DoorDash is a food delivery app that’s created many job opportunities, but being successful at food delivery gigs isn’t just about hitting the road and hoping for the best.
Just like fishing, you need to know when the fish are biting, or in this case, when people are most likely to place orders.
And that’s where understanding the best times to Doordash comes into play.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the best times to DoorDash so you can optimize your time on the road and make more money.
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Best Time To Doordash
You might be thinking, “Why do I need to know the best times to DoorDash? I can drive whenever I have some free time, right?”
While the beauty of being a Dasher is its flexibility, knowing the peak hours can drastically impact your earnings.
It’s all about supply and demand, my friend. When more people place orders, you have more opportunities to earn.
So let’s see the best times to DoorDash every day:
6 AM – 9 AM
If you’re an early bird, the DoorDash morning shift can be one of the best times to DoorDash.
Think about it – people are getting ready for work or school and may not have time to whip up a hearty breakfast.
Many people need that caffeine fix to kickstart their day, and if they can get it delivered, even better!
Another perk of dashing in the late or early morning hours is the lack of traffic.
The roads are typically less congested, making your deliveries quicker and more efficient. This means you could potentially complete more orders and make more money.
11 AM – 1 PM
This, my friend, is one of the best times to DoorDash. It’s the middle of the day when people take lunch breaks at work or school!
Many people opt for convenience and get their meals delivered right to them instead of trying to get into a restaurant at one of the busiest times of day.
And let’s not forget those working from home who might not have time to cook amidst their busy schedules.
It means more orders and more opportunities for you to cash in.
Another upside to dashing during the lunch rush is the potential for larger orders- and larger tips!
Office workers might place group orders for their teams or meetings, which could lead to higher payouts for you.
5 PM – 9 PM
Dinner time is another prime time for DoorDash orders.
People are winding down after a long day of work, school, or other activities, and cooking might be the last thing they want to do.
That’s where you come in, delivering delicious meals straight to their door.
But here’s a heads up – the dinner time slot can also be a bit more hectic to drive.
Traffic tends to be heavier as people head home from work, and restaurants can be quite busy.
But if you’re up for the challenge, the dinner rush can be a profitable time to dash.
Peak Hours Elsewhere
Let’s look at some real-world experiences for this delivery service.
What do the bustling online communities of Reddit and Quora have to say about the best times to Dash?
Let’s dig into the peak hours according to these popular platforms alongside DoorDash’s data.
DoorDash Peak Hours
DoorDash has some pretty good insights about when to hit the road and make more money from deliveries.
After all, they’re keen on keeping their best Dashers happy and earning well, so they’ve put together a few tips and tricks on maximizing your income.
Straight from the horse’s mouth, DoorDash recommends peak times: Lunch, from 11 AM to 2 PM, and Dinner, from 4:30 PM to 8 PM.
It makes sense, doesn’t it? These are typical meal times when people are too busy working or too tired to cook, which means more orders for you to deliver.
But here’s a pro tip, buddy. These peak hours are prime time for all Dashers, so you’ve got to stay ahead of the pack.
If you can, try to book your slots up to five days in advance. That way, you secure your place during peak hours and can make the most out of your deliveries.
Redditors Peak Hours
Now, let’s turn our attention to a different kind of expert – our fellow Dashers on Reddit.
You know, Reddit can be a goldmine of insider tips, especially when you’re hearing from people who are out there doing the same gig.
They’re not just talking the talk; they’re walking the walk- or dashing the Dash if you will.
So, according to our friends on Reddit, the best times to dash are pretty much in line with what DoorDash recommends – 11 AM to 2 PM and 4:30 PM to 8 PM.
But there’s a twist. Some Redditors have pointed out that the best times can depend on your area.
So be sure to check Redditors that live in your area and see what hours they find pay the best!
Quora Peak Hours
Let’s switch gears and head to Quora, another fantastic online community where people share their experiences and wisdom.
Quora is like that neighbor who always seems to have the answer to everything.
And guess what? There’s a vibrant community of Dashers, sharing their experiences and trade secrets about the best times to dash.
One thing that stands out from Quora discussions is that there’s a strong agreement with the peak times suggested by DoorDash and echoed on Reddit – lunch and dinner hours are best.
According to these Dashers, it’s like the holy grail of dashing times. They also say the weekend evening hours are a great time for dashing.
But remember, my friend, every rule has its exception. Some Quora users have pointed out that late nights can be lucrative in areas with thriving nightlife or universities nearby.
Dasher Pay
As a DoorDash driver, you probably wonder how much you’ll get paid for each delivery.
Your DoorDash hourly pay is a combination of base pay, tips, and promotions.
While base pay is the guaranteed minimum amount you’ll earn per delivery, tips and promotions can increase your earnings.
Here’s what you need to know about each of these components and hourly pay:
Base Pay
Base pay for DoorDash is the guaranteed minimum amount you’ll earn for each delivery. This amount varies depending on the order’s distance, time, and complexity.
For example, you’ll earn more money for a longer delivery that’s further away.
Base pay can range from $2 – $10+ per delivery, and DoorDash provides a breakdown of each delivery’s base pay in your delivery driver earnings summary.
Tips
DoorDash tips are the additional amount customers can give you for excellent service.
Customers can tip you through the DoorDash app or in cash. Tips are not included in the base pay, so they can significantly increase your earnings.
On average, DoorDash drivers earn about $3 to $5 in tips per delivery, but this amount can vary widely depending on the customer’s generosity.
Promotions
DoorDash occasionally offers promotions to incentivize drivers to work during peak hours or in certain areas.
Promotions can include bonuses for completing a certain number of deliveries in a set time frame or extra pay for working during busy times.
These promotions can significantly increase your earnings, so it’s worth watching for them.
Tips For Dashers
As a Dasher, you want to maximize your earnings while minimizing your time and effort.
Here are some tips to help you achieve earn more with DoorDash:
Select Orders Carefully
It’s important to be selective and choose orders wisely to make the most money.
Consider the distance on every order when driving around town because gas and time impact your money.
Remember that the farther the restaurant and customer are from your current location, the longer it will take to complete the delivery and start a new delivery.
Next, take a look at the order size in your DoorDash app.
Larger orders may seem enticing because they typically pay more, but they might also take longer to prepare and deliver, so that you may have some unpaid wait time.
Pick Up Multiple Orders
Batching orders is a smart strategy to help you make the most money and save you valuable time.
Instead of making separate trips to the same restaurant, you can pick up multiple orders, eliminating unnecessary back-and-forth and maximizing your efficiency on the road.
You can minimize the time and distance between deliveries by delivering multiple orders in the same area.
The result? You can complete more deliveries within the same timeframe, maximizing your earning potential.
Get Peak Pay
Most food delivery apps have a bonus that offers peak pay.
With peak pay, you get a bonus for a certain number of deliveries completed during peak hours.
Dash during the peak hours, but watch for DoorDash bonuses. Pay close attention to the lunch and dinner rushes and add them to your driving schedule
Focus on dashing in busy areas to increase your chances of getting peak pay when you deliver food. These are the hotspots where demand is high, and you can make extra money.
FAQS
What are the busiest days to work for DoorDash?
Generally, the busiest days for DoorDash and other food delivery services are Friday and Saturday nights and Sundays.
That’s right! The weekend is king when it comes to DoorDash busy times.
People are relaxing and often prefer the convenience of having their meals delivered and are often high-paying orders.
It means more orders for you to scoop up and deliver, which can lead to making the most money.
What are the best hours to DoorDash?
The best DoorDash times can depend on your location, the day of the week, and even the specific needs of customers in your area.
However, there are a few DoorDash times that tend to be particularly busy for delivery services and are great for making money:
Lunch Rush (11 AM to 2 PM)
Dinner Rush (5 PM to 9 PM)
What’s the slowest day for Dashers?
The slowest day for Dashers can vary depending on several factors, including location and local market conditions.
However, traditionally, weekdays tend to be slower compared to weekends.
Specifically, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often reported as the slowest days for DoorDash.
Sometimes rideshare and delivery drivers drive for other services like Postmates or Uber on these days.
Can I make $500 a week as a Dasher?
Making $500 a week as a Dasher is possible, but let’s break it down.
Actual earnings all depend on where you’re dashing, how many hours you’re willing to put in, and the demand for deliveries in your area.
To hit that $500 goal, you’ll need to be strategic.
Focus on working during the busiest times – you know, when people are craving food the most. Those lunch and dinner rushes are where the action is at.
Oh, and don’t forget about giving excellent customer service to get tips and great reviews.
Building a positive reputation when you provide excellent customer service can lead to higher tips, which means more dough in your pocket and a step closer to a full-time job.
Does DoorDash pay mileage for Dashers?
DoorDash doesn’t directly provide mileage reimbursement for the DoorDash delivery driver.
As an independent contractor, you’re responsible for your own expenses, including gas and vehicle maintenance costs.
You may be able to claim mileage deductions on your taxes as a business expense, so it’s worth consulting with a tax professional to get gas money back on your taxes.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the best times to DoorDash can be a game-changer for maximizing your earnings and overall success as a DoorDash driver.
By strategically choosing when to hit the road, you can tap into high-demand periods and increase your chances of receiving larger tips and bonuses.
Whether it’s the lunch rush, the dinner frenzy, or even the early morning hustle, each time slot has unique advantages for food delivery orders.
Now that you know the best times to DoorDash, it’s time to join DoorDash and hit the road.
Happy Dashing!
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