, drivers can increase their earning potential substantially.
Have you delivered for DoorDash before? How much money do you think you could make as a DoorDash delivery driver? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
