[Intro]
So you’ve decided to supplement your income with a DoorDash side hustle?
Smart move!
Developing a side hustle in this modern day and age is actually really important.
Between the rising cost of living, inflation, and everything else, it’s more important than ever to bring in more cash while providing value to your local community.
And delivering with DoorDash offers a flexible way to earn extra money, while also providing a service that many people rely on.
But before you slide into the driver’s seat and start accepting orders, it’s important to know how to maximize your potential!
So check out these top tips for making the most of your DoorDash experience.
1. Get Acquainted with the DoorDash App
Understanding the DoorDash app inside out will serve you immensely.
Learn how to quickly accept orders, find the best routes, and communicate with customers effectively through the app.
Remember that practice makes perfect. If at first the app seems just a little bit confusing, don’t give up—just keep working on getting used to it and figuring out how to make it successful.
2. Optimize Your Schedule
Plan your working hours strategically.
Typically, peak hours like lunch (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) and dinner time (5 p.m.-9 p.m.) are the most lucrative times to dash.
Moreover, working during promotions or peak pay can substantially increase your earnings.
Getting ahead of these things, and figuring out when to plan on them, is half the battle—because this will allow you to optimize your earnings and deliver more payment for your time spent.
3. Maintain a Positive Attitude
Being courteous and maintaining a positive attitude can go a long way.
It not only makes the job more pleasant, but can also lead to better ratings and, possibly, tips.
Remember, this is actually a service-oriented position. So successfully dealing with people is really a primary objective of the gig.
4. Keep Essential Supplies on Hand
Have a well-stocked kit with essential supplies like a phone charger, insulated bags, and hand sanitizer to ensure smooth deliveries each time.
Doing a bit of ‘prep work’ every week, ahead of your work week, can help to make this process more streamlined and easy-going.
5. Understand the Area
Knowing your delivery area well can give you a significant advantage.
Understanding the traffic patterns and knowing the shortcuts can help you complete deliveries faster.
6. Aim for Top Dasher Status
Strive to become a “Top Dasher.”
This status comes with several benefits, including more opportunities for earnings and priority access to new features and promotions.
7. Keep Records of Your Expenses
Track all your expenses meticulously, including fuel, maintenance, and tolls.
Keeping detailed records will help you during tax time.
8. Maintain Your Vehicle
A well-maintained vehicle is your best ally in this gig.
Regular check-ups can help avoid sudden breakdowns and costly repairs.
9. Learn to Deal with Difficult Situations Gracefully
At times, you might encounter challenging situations, such as difficult customers or incorrect orders.
Learning to handle such situations calmly and professionally is key to maintaining a good rating.
10. Take Breaks
Don’t forget to take breaks and avoid burnout.
It’s essential to take time off to recharge and come back refreshed.
11. Learn from Other Dashers
Join forums or social media groups to connect with other dashers.
Learning from the experience of others can offer you new perspectives and tips to improve your dashing experience.
12. Set Realistic Goals
Set achievable goals for your earnings and work steadily towards them.
Being realistic about your goals will keep you motivated in the long run.
13. Safety First
Always prioritize your safety.
Avoid unsafe neighborhoods, especially during the night, and follow traffic rules diligently.
14. Provide Excellent Service
Going the extra mile to provide excellent service can differentiate you from others.
Small gestures like texting customers about the status of their order or handling the food packages neatly can make a big difference.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
- Declining Low-Pay Orders: It might be tempting to accept every order that comes your way, but sometimes declining low-pay orders can be a strategic move to maximize your earnings.
- Ignoring Customer Preferences: Always pay attention to the special instructions and preferences mentioned by the customers to avoid negative ratings.
- Overworking: It is essential to avoid burnout by not overworking yourself. Balance your work and rest adequately to maintain a consistent performance.
If you’d like a bit more insight into how to make more money DoorDashing, consider checking out this in-depth guide for some pretty serious tips and advice!
Conclusion
By following these tips and being mindful of the common pitfalls, you can make the most of your DoorDash experience.
Remember, like any other job, dashing requires dedication, strategic planning, and a customer-focused approach.
Now, it’s time to gear up and make your DoorDash side hustle a roaring success!
