DoorDash is an on-demand food delivery service. Simply put, it’s an Uber for food (much like Uber Eats). The DoorDash app, founded in 2013 and headquartered in San Francisco, allows you to order food from a variety of nearby participating restaurants. It also allows people to sign up to become food vendors (nicknamed Dashers), and apparently allows restaurants to sign up to have their food delivered to customers.
According to a November 2019 report from Second Measure, a consumer analytics company, it is the most popular app-based meal delivery service in the U.S., ahead of Uber Eats and GrubHub. The app currently accounts for about 38% of the U.S. food delivery market. If you haven’t tried it yet, here’s what you should know.
How to start using the Doordash app
The first step in using DoorDash is to download it from any Apple App Store or Google Play store. After downloading to your iOS or Android smartphone, you must then open the app and begin registering for a customer account. To do this, you need to enter basic personal information such as your name, physical address, email address, and phone number. If you want, you can sign up through Facebook or Google. You also need to come up with a password, which you should then write down carefully.
How to start ordering food on Doordash
After registering, you can start ordering food. You can do this by browsing the DoorDash app’s home page, or you can tap “Search” at the bottom of the screen to enter the restaurant name or select a specific food category. Because it knows your address, Doordash can suggest local suggestions, past favorites, and fastest delivery options, as well as all the options available in All Restaurants. Estimated delivery times, fees, and ratings are listed for each restaurant. You have also to be aware that when the restaurant is grayed out, it means it is closed and cannot be delivered.
If you click on a restaurant, you will be taken to that restaurant’s menu page. Here you can click on specific foods or categories (such as popular). Restaurants can customize what they offer here, but usually, there are options for selecting additional ingredients, adding meat or cooking vegetarian dishes, adding or removing flatware, etc. Once you have made the desired changes, you can click on the Add to Order button at the bottom of the screen.
After ordering your first item, you can add more by tapping the “Close” button at the top of the screen (looks like an X). If you want to place an order, you need to tap on the “View cart” button. Here you can see the items you have selected as well as the total cost of your order. If you are ready to pay, tap on the “Continue” tab.
How to select the way to pay for the order
If this is your first time, you will be prompted to choose a payment method. You can choose Apple Pay or Google Pay (depending on your smartphone), or you can choose to pay by credit or debit card. If you choose a credit or debit card, you’ll be prompted to enter your card information (if you haven’t ordered before). Tap “Save” after entering the correct information. After that, the payment process is automatic, so you don’t have to worry about doing it again if you don’t want to change your payment method.
You will be taken to the checkout page. Double-check your address information and add delivery instructions (for example, what to do if no one opens the door). Also, check all your fees: DoorDash will divide the fees based on the cost of the meal, the delivery fee, and the tip you pay the driver. Tips are usually set between $4 and $6, depending on a lot of factors, but they can be changed. Finally, tap “Place Order”.
DoorDash will now show you a progress bar that shows you when your order is received, in transit, and delivered, noting how many minutes it should (not guaranteed) take. It includes a map showing your destination, the location of the restaurant, and the driver who takes your order. Drivers may write or call you with updates, menu changes, and other information, though it may be a bit hit or miss. After delivery, you will be asked to rate Dasher and the restaurant.
What is Doordash DashPass
Users can also sign up for DashPass, a subscription service for regular users. DashPass helps you save money in several ways, but with a monthly fee of $10. The service includes benefits such as zero shipping fees for orders over $12 (the exact amount can vary, but it’s usually $10 to $15). Not all restaurants participate in the DashPass discount program, but it’s fairly common, especially for large chains. Subscribers also get priority customer support and special promotions for local restaurants. Deals can also change over time.
There is no contract for DashPass: you can sign up and cancel at any time. DoorDash estimates that it pays for itself if you make three large orders a month. A simple two-course order usually costs more than $12 at most establishments, so it’s not hard to activate.
What should Dashers know about the Doordash
For anyone who wants to become a Dasher, the registration process for DoorDash is relatively simple. You must register through the company’s website and then enter your email address, phone number, and zip code. Most importantly, you must also fill out a reference that requires information such as your date of birth, social security number, and vehicle type. Once you do that, you’ll have to wait for DoorDash to verify your information and approve your application. It almost goes without saying, but you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license, valid insurance, and a clean driving record. You can use any roadworthy vehicle for your meal delivery with DoorDash.
Once your order has been accepted, you can log in to the DoorDash app to check available boarding and drop-off locations. Once you have accepted your order, you will need to arrive at the restaurant shortly before the specified pickup time. You then use the app to confirm your arrival at the restaurant, and you also have to check off each delivery point. You then drive to the customer’s address.
Furthermore, Dashers should note that they could potentially qualify for DoorDash Drive, a higher-paying service that handles large catering orders. It’s reserved for the highest-rated drivers: Dashers must make at least 100 deliveries, with an average customer rating of 4.8 and a 90% completion rate.
