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What is DoorDash?
DoorDash is one of the most widely used and ubiquitous food delivery apps there is. It’s a service that allows people to deliver food directly from restaurants to customers who place orders through the DoorDash app.
Launched in 2013, DoorDash has grown into one of the United States’ biggest tech companies, providing flexible work opportunities and restaurant-quality meals all at once. Restaurants are able to reach more customers, consumers get access to more dining options, and millions of Dashers get to earn money making deliveries.
DoorDash’s Services
In addition to food delivery, DoorDash has expanded its offerings into a significant amount of other services. Here are some of DoorDash’s additional offerings in the world of delivery and logistics:
- Restaurant delivery
- Grocery delivery
- Retail delivery
- Alcohol delivery
- Flower delivery
- Package pickup
In addition to delivery, DoorDash offers things like:
- DashPass: A subscription service that offers $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees
- DoorDash Drive: A white-label service allowing businesses to use DoorDash drivers for deliveries without listing on the main DoorDash app
- Merchant services: DoorDash provides tools for businesses to manage their online orders, as well as integrations with point-of-sale systems
- Corporate solutions: Meal programs and group ordering options for businesses
- Flexible payments: DoorDash customers can pay in installments with Klarna
- Drone delivery: Pilot programs for drone delivery services have started in select areas
Where Does DoorDash Operate?
DoorDash currently operates in all 50 US states, as well as Washington DC. In recent years, DoorDash has gone international, operating in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and Japan.
How DoorDash Works for Customers
DoorDash allows customers to browse the menus of many local restaurants, order food, and have a driver pick it up and drive it to their home. Many people find this convenient (almost to a dangerous fault for their wallets!).
To begin, you must first have a DoorDash account. You can register on their website or through the DoorDash mobile app (download on iOS or Android).
After you’re done registering, you can start browsing local restaurants near you. You can filter by the type of food, price range, ratings, and more.
How to Order with DoorDash
After you choose which restaurant you want to order from, you can browse their menu and add the items you want to order to your cart. Typically, the order listing will have a photo of the food, a description, and customization options.
As you’re checking out, you can apply promo codes, select how fast you want your delivery, and give your driver special instructions. You then can add an optional tip and then pay with your credit/debit card or digital wallet.
Tracking Your DoorDash Delivery
After you’ve placed your order, you can track its delivery and get real-time updates. The app will tell you when the restaurant has begun preparing the food, when the driver picks it up, and when they’re getting close to your location.
Most of the time, you’ll be able to see an estimated time before your order is delivered, usually between 30 to 60 minutes. Factors like how busy the restaurant is and DoorDasher availability can cause this estimate to fluctuate.
There’s also a map view so you can see where your driver is on their route. You can also contact them directly through the app if you need to give them instructions of any kind in reaching you.
Is Ordering from DoorDash Worth It?
Simply put, ordering from DoorDash is usually more expensive than just going out and picking up food for yourself or making it at home. However, for some people, it can fit their day-to-day lifestyle.
For instance, if money isn’t a problem, having the flexibility to order from different places in your area and have someone deliver it to you is definitely nice. Additionally, if you have physical restrictions that can make going out difficult, DoorDash can help bring you food.
For others, it’s more of a sometimes treat. If you’re sick or your kids are home and you’re too busy to take the time to make a meal or go pick something up, DoorDash can be incredibly convenient.
However, given its costs, it may not be feasible as a daily thing for most people. Plus, a lot of restaurants don’t allow custom orders and stuff through DoorDash, so you’ll have to go in if you want to make specific requests.
DashPass Explained | What is DashPass?
For customers who order from DoorDash a lot, DoorDash offers DashPass, a monthly subscription service that offers $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders. There typically is a minimum order cost requirement for these benefits to kick in, usually around $12.
Other benefits include 5% in DoorDash credits and no service fees for pickup orders, $0 delivery fees and reduced services on eligible grocery deliveries, and more.
How Much Does DashPass Cost?
In the US, DashPass costs $9.99 per month. However, DoorDash does offer student discounts which can bring the cost down to $4.99 per month.
In addition, certain Chase credit card customers may be able to get a 12-month subscription to DashPass as a perk.
Is DashPass Worth It?
If you frequently order from DoorDash, DashPass is an absolute must. According to DoorDash’s official documentation, “DashPass subscribers save an average of $4-5 per eligible order”.
Your typical DoorDash delivery and service fees are gonna be what make up that $4-5 in savings. So, given DashPass’s cost of about $10 per month, if you know you’re going to make more than 2-3 DoorDash orders this month, getting DashPass will save you money and give you some nice perks.
If you order less than that, you may not need DashPass at all. Reddit user /u/__revelio__ said this about whether DashPass is worth it:
“Depends on how much your order. I have used doordash for years and have enjoyed it since it fits my needs. To give you an idea of how much I use it I’ve saved almost $3,000 by paying for dashpass. Realistically it’s a waste of money but if it is convenient for you and you have the funds to afford it then I say it’s worth it. I order probably 15 times a month.”
If you’re ordering as much as him, DashPass can definitely save you thousands of dollars every year.
How DoorDash Works for Drivers
Why Become a Dasher
The biggest attraction of becoming a DoorDash delivery driver, or “Dasher”, is the flexibility. You can choose your own hours to a degree, there are no minimum work requirements, no prior experience needed, and you can be your own boss.
However, you’re not technically a DoorDash employee. You’re a sole proprietor. An independent contractor. This means there are different tax implications for you vs. if you were an employee of a company.
Related: Is DoorDash Worth it in 2025? | How Much Does DoorDash Pay?
DoorDash Driver Requirements
Becoming a DoorDash Dasher is a fairly straightforward process, and it can usually be done entirely online. Before you begin, make sure you meet DoorDash’s driver requirements.
Basic requirements include being 18 years old, having a valid driver’s license, passing a background check, and having a vehicle. In certain jurisdictions, you can also deliver by bike or scooter.
How to Become a DoorDash Driver
You can sign up to become a Dasher either on the web or via their iOS and Android apps. If you meet their requirements and are approved, you’ll get a kit containing items like an insulated bag.
How Dashers Receive and Complete Orders
When you’re ready to start delivering orders, you make yourself available in the DoorDash Driver app. The app will offer you orders to accept.
These delivery requests will give you details like the pickup location, the distance of the delivery, your estimated completion time, and the total payout. You’re able to accept or decline these offers based on your own preferences.
While DoorDash won’t penalize drivers for low acceptance rates, having a low rate can affect your ability to qualify for things like DoorDash’s Dasher Rewards program.
After you accept an order, you drive to the restaurant, pick up the food, and then drive it to the customer’s location. The DoorDash driver app doubles as a GPS and communications method between you, the restaurant, and the customer.
Related: 7 Ways Uber & DoorDash Drivers Can Save on Gas in 2025
For the most part, you’ll drop the food off, take a photo for confirmation, and the customer will come pick it up at their leisure, with their own app alerting them that your delivery has been made.
How DoorDash Drivers Get Paid
Your pay as a DoorDash driver will come through a combination of your base pay for the order (which itself can depend on factors like distance, demand, etc.), potential promotions, and customer tips.
Drivers get to keep 100% of their tips, which can often represent a significant portion of your total earnings. In this Reddit thread, several DoorDash drivers report that tips make up 2/3 or even 3/4 of their total earnings alone!
Peak Pay and Incentives
During busy periods or in high-demand areas, DoorDash offers “Peak Pay” bonuses that can add extra money to each of your deliveries. These bonuses can range from $1-$5 extra in your pocket.
DoorDash also offers challenges drivers can complete and guaranteed earning programs. For example, drivers might earn an extra $20 for completing 10 deliveries during a weekend.
As a driver, you’re paid weekly, and you can be paid via direct deposit. You can also pay a small fee to immediately access your current earnings.
How Dashers Can Earn More
There are several ways DoorDash Drivers can earn more money. To read our best tips, you can check out our article: The 6 Best DoorDash Tricks To Maximize Your Earnings.
In general, knowing when to deliver, which areas pay the best, and taking care of your car can be ways to earn more as a Dasher. In addition, you can save thousands on your taxes by properly tracking your mileage!
Every mile you drive for DoorDash is deductible on your taxes. The current IRS standard mileage rate for 2025 is $0.70 cents per mile. So, if you drive 1000 miles, you can deduct $700 on your taxes!
Related: Does DoorDash Track Mileage? | Mileage Tracking Guide For Dashers (2025)
TripLog is the only mileage tracker app to offer truly free unlimited automatic mileage tracking for Dashers. You can download TripLog on iOS or Android today!
What is DoorDash: In Conclusion
The key to DoorDash is convenience, both for delivery drivers and customers. Drivers are able to work when they want, where they want, and customers are able to access high-quality meals from their favorite restaurants from the comfort of their own homes.
