So here is the story. I was looking for a part-time job to make a little extra money. The catch for me is that my full-time job doesn't have a consistent schedule that would allow me to give a different employer set times each day that I'd be available to work. In my search I came across Uber and DoorDash. Either of these allow you to work a very flexible schedule. I don't want people vomiting in my car, so I never really started Ubering. I did try a few Ubereats deliveries though. My experience is that they do not pay well. I don't recommend Ubereats for a part-time job.
I signed up for DoorDash and have now completed over one hundred deliveries.
There are a few things that I've learned along the way through my first 100 deliveries in my area.
First, know that when your application is approved they will send you a package with a Red Card to pay for your orders at some restaurants, and a thermal bag to keep your orders warm. Always take these with you when you go Dashing.
There are times when the Red Card doesn't work. Sometimes technology fails us. I learned that you have the option of paying with a different form of payment and then submit for a reimbursement. The reimbursement will be deposited with your regular direct deposit.
When I first started I would drive around waiting for an order to popup. This of course is a waste of fuel. Now, after I make a delivery I drive towards downtown. Then if an order hasn't shown up, I just park and wait. This reduces how much the cost of fuel for me.
Sometimes the customer will put requests in the delivery instructions. They might request chopsticks or extra dipping sauces. Normally these are items they could order from the online menu. As far as I know, the delivery instructions are not available until you have received the order from the resteraunt. It is important to check the delivery instructions before leaving the restaurant.
At first it was very often I could login and start Dashing. As more people signed up and started Dashing it became more important to schedule the times that I'm available to Dash. It seems that the Dash Now option (the ability to just check in and start Dashing) becomes more limited as the market grows and the algorithm balances out.
So how much does it pay. Their website says up to $19/hr. I love spreadsheets and tracking things. When I started Dashing I created a spreadsheet so that I could make sure this would be worth the time. As I tracked my trips my pay per hour for the first 32 trips fluctuated between $8 and $18 an hour, for an average of $14.31 an hour. My most recent 12 trips have fluctuated between $13 and $27 an hour for an average of $19.31 an hour. My average since starting is $15.22 an hour. In the beginning I didn't think it was going to be worth it. Now that I have been picking up more orders and the pay per hour has gone up, I think its a pretty good part-time job.
If you are looking for a part-time job that offers very flexible hours, and pays well, I'd recommend checking if DoorDash is available in your area. Use my link to apply to become a DoorDash driver today!
