Home
Right Arrow
Review
Right Arrow

DoorDash Driver 2021 Review: Pros, Cons and Earnings Potential

As the market leader for on-demand delivery, DoorDash offers high work availability, various work options, and an easy-to-use driver app for its couriers (called "Dashers").

GigSpace's content will always be free because we want to empower everyone to earn money and improve financial outcomes. We may receive compensation when you click on certain links on our website.

GigSpace
GigSpace
Last Updated: 
August 27, 2021

Signing up as a delivery driver is an attractive option to earn money quickly with full flexibility over your schedule. On average, DoorDash drivers earn between $15-25/hour, but how much you earn will be unique to your situation and platform work experience.

Our Take

DoorDash
 | 
Food Delivery
4.3
Rating StarRating StarRating StarRating StarRating StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault Star
4.3
Learn more
Apply Icon

The bottom line:

DoorDash offers high work availability, various work options, and an easy-to-use driver app for its couriers. You can sign-up without previous experience and you don't need a car (you can use a scooter, bike, or even deliver on foot). Its smartphone app is easy-to-use that has both in-app and phone worker support to help delivery issues.

Jump to:

Full Review

Pros & Cons

Pros

High work availability as market leader for on-demand delivery Multiple delivery methods (car, scooter, bike, on-foot) Rewards programs (Top Dasher program) Schedule future work shifts or “Dash Now” to start work immediately User-friendly app with consistent interface when receiving orders In-app chat and phone support for workers

Cons

Vehicle-related expenses (gas, maintenance, rentals) Periodic pay structure changes (every 3-6 months) Lower base pay when taking on multiple orders on a single trip Occasional app bugs, glitches, and crashes Sometimes takes you out of designated delivery zone (wasting time/gas)

What is DoorDash?

Launched in 2013, DoorDash is the largest on-demand delivery service in the US accounting for 56% of total meal delivery sales in June 2021. With over 450,000 restaurant partnerships across the US, Canada, and Australia, DoorDash allows you to order food or takeout with a simple touch of a button. Through its incredible convenience, DoorDash has amassed over 20 million monthly customers in 2020. To fulfill the influx of customer’s deliveries and needs, DoorDash has assembled its own fleet of Dashers who fulfill these orders.

Delivering for DoorDash includes these features:

+Worker perks +Tiered rewards program +Sign-up bonus +Multiple transportation methods +Schedule shifts +Dedicated iOS/Android worker app +Phone support for workers +Independent contractor status -Full earnings transparency -Employee status

  • Accounts Receivable
  • Bank Reconciliation

Legit Work Option

5
Rating StarRating StarRating StarRating StarRating StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault Star
5.0

Yes. You can feel confident driving for DoorDash as they have over 100,000 active drivers already.

Work Availability

5
Rating StarRating StarRating StarRating StarRating StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault Star
5.0

DoorDash has the largest market share in on-demand food delivery, meaning there is high work availability for couriers. On average, DoorDash drivers earn between $15-25/hour, but how much you earn will be unique to your situation and platform work experience.

Earnings Potential

4
Rating StarRating StarRating StarRating StarRating StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault Star
4.0

DoorDash does periodically changes its pay structure every 3-6 months that could lead to earnings fluctuations. Additionally, DoorDash lowers the base pay whenever multiple orders are delivered in a single trip (e.g., the second order from a stacked order has $1 less base pay).

Schedule Flexibility

5
Rating StarRating StarRating StarRating StarRating StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault Star
5.0

Two options to work: +Schedule ahead of time when you want to work. +“Dash Now” to start working immediately.

Company Support

3
Rating StarRating StarRating StarRating StarRating StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault Star
3.0

+Driver support can be contacted through in-app chat or called on the DoorDash hotline. -Drivers can freely reject any delivery offer, but DoorDash does not adjust future orders based on your delivery preferences. -Compared to well known delivery apps like Grubhub or Uber Eats, the DoorDash app more frequently glitches / crashes.

Safety

3
Rating StarRating StarRating StarRating StarRating StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault Star
3.0

Transportation accidents can happen, so it is important to practice safe driving, keep up with vehicle maintenance, and take breaks when needed. DoorDash occasionally breaches its own zoning policies and may send orders out of a Dasher’s delivery zone for dropoff, which could lead to unknown or unsafe territories.

Sign-Up & Payout Process

5
Rating StarRating StarRating StarRating StarRating StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault StarDefault Star
5.0

Simple sign-up process that requires a customary background check (usually clears between 5-10 days). Dashers can set up a direct deposit to be paid on a weekly basis but can also choose “Fast Pay” that gives Dashers the ability to cash out their earnings daily for a $1.99 fee.

About The Authors

GigSpace provides a centralized education hub and comparison tools to educate and empower the gig economy. Our mission is to better connect gig workers with the right work opportunities by simplifying complex topics, recommending work opportunities based on user-defined preferences, and highlighting key issues, so people can understand their options better.

Read More

Was this article helpful?

12 people found this article helpful

Let's launch into the gig economy together

Sign up to GigBytes, our weekly newsletter for free. We'll provide bite-sized content so you can stay in the know while on the move.

Thank you for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.