DoorDash Driver Review 2024 – Is DoorDash Worth it? (5 Hours Test)

DoorDash, a popular food delivery platform, allows you to earn money by delivering customer orders.

After testing the platform and implementing various hacks to maximize earnings, I can confirm that it is possible to generate a reasonable income by delivering food orders to customers.

Over 5 active hours (out of 8 hours spent dashing), I earned a total of $115.50, which consisted of $65.50 in base pay and $50 in tips. This equates to an average of $22.80 per active hour and $0.68 per mile driven.

Active hours: The time that you are actively working on a delivery. This includes the time that you are driving to the restaurant, picking up the order, and delivering the order. It does not include the time that you are waiting for orders.

Is becoming a Dasher the right choice for you?

Here is what you need to know:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ix80TxcgvNc&ab_channel=DollarBreak

Is DoorDash Available in Your City?

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DoorDash delivers to over 7,000 cities in the US. Just type your address on their delivery page to see if it’s in your area. If restaurants show up, DoorDash likely delivers there, and you could become one of their drivers.

What are DoorDash Requirements?

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To become a DoorDash driver, also known as a Dasher, you’ll need to follow these steps:

• Age: Dashers must be 18 years or older. As of January 16th, 2024, new applicants in AZ, CO, DE, ID, MT, NJ, NH, NM, OK, UT, and WV must be at least 19 years old.
• Vehicle: You can make deliveries using any car, scooter, or bicycle (in select cities).
• Documentation: You’ll need a valid driver’s license or another form of ID (if dashing via bike only) and your Social Security number for a background check to determine contractor eligibility.

How Much Can You Make with DoorDash?

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As a delivery driver with DoorDash, you can expect to earn up to $25 per hour + tips. However, your earnings might be lower as a beginner since it may take longer for you to complete each delivery. As you get more familiar with your local neighborhood, you can complete deliveries faster and increase your earnings.

In addition, the company allows Dashers to keep 100% of the tips they earn. Thus, you can also increase your earnings by providing excellent service.

You can also maximize your earnings by delivering during peak hours, such as lunch and dinner.

Here are driver’s reported average salaries from the largest job marketplaces:

	GlassDoor	ZipRecruiter	Talent.com
Annual Pay	$39,938	$41,347	$37,050
Pay per Hour	$19.20	$19.88	$17.81

What DoorDash Costs to Consider?

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As a Dasher, you will be an independent contractor. Thus, you will be responsible for all your business expenses.

Some of the main costs that you will need to pay as a Dasher include:

• Car insurance
• Gas
• Vehicle maintenance
• Taxes

According to the Internal Revenue Service, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups, or panel trucks) in 2024 will be:

• 67 cents per mile driven for business use, up 1.5 cents from 2023.

You will also need to keep track of your income and expenses. This will enable you to properly calculate the amount of taxes you will need to pay.

How DoorDash Pays to Drivers?

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Payout Method	Payout Schedule
Direct Deposit	Once a week, on Wednesdays
Fast Pay	Once a day, for a $1.99 fee
DasherDirect	Instantly, with no fees
Tips	Added to your earnings a few days after the delivery is completed

I linked my bank account to DoorDash for a weekly automatic payment system, offering a hassle-free and cost-free way to receive my earnings. Money was deposited every Wednesday, taking around 3 days to process.

Is DoorDash Legit?

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While I can’t speak to every experience, DoorDash is a well-established company with a proven track record. I’ve personally received payment for my deliveries, but it’s important to consider a wider range of user experiences. Let’s explore reviews from various sources to get a better picture.

Review Website	DoorDash Review
Apple App Store	4.7 out of 5 stars
Google Play	4.4 out of 5 stars

Common Feedback	1	2	3
Pros	Flexible working opportunities	High pay for delivery drivers	More money during peak hours
Cons	Unpredictable earnings	Long wait times	DoorDash’s app can sometimes be buggy

Is DoorDash Worth It?

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DoorDash is one of the best platforms that you can use to find the best gig jobs to make some extra cash in your free time. In addition, you can also work as a delivery driver full-time to make money.

You can earn up to $25 per hour + tips as a delivery driver. You can also keep 100% of all the tips from customers. This enables you to earn more money by providing good customer service and making deliveries on time.

Moreover, the platform also makes payments to Dashers once per week. Alternatively, you can also withdraw your earnings daily, although you will need to pay a $1.99 fee each time.

To summarize it, I recommend using DoorDash app for people who:

• Students: DoorDash is ideal for students looking for flexible work schedules that can fit around their classes and study time.
• Part-time workers: It’s a great option for individuals who want to earn extra income alongside their existing jobs or commitments.
• Retirees: Working as DoorDash drivers can benefit retired individuals, as it offers a flexible way to stay active and supplement their retirement income.
• Individuals needing immediate income: DoorDash can be a viable option for people who need to start earning money quickly due to unforeseen circumstances or financial pressures.

What is DoorDash Sign Up Process?

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1. Download the ‘Dasher’ app or visit Doordash.
2. Create an account using your email, Facebook, or Google account.
3. Fill out the driver application form with your personal information, including your full name, address, phone number, driver’s license details, Social Security number, and car insurance details.
4. Consent to a background check, which verifies your driver’s license, car insurance, and driving record.
5. Connect your bank account or choose a payout method for receiving payments.
6. Wait for approval, which can take a few hours or days.
7. Once approved, start dashing by choosing your neighborhood, pressing ‘Dash Now,’ and accepting delivery offers.
8. After completing your first delivery, you’ll receive a welcome kit within 3-5 days. This kit includes a hot bag and a red card for orders requiring pickup payment. Activate the red card and use the hot bag for all deliveries.

By meeting the requirements and following these steps, you can successfully sign up as a DoorDash driver and earn money by delivering food.

10 DoorDash Hacks

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Hack 1# – Recommended cars – any electric vehicle or e-bike, Toyota Prius, Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Mirage or Chevy Bolt.

Hack 2# – The best time to deliver orders – is during peak lunch periods from 11 am to 1.30 pm and dinner from 4/5 pm to 9 pm. Also, Friday & Saturday nights and Sunday (sometimes Monday) all day.

Hack 3# – Best weather to deliver orders – rain, snow or cold- because people are likelier to stay home and use delivery services.

Hack 4# – Key factors to get more tips – be presentable, inform the customer of any delays, keep warm and cold food separate, and read customer instructions on where and how to leave the order.

Hack 5# – Areas to work – find densely populated areas (City-data may help) and stay within the same area if possible; this will reduce travel time and maximize your earning potential.

Hack 6# – Best orders to accept – do not worry about the acceptance rate, and never take an order that pays less than $1 per mile. Accept only good orders – $2+ per mile, orders over $6, orders next to restaurants and stacked deliveries.

Hack 7# – Pre-Schedule your deliveries – plan your work and you will get more orders compared to “Dash Now” option.

Hack 8# – Install other delivery apps – sign up for multiple delivery apps (UberEats, GrubHub, Gopuff) to always have orders, even during lull periods.

Hack 9# – Use Para app or Gridwise to earn more – it shows your pickup & drop off address, total payout, mileage, house, or apartment, & more before you hit accept.

Hack 10# – Optimize your route – use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to plan the most efficient delivery route, minimizing travel time and maximizing earnings.

Best DoorDash Alternatives

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DoorDash FAQs

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Do I need prior working experience to be a DoorDash driver?

You do not need prior working experience as a delivery driver to earn money on DoorDash. Being familiar with your local neighborhood can help you complete deliveries faster and earn more.

Do I need a bank account to be Dasher?

While many Dashers use a bank account to receive their earnings, you can also withdraw your earnings daily via the Fast Pay feature as long as you have a debit card.

How can I maintain good customer ratings?

You can earn and maintain good ratings by following instructions and handling deliveries carefully. You should also ensure that you complete deliveries on time.