How to Make More Money on DoorDash: 13 Tips

DoorDash has helped revolutionize the restaurant industry by contracting drivers to make their deliveries. Every month, more than 20 million customers order food on the DoorDash app, paying the fee with a credit card or debit card. As of August 2023, DoorDash employs more than two million active drivers per quarter, paying via direct deposit.

Many “Dashers” have found the service to be a dependable way to make some pocket cash in the gig economy. If you’re currently delivering for the service or are looking to start, check out the following strategies for how to make more money on DoorDash.

What is DoorDash?

DoorDash is a food delivery service that brings local restaurant dishes to customers’ doorsteps. Eaters order from DoorDash’s list of restaurants via a mobile app. Once payment is verified, DoorDash sends the order to the restaurant and arranges for one of its drivers to make the delivery.

DoorDash gig workers use their personal vehicles to make deliveries, whether by car or bicycle. They serve as independent contractors.

How do DoorDash earnings work?

DoorDash drivers earn income through three different channels:

• Base pay

• Customer tips

• Promotion bonuses

A driver’s base pay takes into account time, distance, and offer desirability. Most Dashers’ base pay ranges from $2 to $10 on each offer they make.

Customer tips are crucial for Dashers to maintain operations. Drivers keep all the cash they earn via tips — DoorDash doesn’t take a cut. Tips can multiply your earnings substantially.

Promotions help drivers boost income through challenges and incentives, such as completing a streak of deliveries during a promotional period. Drivers can check the DoorDash app for promotion opportunities the service offers.

13 Strategies for earning more money on DoorDash

As a driver, you have multiple ways to potentially maximize your earnings via DoorDash on top of your regular base pay and tips. Implementing certain strategies, making small adjustments, conducting service experiments, and performing a few tricks can pay off in the long run.

Here are some of the most common and practical ways Dashers can earn more profits and move up the ranks.

1. Take advantage of peak earning times and incentives

If you’re a DoorDash driver, you can take part in promotional challenges to earn some fast pay. The app also rewards you when you deliver during peak usage periods. These promotions are part of the mobile app. Check it regularly to see what options and incentives are available to you. 

2. Optimize your delivery route

Use strategies to streamline your deliveries. These include planning your route to cut the travel distance, prioritizing certain orders, or picking up multiple orders from one restaurant. Take a look at your daily delivery route to find ways to get the most out of it. Keep your vehicle and other materials organized and uncluttered.

3. Use hot bags to keep food warm

In food deliveries, drivers run the risk of their hot food items turning cold. Solve this by putting food in DoorDash’s hot bags and keeping it separate from cold items until delivery is finished. The hot bags are insulated in a way that retains the food’s heat, giving customers a warm meal no matter how far you’ve traveled to get it to them.

4. Qualify as a top Dasher

Drivers who earn high customer ratings, complete at least 95% of their deliveries successfully, or who have completed 200 deliveries can qualify as top Dashers. Set and meet those goals to become a preferred DoorDash driver and get the chance to earn more cash.

5. Use a reliable GPS navigation system

GPS navigation lies at the heart of DoorDash’s operations. Make sure your GPS software is updated and accurate. If you use your smartphone’s GPS, place it somewhere on your dashboard to lessen the risk of distracted driving.

6. Communicate with customers about any delays or issues

Problems happen in food delivery. If you’re stuck in traffic or are having car problems, let your customers know about the situation. Hopefully, they’ll appreciate the transparency and understand the issues that cause delays. 

7. Utilize referral programs

Dashers refer others to become drivers. If your referral driver completes their tasks successfully, DoorDash pays you a referral bonus. It’s a great way to earn passive income. New drivers are subject to a few requirements, such as a minimum age, certain vehicle details, and an outside background check. 

8. Stay updated on DoorDash promotions and incentives

DoorDash rotates several driver promotions and offers incentives for completing certain steps. Keep checking the mobile app to see whether any of these bonus programs are active in your location. 

9. Keep track of your mileage and expenses for tax purposes

DoorDash does not directly pay for the mileage you cover. However, you should still keep track of how far you’ve gone so you can deduct gas, insurance, maintenance, and credit card debt when it’s tax time. Break down every expense related to your car, and keep an active spreadsheet of how much you spend.

10. Maintain a high customer rating

Strive to keep your customer service and completion rates at a high level and treat your customers in a friendly way. Also, be courteous and dependable in your service, and respect customers’ privacy. Doing so may encourage customers to leave you a 5-star rating, which directly helps you earn more.

11. Drive safely and efficiently

Getting food out fast is important with DoorDash, but not if doing so compromises your safety (not to mention that of other drivers). Plan your routes so you can deliver food without speeding, and keep your car in good health.

12. Network with other Dashers

DoorDash drivers make a unique community that you can rely on for tips and information. Look for online forums, social media groups, and app communication to build a network of support with other Dashers.

13. Consider other food delivery apps

Dashers may be allowed to work for additional delivery services, such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Postmates. If you need extra cash, you can combine working for two separate companies. However, review your contract to make sure you’re allowed to split your time with another service. 

👉 How to Make $500 a Week with DoorDash

Find Out How to Make More on DoorDash

DoorDash is the largest food delivery service in the country. It commands more than half of all delivery orders regularly. This means it can provide more opportunities for drivers to pull in an impressive income and improve their finances. Find out how your local DoorDash service works and take the above steps as you strive to reach your full earning potential. 

FAQs

Can you make $100 a day doing DoorDash?

Yes, you can! In fact, you can make much more than $100 during an extended workday.

How do I get a higher-paying order on DoorDash?

Maintain high customer ratings and hold an acceptance level of at least 50%. If you have an acceptable rate of more than 70%, you’ll receive more high-paying orders.

How much can you make in 3 hours with DoorDash?

The average Dasher earns between $15 and $25 an hour, possibly more during peak delivery times. It’s not unreasonable to earn between $75 and $100 in three hours.

Does DoorDash pay for gas?

No! As independent contractors, Dashers are responsible for all fuel and maintenance on their vehicles. However, those expenses may be deductible income on your tax form.

Is DoorDash worth it after taxes?

If you keep track of your calculated income and monitor your taxes, you may well find DoorDash to be a great way to earn more money.