Are you looking to be your own boss or for a simple way to make extra cash without a long-term commitment? Numerous people work as DoorDash drivers to help supplement their income and give them some flexibility.
But what do DoorDash drivers do? What does the job entail? Do you need any training or experience? This article will provide the information you need to start working as a DoorDash driver in 2023.
What is a DoorDash driver?
A DoorDash driver, also known as a “Dasher,” is a contract food delivery driver who works to deliver food from restaurants and stores to customers. Drivers are responsible for picking up a customer’s order and promptly bringing it to that customer while following company standards.
Sometimes called gig workers, DoorDash drivers are independent contractors who can set their own hours and determine how often they’ll work. This makes the job highly flexible, allowing drivers to work around their existing commitments.
DoorDash is the US’s number one food delivery app, highlighting the service’s popularity with customers. As such, there is plenty of opportunity for drivers to find work and maintain a steady income in this position.
Requirements to become a DoorDash driver
While there are some basic requirements to become a DoorDash driver, the company has made it relatively straightforward to sign up.
The main requirement is that all drivers must be 18 or over and have a valid driver’s license. Some of the additional ones, however, include the following:
Drivers must have vehicle insurance
It’s crucial that all drivers have valid vehicle insurance at or above the minimum coverage level required by their state.
DoorDash provides occupational accident insurance coverage during active deliveries for each mode of transportation, including bicycles. It doesn’t cover damage to the vehicle, but it does cover you if you’re injured while on the job.
Drivers must provide their Social Security number
Drivers must provide a valid social security or tax identification number (TIN) to start working and receive payment. This ensures that DoorDash can pay you properly, and it is also necessary for tax purposes.
Drivers must have a Smartphone to access the driver app
You’ll need a smartphone to access the DoorDash driver app. This is the central hub of operations where you can accept orders and complete deliveries. It is also how dashers communicate with DoorDash support and customer service teams when needed.
Drivers must consent to a background check
DoorDash runs a background check on all drivers as part of the registration process. You must give your consent to proceed with registration and start driving. DoorDash uses a third-party provider to run the background check, which typically takes five to ten business days from start to finish.
Why become a DoorDash driver?
For those who want to make extra money, DoorDash can be an excellent way to fill the gap. Some of the main reasons people become DoorDash drivers include the following:
Be your own boss
The freedom that comes with becoming a DoorDash driver is hard to beat. You can choose exactly when and how often you want to work, which allows for flexibility that’s not found in many other jobs.
This role also enables you to work multiple jobs simultaneously, boosting your income and providing valuable career experience.
Set your own schedule
As mentioned, DoorDash lets you set your schedule and work when it suits you. This makes it easy to fit the job around other commitments, such as school or another position. Furthermore, most companies require employees to ask for time off, but this isn’t the case with DoorDash. With DoorDash, you can take a break whenever you want.
Work around other commitments
DoorDash is an ideal way to make extra money for those with existing responsibilities. Whether you’re a student, a stay-at-home parent, or simply have a busy lifestyle, DoorDash can provide additional funds and the flexibility to work around other commitments.
Earn money wherever you are
You can access the DoorDash driver app anywhere in the US, allowing you to make extra money while on the go. Whether you’re traveling for work or just visiting a new city, working for DoorDash is the perfect way to make some extra cash whenever you need it.
Easy to get started
When you look at the hiring process for DoorDash compared to traditional jobs, it’s easy to see why this is such a great opportunity. Signing up is simple, and the onboarding process is relatively quick, so you can start earning money in no time.
And since driving for DoorDash is an independent contractor role, you don’t have to worry about weekly time requirements or attendance policies.
How to become a DoorDash driver
With no long-term commitments or responsibilities, DoorDash is an ideal way to make extra money and add flexibility to your life. Once you decide that DoorDash driving is right for you, the next step is to start the process of becoming a driver. This process is designed to be as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Here are the steps you’ll need to take to start driving with DoorDash:
Go through the sign-up process
To sign up to become a DoorDash driver, you can visit the DoorDash sign-up page or download the DoorDash driver app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Click on “Become a Dasher” and enter your details, including your name, phone number, and email address. This will initiate the registration process.
Complete the application
After signing up, you’ll need to provide additional information, including your vehicle details (make, model, and year), driver’s license number, and insurance information. You may also be asked to provide a profile picture and banking information for payment.
This is a standard part of the application process, as it ensures that you are eligible to drive with DoorDash.
Consent to a background check
DoorDash requires all drivers to pass a background check, which checks for things like their criminal history and driving record. This is to ensure the safety of customers and drivers alike. You will be asked to consent to this background check by providing your Social Security number and other personal information.
Once that’s finished, DoorDash will run a background check through Checkr and notify you of the results within five to ten business days.
Attend orientation
Once you’ve passed the background check, you’ll be invited to attend an informative orientation session during which you will learn about the DoorDash platform, how to use the driver app, and other vital details. This orientation may be conducted in person or online, depending on the location. During onboarding, the company will send you an activation kit that includes driver materials and other helpful information.
Start driving
After completing the orientation, you can start accepting DoorDash delivery requests and earning money as a driver. However, to start driving, you will need to download the DoorDash driver app and log in with your account details.
The app will provide you with delivery requests, and you can choose to accept or decline them based on your availability. Most deliveries take between 20 minutes and an hour to complete.
How much does DoorDash pay?
One of the best parts of being a DoorDash driver is being able to control how much you make. Drivers receive payment for each delivery, and the amount depends on various factors, including the travel distance for the order, the time spent completing the delivery, and customer tips.
Generally, Dasher pay has three main elements: base pay, customer tips, and promotions. Let’s look at each of these in detail.
Base pay
The base pay is the amount that DoorDash pays Dashers automatically for each delivery, regardless of any customer tips or promotions. It varies by market, time of day, day of the week, and delivery distance. If the distance between the restaurant and the customer is long, the base rate will be higher — especially if other dashers have already refused the task. You can check out the rates for each market on the Dasher app.
Customer tips
Dashers can earn money on top of their base pay through customer tips. This amount is at the discretion of the customer and is entirely voluntary. Providing exemplary customer service and promptly completing deliveries will increase your chances of getting tips.
Promotions
DoorDash may run promotions to reward dashers for taking specific orders, completing deliveries on time, or lifetime orders overall. These promotions may include additional bonuses or guaranteed base pay, and they can help you make extra money on top of your base pay and customer tips.
Remember to consider taxes, gas, and other expenses when calculating your actual earnings. When deducted from your gross pay (the amount of money you get from DoorDash), the net pay (gross income minus expenses) you are taxed on decreases. You can offset some costs against tax, so keep your gas, garage, and other receipts as proof of your expenditure.
Tax calculations function as a percentage of your net pay. Freelancers pay income tax plus a self-employment tax of 15.3% as of 2022. Dashers should also check whether their state charges tax in addition to the federal tax.
DoorDash drivers can earn a significant amount of extra income by taking advantage of available promotions and working during busy hours.
Skills that will help you excel as a DoorDash driver
While this type of work doesn’t require special qualifications, specific skills will be helpful as a DoorDash driver. Here are some important ones:
Communication
Good communication skills are essential when delivering for DoorDash. You may need to communicate with customers to confirm delivery details, provide updates on delivery status, and handle issues that may arise. There may also be instances when you need to communicate with restaurant staff when picking up orders. Effective communication can help you build trust with customers and restaurants and ensure successful deliveries.
Time management
DoorDash drivers need to manage their time effectively to ensure timely deliveries. Good time management skills can help you complete more deliveries and increase your earnings potential. You should strive to prioritize orders based on delivery time, distance, and other factors. You should also plan your routes efficiently to avoid delays and maximize your earnings.
Customer service
DoorDash drivers need to provide excellent customer service to ensure customer satisfaction. Good customer service can help you build a positive reputation and increase your chances of getting high ratings and tips. You should be friendly, courteous, and professional when interacting with customers. It’s also helpful to be able to handle complaints and resolve issues calmly.
Problem-solving
DoorDash drivers should be able to handle unexpected situations during their deliveries, such as traffic delays, wrong addresses, or missing items. You should be able to think on your feet and develop solutions quickly. Good problem-solving skills can help you deliver orders on time, even in the face of obstacles.
Attention to detail
Paying attention to detail is necessary when delivering for DoorDash. To avoid mistakes, ensure each order is complete, verify the delivery instructions, and double-check the delivery address. Close attention to detail can help you avoid errors and ensure successful deliveries.
Endurance
DoorDash drivers may spend long hours on the road, especially during peak hours. You should have the endurance to handle the physical demands of the job, which include driving, carrying food, and sometimes walking long distances.
Some DoorDash drivers deliver orders on bicycles, which requires additional physical endurance.
Become a DoorDash driver today
Becoming a DoorDash driver can be a fantastic way to make extra money and gain valuable experience in customer service and problem-solving. Becoming a dasher is straightforward, consisting of just a few simple steps.
Once you’ve completed the onboarding process, you can start earning money immediately.
If you’re ready to find a new job, check out the Getting Hired Resource Center for more tips and tricks on building a resume and interviewing.