Why?
So climbing expenses have finally forced me into the gig economy, and DoorDash is one I am trying out. If you’re working a full-time job already, Dashing for DoorDash may fit your needs since peak hours are from 4:30 to 9:00 PM, which is after typical office hours. Depending on where you live, this is a great way to miss traffic hours and make a little cash on the side. Signup here.
Requirements
Requirements aren’t steep – have a driveable car, a valid license, social security number (US) and a little spare time to kill, and you pretty much qualify to be a Dasher (there is a background check). Setting up the app and coming into a DoorDash location for orientation and activation was painless and not time-consuming at all. You can start Dashing right after you’re activated.
Tips!
I learned quickly after my first three deliveries that I should have or needed to do a few things to make this gig a more pleasant and efficient experience. These aren’t hardcore pro Dasher tips by any means; instead, these are some practical things to think about for beginners.
- Protect the surface you place your deliveries on inside your car. You will be delivering some greasy food, and the last thing you want are grease stains all over your ride. Paper, plastic sheets, trays, tubs, or a hot bag to help protect your car surfaces is wise. Using a hot bag can help protect against food odors as well.
- Refrain from accepting a whole bunch of orders the first week or so. Give yourself time to train using the Dasher app, navigation app of your choice, and the many different environments you’ll be encountering. Taking on a bunch of orders at the same time may tire you or even be impossible to take on without compromising the speed of your deliveries. From single-story family homes and strip malls to elaborate maze-like apartment complexes and food courts in shopping malls, these variables will affect how much time and effort you will have to put in.
- Keep your cellphone plugged in while you’re driving. Get a USB vehicle charger and appropriate cable, and this may seem obvious, but in case you don’t have one yet – a cell phone vehicle mount as well. Your battery will drain with all that GPS navigation, Dasher app usage, and potential phone calls you’ll be making with both restaurants and customers. The more juice you have, the better.
Drive safely!