As the gig economy continues to grow and expand, more and more people are turning to food delivery services like DoorDash to make extra income. And while DoorDash itself provides plenty of resources and tips for drivers, many have found invaluable advice on Reddit. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best DoorDash tips and tricks from Reddit users to help you maximize your earnings.
1. Be strategic with your deliveries
One of the most common tips on Reddit is to be strategic with your deliveries. This means knowing when and where to accept orders in order to maximize your earnings. Many drivers suggest using a heat map (available on the DoorDash Driver app) to find hot spots where there are likely to be more orders. Others recommend accepting orders during peak hours, such as lunch and dinner, when there is a higher demand for delivery services.
2. Know your market
Another important tip is to get to know your market. Different areas may have different peak hours, popular restaurants, or types of customers. By understanding your market, you can better target high-paying orders and avoid wasting time driving to low-paying or difficult-to-access areas. You can also use this knowledge to build relationships with popular restaurants and earn extra tips from satisfied customers.
3. Keep track of expenses
One thing that many new DoorDash drivers overlook is the cost of their vehicle, gas, and other expenses. To make sure you’re actually making a profit, it’s important to keep track of your expenses and deduct them on your taxes. Some Reddit users suggest using a mileage tracking app, such as Stride or Everlance, to track your miles and expenses automatically. Others recommend keeping a log book or spreadsheet to manually track your expenses.
4. Minimize wait times
Time is money when it comes to DoorDash, so it’s important to minimize wait times as much as possible. This means avoiding restaurants with long wait times, communicating with the restaurant staff to ensure orders are ready when you arrive, and being efficient with your delivery route. Some drivers also suggest calling ahead to the restaurant to make sure the order is actually ready, rather than wasting time waiting for it to be prepared.
5. Be friendly and professional
Finally, it’s important to remember that as a DoorDash driver, you are representing both yourself and the company. This means being friendly and professional with customers, restaurant staff, and other drivers. Many Reddit users suggest going above and beyond to provide excellent customer service, such as checking orders for accuracy or offering to help carry bags into a customer’s home. By doing so, you can earn extra tips and build a positive reputation on the platform.
In conclusion, Reddit can be a valuable resource for DoorDash drivers looking to earn more money and improve their overall experience. By following these tips from seasoned drivers, you can maximize your earnings, minimize expenses, and provide excellent service to customers. Whether you’re a full-time gig economy worker or just looking to make some extra income on the side, DoorDash can be a great option – especially with these tips in your toolkit.
