How To DoorDash For The First Time 2024 [Earn Big In No Time]

After hearing all the hype about food delivery services, I decided it was finally time to jump on the bandwagon. So there I was, ready to experience my very first food delivery adventure, and what better way to do so than learning how to DoorDash for the first time? I must confess, being a first timer in this fast paced world of mobile based dining can be a bit overwhelming.

But let me tell you, there's no need to stress over it! The DoorDash app makes it incredibly easy for users like me (and you) to navigate through countless restaurants at our fingertips and have delicious meals delivered right to our doorstep.

As someone who has gone through the exhilarating process of using DoorDash for the first time, I'm super excited to share my experience and top tips for making your inaugural food delivery experience smooth and satisfying.

Understanding DoorDash As A Dasher: An Overview

DoorDash is a popular food delivery service that connects customers with their favorite local restaurants. As a Dasher, you will be the crucial link between these restaurants and customers, ensuring orders are picked up and delivered on time.

This blog offers an overview of what it's like to be a Dasher, covering all the necessary details to help you DoorDash For The First Time

How Does DoorDash Work?

DoorDash operates by partnering with local restaurants for on demand food deliveries. When a customer places an order through the DoorDash app or website, nearby Dashers are notified and can accept the delivery request.

Upon acceptance, Dashers are responsible for picking up the order from the restaurant and delivering it promptly to the customer.

Becoming a DoorDash Dasher for the first time might seem intimidating, but rest assured, the process is uncomplicated and fun. To get started as a Dasher, simply follow these easy steps:

1. Visit the DoorDash website or download the app on your smartphone.
2. Sign up as a Dasher with your email address or through social media.
3. Provide your basic information, such as legal name, date of birth, and address.
4. Consent to a background check to ensure the safety of DoorDash users.
5. Secure an up-to-date vehicle (car, scooter, or bicycle) and valid driver’s license if applicable.
6. Obtain the necessary insurance based on your location.
7. Purchase or receive your red DoorDash Activation Kit that includes an insulated bag and card necessary for picking up customer orders.

Once you're approved as a Dasher and properly equipped with the essentials from the Activation Kit, log into your DoorDash app to start receiving available delivery offers in real time within your desired location.

Equipment & Tools Needed

To make your job easier and efficient as a Dasher:

• A smartphone for accessing the DoorDash app
• A car mount to keep your phone visible while driving
• A phone charger as running GPS drains battery life
• Insulated delivery bags for keeping food at optimal temperature
• Face masks and hand sanitizer for safety and hygiene
• A clipboard, notepad, or digital notes app for tracking your earnings

DoorDash App Features

As a Dasher, you will be using the DoorDash Driver app to manage pickups and deliveries. Key features include:

• Dashboard: Track your daily earnings and progress towards bonus incentives.
• Maps: View nearby surge areas (also known as "hotspots") that offer better payout opportunities.
• Notifications: Receive alerts when new delivery requests are available.
• Settings: Customize your availability to work and delivery radius preferences.

Earnings

Dashers are paid based on the following factors:

• Distance from pickup to drop-off locations
• Duration of pickup and delivery tasks
• Minimum base pay per order (varies by zone)
• Peak pay bonus opportunities during high demand times
• Customer tips

DoorDash provides instant cash out options for a fee or weekly direct deposit payments.

Now that you have a overview of what it takes to become a Dasher with DoorDash, let's go deep to understand how you can be successful Dasher!

How To DoorDash For The First Time? Understanding Details

Signing up for DoorDash is the first step toward becoming a Dasher and making money on your own schedule. In this section, we will delve into how to sign up for DoorDash, including downloading the app, creating an account, and preparing yourself for your first Dash.

Download the DoorDash Driver app

To get started, you will need to download the DoorDash Driver app from either Google Play Store or Apple App Store. It is crucial to download the Driver version of the app specifically designed for Dashers and not the regular DoorDash app used by customers.

Create an account

Once you have downloaded the app, open it and create an account by providing your email address and creating a password. Fill out all required information, such as your full name, date of birth, phone number, vehicle type, insurance details (if applicable), social security number (for U.S. residents), and driver's license information.

Complete background checks

As a Dasher who will be delivering food orders to customers' homes or workplaces, you must pass a comprehensive background check before getting started. The check typically includes verifying your driving record and criminal history. It might take 5-10 business days to complete this process.

After successfully passing the background check phase with no red flags that disqualify you from being a Dasher (e.g., certain driving violations or criminal convictions), you can proceed to receive your activation kit.

Receive your activation kit

Your activation kit usually includes essential items such as a DoorDash branded Red Card (a debit card used to pay for certain orders upon pickup), an insulated bag, and a lanyard.

It may also come with an instruction manual or reference guide to help you learn the ropes of being a Dasher.

Once your activation kit arrives, you will need to link your Red Card to the DoorDash app under the 'Account' tab, which will allow you to accept orders that require payment at pickup.

Pro tip: Even though it's not mandatory, it's a good idea to set up direct deposit immediately after signing up so that your earnings can be easily transferred into your bank account. You can also do this by clicking on the 'Account' tab in the app.

Now that you are all set up and geared up with DoorDash essentials, get ready for your first Dash! Your new side gig awaits, offering flexible hours and extra income for delivering delicious food right to customers' doors. Happy dashing!

Equip Yourself for Success

When you decide to become a DoorDash driver, one of your primary concerns should be setting yourself up for success. That means having the right tools and equipment on hand to make your deliveries as efficient and effective (not to mention enjoyable) as possible.

With the right setup, you not only increase your likelihood of earning good tips but also create a smooth and positive user experience for both you and the customer.

Setting Up Your Phone Mount and Charger

Your smartphone is arguably the most critical tool in your DoorDash arsenal. After all, it's where you'll receive your orders, communicate with customers, and navigate to deliveries.

To make sure that you can easily access your phone while driving, invest in a sturdy phone mount that can attach to your car's dashboard or windshield. There are various mount options available on the market, so choose one that fits your phone size and securely adheres to the car surface.

Preparing Insulated Delivery Bags

Temperature controlled meals are essential for many customers placing food delivery orders.

To help maintain food quality during transportation from restaurant kitchens to customers’ doors, utilize insulated delivery bags. These bags help regulate temperature inside keeping hot meals hot and cold items cold.

You will receive an insulated bag in DoorDash’s activation kit upon sign-up. Consider investing in additional bags suitable for various delivery types like pizza or multiple orders at once.

Different sized bags will help accommodate various order sizes ensuring optimal temperature control regardless of order size.

Stocking Essential Items

It's essential always to have necessary items like masks and hand sanitizer (both required by DoorDash), especially during times when public health policies and procedures are heightened.

Masks protect both you and your customers while delivering and picking up orders, and you might be turned away by some restaurants if you’re not wearing one.

Hand sanitizer is crucial in maintaining safe food handling habits, as well as protecting yourself from germs that you may come into contact with throughout the day.

It's a good idea to sanitize your hands before and after every order collection and delivery.

Some other handy items include disposable gloves, wet wipes, a pen (for signing receipts or making notes), extra napkins, straws, and basic utensils.

Navigating the DoorDash Driver App

When you start using DoorDash for the first time, it's essential to navigate and understand all of the features of the DoorDash Driver app.

In this section, we will discuss navigating the app interface and utilizing its essential components effectively.

Understanding your dashboard and earning schedule

When you open the DoorDash Driver app for the first time, you'll land on your dashboard. Here, you will find an overview of your current earnings, delivery statistics, and scheduled dashes. The dashboard includes:

• Earnings: Displays your total weekly earnings broken down into base pay, tips, bonuses/promotions.
• Ratings: Showcases customer rating (out of 5) based on feedback from previous deliveries.
• Delivery Completion: Tracks how many orders you successfully delivered versus those initially assigned.

It's essential to check your dashboard frequently to keep track of multiple performance metrics.

Earnings also come with a predefined schedule. The earnings week starts on Monday morning at midnight local time and runs through Sunday night at 11:59 pm. Each week's income will be available for deposit by Wednesday morning.

How surge zones work?

Surge zones are areas within a city where current demand for delivery significantly outstrips available Dashers. When these zones emerge, they appear within the app as hotspots surrounded by red outlines.

In these areas, delivery fees temporarily increase so that Dashers can earn higher pay per delivery.

To maximize potential earnings during high-demand periods:

1. Remain close to surge zones when possible.
2. Accept orders quickly as they may disappear if other drivers are nearby.
3. Consider staying online longer during traditionally busy hours (lunchtime or dinnertime in most areas).

By understanding and utilizing surge zones optimally, you can increase your income potential per dash session significantly.

Adjusting visibility settings and notifications

Customizing visibility settings is crucial for maximizing earnings and ensuring work life balance. To adjust notifications, open the app, and navigate to the "Settings" tab, where you can:

• Enable or disable new order notifications to control whether your phone will send a sound alert for incoming orders.
• Adjust SMS notification preferences to receive text messages instead of push notifications for orders.

In conjunction with adjusting your notification settings, you can benefit from utilizing the "Pause Dash" feature.

This feature allows you to temporarily go offline in between orders. It offers up to a 35 minute break, buying time for a meal or rest without losing lucrative dash opportunities.

Picking Your DoorDash Zone

One of the essential things to consider as a new Dasher is picking the right DoorDash zone to start delivering in. The zone you choose can affect your overall success, both in terms of earnings and satisfaction with the gig.

Here are some crucial factors to keep in mind when selecting your ideal DoorDash zone:

Location Popularity

In general, a more popular location will have a higher demand for delivery orders. This means more opportunities for you to make money and stay busy throughout your shift. To determine which areas tend to be busier, you might want to look at which neighborhoods have numerous restaurants or a lot of people ordering food.

Keep an eye on the DoorDash Driver app as well – during peak times, it will highlight busy zones with red or pink coloring. These are typically great places to start delivering if you're looking for a high volume of orders.

Distance From Home

Another important factor when choosing a DoorDash zone is how far away it is from your home. Ideally, you'll want to select an area that's close enough so that it doesn't take too much time or gas just getting there and back each day.

However, striking a balance between proximity and potential earnings is essential. If you live in a residential suburb where restaurant density is low, consider choosing a nearby area with more food options even if it's slightly farther away from home.

Traffic Patterns

Lastly, paying attention to local traffic patterns can significantly impact your overall efficiency as a Dasher. Take note of areas where congestion tends to build up during particular times of day for instance, due to rush hour or special events.

By selecting zones with less traffic congestion or being aware of what times avoid certain areas altogether, you'll spend less time stuck on the road and more time completing orders. Utilize resources like Google Maps along with local knowledge about alternative routes and shortcuts.

Dash Now or Schedule Your Dash Later

As a DoorDash driver, you have the option to either start dashing immediately or schedule your dash in advance. To help decide which option is best for you, it's essential to understand these scheduling options. Let's explore both same day dashes and advance scheduling.

Understanding Scheduling Options

Same-Day Dashes: If you're ready to dash and want to start earning money right away, choosing 'Dash Now' is the way to go. This option allows you to begin making deliveries instantly within a specific time frame. Keep in mind that 'Dash Now' availability depends on your location and how busy the delivery market is at that moment.

To check for same day dashes:

1. Open the DoorDash app
2. Look for nearby zones where orders are available
3. If an area has high demand, you'll see it colored in red

Advance Scheduling: In case you prefer working on a pre-planned schedule or managing your hours around other commitments, DoorDash offers advance scheduling options too.

Here are the steps to follow when scheduling your dash in advance:

1. Open the DoorDash app
2. Tap on 'Schedule' located at the bottom of the screen
3. Choose a date and your preferred time slot(s)
4. Select an available area to dash within

Now that we've covered both scheduling options let's look at some benefits and drawbacks of each.

Same-Day Dashes

Pros:

• Flexibility: You can choose whenever you want to work and for how long.
• Control: You can decide whether or not it's worth dashing based on current demand.

Cons:

• Limited availability: Depending on your location and time of day, finding available zones may be difficult.
• Uncertain earnings: Since each shift depends on demand, no fixed income is guaranteed.

Advance Scheduling

Pros:

• Better time management: You'll have a better grasp of your work hours, allowing you to plan effectively.
• Greater commitment: Knowing your schedule in advance can motivate you to remain accountable to your work.

Cons:

• Less flexibility: Once you've scheduled a dash, changing or canceling it might not always be possible.
• No real time adjustments: If an emergency occurs, rescheduling your dash may sometimes be challenging.

Making the Right Choice

As a first time DoorDash driver, understanding each option's pros and cons can help you make informed decisions about when and and how long you want to work. If flexibility is crucial for you, consider using the 'Dash Now' feature.

If planning and structure are more important, opting for advance scheduling might be the best choice. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and your specific needs as a Dasher.

Accepting Your First Delivery Order

When I first started working with DoorDash, I was a bit nervous about how to handle my first delivery order. But as time went on, I began to feel more at ease with the process.

Reviewing Order Details

Once you've signed in and are ready to Dash, DoorDash will send you a delivery request. Before accepting it, it is essential to review the order details carefully. Pay attention to three main factors:

Delivery Distance Estimate: This tells you the estimated miles and time it'll take to complete the entire delivery from the restaurant to the customer's location.

Restaurant Ratings: Restaurant ratings indicate the average customer satisfaction level based on previous orders. It can help you judge whether taking an order from that restaurant might cause any delays or problems.

Total Earnings: The app will also show your potential earnings for each request before accepting it; this includes base pay, tips (though this may increase after completion), and any promotions or bonuses available.

Taking a few moments to weigh these factors can help you make an informed decision before accepting your first order.

Multi-App Stacking

As a Dasher, you may want to consider multi app stacking – utilizing multiple delivery apps like UberEats or Grubhub alongside DoorDash. However, in my experience, it's important not to feel overwhelmed and be familiar with each platform's nuances.

• When first starting as a Dasher, try focusing only on DoorDash.
• Once comfortable with DoorDash's processes and requirements, consider exploring other platforms.
• Try scheduling certain hours of the day for each app instead of juggling multiple apps at once; this will allow for better time management and increase efficiency.
• Keep in mind some restaurants have specific app preferences that can influence wait times; be mindful of which apps are frequently used by popular dining hotspots in your area.

Remember that efficiency is key! Successfully managing deliveries through multiple apps can increase your earnings and opportunities. Still, it may also become burdensome if not done strategically.

Therefore, before taking on multi app stacking, make sure you're already comfortable navigating DoorDash's processes and are ready for the added challenge.

Picking Up the Order at the Restaurant

When you receive your first DoorDash order, it's crucial to handle the pickup professionally. Picking up the order is time sensitive, as freshness can affect customer satisfaction.

Here, I will cover proper etiquette, communication with restaurant staff, parking tips, and discrepancies.

Proper Etiquette and Communication

Interacting with restaurant staff plays a vital role in establishing a good working relationship. Always be polite and respectful when communicating with them. Greet them with a smile and introduce yourself as a DoorDash driver there to pick up an order.

Before picking up an order, always double check the order details on your app to ensure accuracy. This includes verifying the customer's name and order number if applicable.

Parking Tips

Finding suitable parking spaces can be challenging in bustling areas. When approaching the restaurant, scan for available spots near the entrance to save time walking back and forth from your vehicle. However, avoid parking illegally or obstructing other drivers.

In case of limited options, try looking for:

• Designated parking zones for delivery drivers.
• Metered parking spaces that offer short-term parking.
• Nearby less busy side streets that are within walking distance.

Always keep an eye on parking regulations to avoid potential fines or getting your car towed.

Order Discrepancies

Although rare, order discrepancies do happen. During pickup at the restaurant:

• Inspect packaged items without violating food safety guidelines to determine if things seem correct based on weight or labels.
• If you notice inconsistencies or missing items in sealed bags/packages from restaurants with strict policies regarding direct tampering/cross contamination risk – contact them about adjustments immediately!
• For any other discrepancy – notify customer support via app chat options before leaving premises so their concerns can bе resolved with minimal hassle during transition phases involving inevitable delay related issues resulting from mistakes/errors made as drivers go about performing deliveries using DoorDash driver app functionality

Delivering Your First Order and Handling Challenges

Once you've picked up the order, it's time to head straight to the customer's location. The DoorDash app offers built in navigation assistance, making things much easier for you during your first time delivery. Just remember not to rely solely on the app; sometimes, there may be minor inaccuracies.

DoorDash App-Delivered Navigation Assistance

Estimating Delivery Time:
The app will provide you with an estimated time of arrival (ETA) once you've entered the customer's address. This estimate helps you plan your route and keeps the customer informed about their order status.

Optimizing Your Route:
As you gain experience delivering orders, you'll learn which routes are fastest and most efficient. Take note of these routes and consider them when navigating through the app during future deliveries.

Apartment Complex Deliveries

Deliveries in sprawling apartment complexes can prove challenging for first time Dashers. To avoid getting lost or delayed while delivering, keep these tips in mind:

Locate Building Numbers:
Ensure that you pay particular attention to building numbers as they help identify where you need to deliver the order.

Use Apartment Directory or Call Customer:
If unsure of the exact location within the complex, refer to an apartment directory or call the customer for guidance.

Contactless Deliveries

Due to Covid-19 safety protocols, contactless deliveries have become more common. Here are some pointers for handling contactless orders:

Check Delivery Instructions:
Always review delivery instructions provided by the customer before leaving your vehicle or approaching their residence.

Place Order Carefully:
Find a clean, safe spot near their door to place their food (preferably off of the ground). Keep a food caddy in your delivery bag so that it stays safe and secure during drops offs.

Snap a Photo and Send a Follow Up Text:
Take a photo of the food in its delivery location as proof of delivery. Send a quick follow up text to the customer, informing them that their order has arrived and wishing them a great meal.

Head to Your Next Delivery:
Once you've completed these steps, head back to your vehicle and start preparing for your next order.

Earning Tips as a First-Time Dasher

As a first-time DoorDash user, it's important to make sure you're putting forth your best effort to maximize your earnings while providing a positive experience for customers. Here are some useful tips for earning more as a new Dasher:

1. Proper Communication with Customers

• Be responsive: Always be available for communication, whether that means answering calls or texts from customers regarding their orders.
• Provide updates: Keep customers informed on the status of their order especially if there are delays due to high demand or other unforeseen circumstances.
• Polite and courteous: When interacting with customers, remember that kindness goes a long way. Make sure you treat everyone with respect and professionalism.

2. Presenting Yourself Professionally

• Dress appropriately: While there isn't a specific DoorDash dress code, make sure you dress clean and presentable when making deliveries.
• Positive attitude: Your demeanor can greatly impact customer satisfaction and the impression you leave on them. Be approachable, friendly, and helpful whenever possible.
• Display your DoorDash gear: Using the insulated delivery bags provided in the activation kit not only helps maintain food temperature but also showcases your affiliation with DoorDash.

3. Keeping Customer Needs in Mind

• Double-check orders: To avoid any discrepancies or missing items, make sure to verify each order before leaving the restaurant.
• Packaging considerations: Ensure all food items are secured properly within the delivery bag to avoid spills or damage during transport.
• Follow delivery instructions: Customers often leave specific instructions for their delivery (i.e., gate codes or where to leave order); closely adhering to these can lead to higher ratings and tips.

End Your Dash and Review Your Earnings

After completing a delivery, pat yourself on the back for a job well done! But before you call it a day, make sure to end your Dash and review your earnings within the DoorDash Driver app. Understanding how your pay is calculated will give you a clear idea of where your money is coming from.

How to End Your Dash

1. Open the DoorDash Driver app.
2. Tap on "Dash" at the bottom of the screen.
3. Click "End" at the top right hand corner.
4. A pop up message will appear asking if you want to end your Dash; confirm by clicking "Yes."

Understanding Your Daily Breakdown

To view your earnings, follow these steps:

1. Open the DoorDash Driver app.
2. Tap on "Earnings" at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select "Daily Earnings" to review that day's breakdown.

DoorDash calculates earnings based on three main components: base pay, tips received from customers for deliveries, and any bonuses or incentives offered by DoorDash during peak hours or special campaigns.

• Base Pay: This is what you earn for completing each delivery – a combination of distance traveled, time spent on task and order desirability (such as slow delivery times). The minimum base pay per order starts as low as $2 in some markets but can increase depending on factors like travel distance and customer ratings.
• Tips: Tips are an essential part of Dasher income because they directly impact overall earnings for each delivery. As long as a tip is given when placing an order, it will seemingly be added to the base pay displayed when accepting or declining jobs within the app.
• Bonuses: Bonuses can significantly boost daily earnings if certain requirements are met while dashing (e.g., completion rate percentage). Some common bonus programs include Peak Pay and Challenge Bonuses. Keep an eye on the "Promotions" tab in your app to see when you might be eligible for extra cash.

Bonus tip: Don't forget to regularly track your earnings and monitor trends to optimize future Dash sessions. Is there a particular time or area that yields higher returns? Analyze this information to refine your dashing strategy and maximize profits.

FAQs About DoorDash For The First Time

Conclusion

Learning how to DoorDash for the first time can be both exciting and profitable. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll gain valuable insight into the world of food delivery and have the tools necessary to thrive as a Dasher.

Each delivery experience is unique, offering you opportunities to explore new areas, engage with a diverse customer base, and put your problem solving skills to the test.

As you grow more adept at navigating the DoorDash ecosystem, you'll likely discover that dashing offers much more than just a means to make extra cash it opens doors to adventure and personal growth as well. So go ahead and embrace your new gig wholeheartedly. Happy dashing!