In our fast-paced, ever-hungry society, side jobs like delivery driving have become the go-to option for those looking to earn a little extra.
DoorDash has quickly risen to the top as a favorite platform for customers and drivers alike. However, being popular for drivers means that not everybody can start earning right away.
The DoorDash waitlist has left some aspiring drivers scratching their heads, wondering when they’ll hit the road and cash in on delivering food.
In this post, we’ll look at the DoorDash waitlist, exploring why it’s there, how it affects you, and how to overcome it to start earning that extra money you’ve been dreaming about.
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Key Takeaways
DoorDash uses background checks as part of the driver application process to ensure a safe and secure experience for all users. The background check can sometimes lead to being placed on the waitlist.
Your chances of being on a waitlist may vary depending on the specific market or zip code you’re in.
Market oversaturation is a common reason for waitlisting. Being on the waitlist can be frustrating, but it is essential for maintaining a healthy marketplace for all Dashers.
Becoming A Dasher
While becoming a DoorDash “Dasher” may seem like a simple process to earn money on the side, the waitlist can sometimes throw a wrench into gig economy delivery drivers’ plans.
But you’ll never know if you can start earning as a delivery driver if you never apply!
Here are the easy steps to becoming a Dasher:
Sign Up
Signing up for DoorDash is a breeze, allowing you to quickly kickstart your delivery journey with just a few simple steps in the sign-up process!
You’ll start by clicking this link and entering your postal code or nearby zip codes you want to deliver.
Next, enter your email address, phone number, and zip code to register for your DoorDash account.
Fill In Your Details
After you create your DoorDash account, the next part of the application process is your driving details and background check.
You’ll need to grab your driver’s license, provide your ID number, and have your vehicle type and other info ready.
Once all your information is submitted, you’ll have to agree to the background check. DoorDash can reject applicants if they don’t submit to the background check.
Wait For Approval- Or Sit On The Waitlist
Once you’ve submitted all your details, it’s time to play the waiting game and see if you’re approved or if you hit the Waitlist.
Remember, the background check process can take a bit of time because DoorDash wants to ensure the safety and reliability of its new applicants.
While it might be tempting to constantly refresh your inbox to check your DoorDash waitlist status, try to stay patient, as new drivers may experience varying wait times.
If you have any questions or concerns, DoorDash support is just a click away and ready to assist you in your journey to delivery stardom!
Start Driving & Getting Paid
Congratulations! If approved, you’re now ready to hit the streets and earn.
You’ll be delivering delicious meals to hungry customers, raking in that delivery fee, and earning daily tips.
Doordash Waitlist Info
In this section, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of the DoorDash waiting list to help new drivers understand why it happens and how to overcome it.
Why do people get stuck on the waitlist?
The most common reason is when there are already too many active drivers in a specific area, and DoorDash only needs a few Dashers at a time.
That’s called an oversaturated market, and it’s when DoorDash puts a cap on new drivers to ensure everyone still gets a fair share of the pie.
Another reason could be a lack of market availability which means that DoorDash hasn’t been set up in a particular location and doesn’t need to hire drivers.
In this case, Dashers in that area will have to hang out on the waitlist until DoorDash finally rolls into town to fill the market availability.
Why does DoorDash have a waitlist for drivers?
DoorDash has a waitlist for drivers to maintain a balance in a major city. Too many workers means not everyone gets jobs.
If too many active dashers flood the market, the competition gets fierce, making it harder for everyone to make a good living.
Everyone can make a decent income when there’s a healthy balance between the number of gig workers and delivery demands.
Another reason for the waitlist is to ensure quality control.
DoorDash wants to make sure that their food couriers meet specific requirements, like passing background checks and having a valid driver’s license.
The waitlist allows DoorDash to regulate the influx of more food couriers while verifying that everyone joining the platform is up to their standards.
How do you skip the DoorDash Waitlist?
While there isn’t a guaranteed method to skip or get off the DoorDash waiting list, you can take a few steps to try and skip the DoorDash waitlist.
If you’re on the waitlist due to too many drivers in your area, consider exploring other markets in different zip codes to see if there are openings for Dashers.
Applying with a different zip code may increase your chances of getting off the waitlist and starting your gig as a DoorDash driver.
Just be sure the zip code you pick is one you can actually deliver in and not drive a long way from home!
Maybe you are just really upset that you haven’t heard anything yet. You could deactivate your account by going to “Manage Account” in the app.
This could take you off the waitlist; however, if you decide to give DoorDash another try, you’ll need to contact DoorDash support.
What do I do if I’m stuck on the waitlist?
If you’re stuck on the DoorDash waitlist and want to make a change, you can do a few things:
Stay on the list
You can simply stay on the list and wait for your time to shine.
While on the waitlist, you can explore other job opportunities or sign up for additional delivery platforms.
The waitlist doesn’t have to limit your potential for making extra cash!
Apply to other driving services
While waiting to get off the DoorDash drivers waitlist, exploring other driving services and expanding your opportunities is a great idea.
Here are a few other delivery jobs you may be interested in:
Postmates
GrubHub
Uber Eats
Instacart
Start another Side hustle
There’s a whole world of gig options beyond food delivery, allowing you to discover and develop new skills while taking advantage of money-making opportunities.
Freelance writing – By honing your writing skills, you can create a sustainable income source and work on projects that interest and inspire you. To kickstart your freelance writing journey, consider enrolling in our new “Freelance Write From Home” course, designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed.
Proofreading – As a proofreader, you can help others perfect their content and provide the best work possible. If you want to learn more about this valuable skill, consider taking the free workshop by Proofread Anywhere, which introduces you to proofreading.
Blogging – Blogging is an excellent way to express your thoughts and experiences while earning income through ads, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing. To learn the ins and outs of starting a successful blog, check out our FREE Start Your Blog Boot Camp, where we’ll guide you through setting up your website to generate traffic and monetize your content.
Alternatives To DoorDash
Applying to multiple platforms increases your chances of finding a suitable gig faster and ensures that you’re not solely relying on DoorDash.
These additional delivery services can help you secure a steady income and keep you engaged in the gig economy, even if the DoorDash waitlist takes longer than anticipated.
Postmates
If you’re exploring other opportunities while waiting on the DoorDash waitlist, Postmates is a good food delivery app to try.
Postmates offers food, groceries, and more delivery services, so you have more delivery potential.
As a Postmates driver, you can pick up and deliver orders within your local area, making it a flexible and convenient option for those looking to earn extra income on their schedule.
The sign-up process is similar to DoorDash- especially the background check!
Once approved, you can start accepting orders and earning money right away.
Find out more about how they compare in our Postmates Vs. DoorDash review article!
Uber Eats
Another excellent alternative to DoorDash is Uber Eats, a popular food delivery platform powered by the well-known ridesharing company Uber.
Becoming an Uber Eats driver also requires you to provide the same information as the other gig driving services and consent to a background check.
You can start accepting delivery requests through the Uber Eats app when you are approved to drive for them.
See how they differ from DoorDash in our Uber Eats Vs. DoorDash article.
Grubhub
As one of the largest food delivery platforms in the United States, GrubHub connects hungry customers with their favorite local restaurants.
As a GrubHub driver, you’ll have the opportunity to earn extra income while setting your schedule and enjoying the freedom that comes with gig work.
After you provide the required information and are approved, you can start picking up and delivering food orders within your community.
Instacart
Instacart is a grocery delivery platform that allows customers to shop from their favorite local stores online.
As an Instacart Shopper, you’ll be responsible for picking up groceries and delivering them to customers, providing a valuable service while earning extra income.
You can start accepting orders and increasing your income as an independent contractor when Instacart approves you.
Want to know more about delivering groceries? Read our Instacart Review and see why people like working for them.
Our Thoughts
Being stuck on the DoorDash waiting list can seem challenging, but remember that patience and persistence are essential qualities for success in gig work.
With time, you could start delivering for DoorDash in no time.
But if you’re hard-pressed and need cash now, there are other options for you.
As independent contractors, keep exploring other gig opportunities that can help supplement your income and broaden your experience in the industry.
Keep an open mind and stay proactive in pursuing new opportunities for other odd jobs, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful and rewarding career in the gig economy!
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