DoorDash has become one of the most popular food delivery services in the United States, and many people are looking for ways to earn extra cash by working as independent contractors for the company. Delivering for DoorDash is an excellent side hustle that WILL make you money, the only issue is that you need to put wear on your car and spend your time to earn money.

If you want to make money without going out to physically work, I have written about many ways to make money online.

In this article, I will provide some detailed tips and tricks to help you make $1,000+ a week with DoorDash.

How Much Can You Realistically Make in a Week of DoorDash?

According to data from Indeed, the average weekly earnings for a DoorDash driver is around $670 per week. However, this number can vary widely depending on your location and the demand for deliveries in your area.

To make $1,000 a week with DoorDash, you will need to work around 40 hours and earn an average of $25 per hour. This is achievable if you focus on completing deliveries during busy times and in high-demand areas, optimize your schedule, and provide excellent customer service to increase your chances of receiving tips.

It is important to note that your earnings may fluctuate from week to week, depending on the number of orders and the level of competition from other drivers in your area. However, with dedication and a strategic approach, it is possible to earn a steady stream of income with DoorDash.

Know Your Market

Your success as a DoorDash driver depends on your understanding of your market. This involves being aware of the busiest locations and times. 

For instance, if you work in a city, you can discover that the lunchtime rush is greatest in the downtown districts, while the evening rush is busiest in the residential ones. To increase your revenue by working in the appropriate places at the right times, do your homework and keep an eye out for patterns in order volume.

This may take some time to get the lay of the land, but after a few weeks working on DoorDash, be sure to pay attention to these things so you can have a better understanding of the best times to work in your area.

Choose the Right Vehicle

Your car is your main tool for earning money with DoorDash, so picking the correct one is crucial. You’ll need a car that is dependable, economical with gas, and big enough to hold the deliveries you’ll be making. 

Usually, a vehicle or small SUV would do just fine. To prevent breakdowns or problems while working, keep your car well-maintained with frequent oil changes and tire rotations.

If you do not have a small car, you can still make it work with a truck or large SUV, you will just have a bit higher expense. If you want to know other ways to make money with your truck, I have described a number of ideas.

Be Strategic with Your Shifts

You’ll need to plan your shifts carefully if you want to earn $1,000 per week with DoorDash. This entails picking the best days to work and working during the busiest hours. If you live in a college town, for instance, you might discover that weekends are busiest because students order in after a night out. 

Also, you should stay away from regions where there are too many drivers because this will reduce your chances of making money. To find out which regions are busiest, and which shifts give the most rewards and money, frequently check the DoorDash app.

Optimize Your Route

The secret to increasing your revenue with DoorDash is effective route planning. To cut down on driving time and increase the amount of deliveries you can make, you should plan your route. 

To chart out your route and steer clear of construction zones and traffic bottlenecks, use a mapping software like Google Maps or Waze. You can plan your route by using the DoorDash app to view the expected time and distance for each delivery.

Be Professional

Because you are a representative of both DoorDash and the restaurant you are delivering from, it is important for you to always seem friendly and professional.

Dress in appropriate attire, arrive promptly for pickups and deliveries, and communicate clearly and nicely with customers, waiters, and other drivers. Remember that you’re providing a service, and the more professional you come across, the more probable it is that you’ll get good feedback.

Provide Excellent Customer Service

Providing excellent customer service is one of the best ways to earn high ratings and increase your earnings with DoorDash. Be friendly, courteous, and efficient when delivering food to customers.

Make sure orders are accurate and complete, and be willing to go the extra mile to make customers happy. 

For example, if a customer requests a specific condiment or utensil, make sure to include it in their order. You can also send a friendly text message or call the customer to let them know you’re on your way and to confirm their delivery instructions.

Take Advantage of Incentives

DoorDash offers various incentives and bonuses to drivers, such as extra pay for working during peak hours or completing a certain number of deliveries. Take advantage of these incentives to increase your earnings and reach your $1,000 per week goal. 

For example, if there’s a bonus for completing 20 deliveries in a week, you can sign up for this bonus and receive a bonus anywhere from $25-$200+.

Optimize Your Schedule

You are free to choose your own schedule when working at DoorDash. But if you want to earn $1,000 a week, you must plan your time wisely to increase your income. This entails determining the busiest delivery times and locations and modifying your schedule accordingly.

Consider working during the weekends and evenings when food delivery is typically busiest. The DoorDash app also allows you to monitor which regions receive the most orders so that you can modify your schedule accordingly.

Be Strategic with Your Deliveries

Before accepting an order that you receive, take some time to check the specifics. Think about the order’s quantity, any special requirements, and the distance between the restaurant and the delivery site. It could be preferable to decline an order if it seems too challenging or time-consuming and wait for one that will be more profitable.

By combining multiple orders from the same restaurant or in the same neighborhood, you may also be clever about the deliveries you accept. By cutting down on the amount of time you spend driving between deliveries, you can save time and earn more money.

Credit: Trevor’s Deliveries

FAQs

How much does DoorDash pay per delivery?

DoorDash pays a base rate per delivery, which varies by location and market demand. Also, you can get tips from customers, which can greatly boost your income.

Can I work for DoorDash if I have a full-time job?

Yes, DoorDash offers flexible scheduling, so you can work as little or as much as you like. This makes it an excellent option for people with full-time jobs who are looking to earn extra income on the side.

How do I maximize my earnings with DoorDash?

To maximize your earnings with DoorDash, focus on completing as many deliveries as possible during busy times and in high-demand areas. Optimize your schedule, be strategic with your deliveries, and provide excellent customer service to increase your chances of receiving tips.

Is DoorDash a good way to make money?

Yes, DoorDash is a great way to make extra money on the side, especially if you enjoy driving and interacting with people. With flexible scheduling and the potential to earn tips, DoorDash can provide a steady stream of income for those who are willing to put in the time and effort.

How do I sign up for DoorDash?

To sign up for DoorDash, visit their website and fill out the application form. You will need to provide personal information, a valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance. Once you are approved, you can start accepting deliveries and earning money right away.