7 Things DoorDash Drivers Wish You Knew

1. The base pay for a driver to deliver your order is $2-$3 in most markets

The DoorDash website states that pay for drivers ranges from $2-$10. The truth is, the average base pay in most markets is $2.25.

That's right, $2.25. And no, the driver doesn't get any portion of all those other special fees you see tacked onto the order.

There are some instances where the base pay will go up based on distance, (or if enough drivers have refused to pick up the order because it's too far/no tip/restaurant known for having a long wait), however, even then - the base pay rarely goes over $3.

This means that when you order from a restaurant that's more than a mile away - it's not worth the driver's time or the gas expense to deliver your order - especially if you haven't tipped.

2. Drivers can tell if you didn't tip and it will impact delivery time

When an order is offered and it's only base pay, drivers know you didn't tip. Even if you live a block away from the restaurant, many drivers will refuse to pick up your order simply for the principle of the matter. You're requesting a service that requires their time and gas. $2.25 doesn't cut it.

A driver has no way of knowing if you're planning to give a cash tip or not - (even if you put in the notes that you will - they don't see the notes until the order is marked as picked up from the restaurant.) Plus it's commonly known among drivers that 95% of no tip orders don't tip cash at the door - so your order is going to get bounced around from driver to driver until DoorDash raises the base pay enough that it's worth someone's time/gas to pick it up.

By then, you're probably mad and the food is probably cold - and the poor unsuspecting driver who accepted the order (because DoorDash is now paying $6 and the driver thinks it's an order with a tip) doesn't know how late it is until you yell at them.

The app makes it just about impossible to add a tip after delivery, too. If you're going to order a service, please tip. And if you don't want to tip, DoorDash has an option for you to place the order, and pick it up yourself.

3. The distance/pay ratio plays a big part in how quickly your order gets accepted by a driver

The DoorDash app offers you a plethora of restaurant options to choose from. What it doesn't do is tell you how many miles the restaurant is from you, however, this is something you should consider when ordering.

Distance=time. If a restaurant is 12 miles away, that equates to a 5–10 minute wait time at the restaurant for the driver plus 20–25 minute drive time. Even if you leave a $5 tip - $7.25 for 30–40 minutes of time is less likely to get to you quickly. Remember - drivers are using their own cars and paying for their own gas so most aim for a $1.50 - $2.00 pay per mile ratio.

Your best bet is to order from somewhere closer, or tip according to the time/distance to get to you.

4. Delivery areas are based on zones, and a driver can only pick up in the zone they are scheduled for

Although you have no way of knowing what zone you are in, it is important to note that when a driver is on the schedule, they are approved for a certain zone. If your delivery is outside of their zone, they can't accept another order until they drive back to the zone they are approved to deliver in.

This is another reason it's best if you consider ordering from restaurants closer to you to ensure your order will get picked up in a timely matter. If an order is going to take an hour round trip for the driver to pick up, deliver, and then drive back to their zone, it is likely to sit for a while.

5. Drivers aren't looking in bags to check if the food is correct

While a driver should notice if drinks are missing - they aren't checking to see if the restaurant got your order right. In fact, since Covid, a majority of restaurants seal the bags so there's no way to check anyway.

If your order is incorrect, please do not take it out on the driver. They have no way of knowing if your food is correct or not. Besides, would you want them rummaging through your food? Your best bet is to contact DoorDash directly about the order.

6. Apartment complexes are not fun to navigate

If you live in an apartment complex, please consider giving the driver directions on how to find your apartment. In many complexes, the building numbers are hard to see, out of order, and overall non-sensical. Giving your driver instructions saves everyone time and frustration.

Gate codes are wonderful, too! Put them in the notes. Make your driver's day.

7. Drivers are not second class citizens

Many drivers are single moms, single dads, and college students working a second (or third) job to make ends meet. Please do not treat them as if they are less than and please understand that their time is valuable, too. They are driving their own cars, using their own gas, and often taking time away from their kids or loved ones in order to provide you a service. Tip fairly. Be kind.