When I get too busy or too lazy to cook, I reach for the phone and order online. I know a lot of people can relate to this. One day I got curious and wanted to see how it is on the opposite end. So I started dashing at the end of 2022 as a gig, and I went full-time with it when I got laid off.
Not only does food delivery provide me with an additional source of income, but it gives me a reason to get out of the house. I get to explore local restaurants and meet people. It hones my driving skills. Plus, I love driving around with the music blasting on the radio, so why not make the most of it?
I have been dashing for almost a year now, and though I am no expert yet, I got the hang of it real fast. Here are some things I learned while doing DoorDash.
Some people will not tip you.
While it may serve as proper etiquette to tip servers and drivers, some don’t practice it. Don’t get frustrated when that happens. Move on to the next.
Look for a place with busy hotspots.
I get to earn more by staying in areas with lots of stores and restaurants. Having that geographical advantage will get you more orders and earn more.
Set a schedule.
I usually start dashing after I drop my son off at school and finish after lunch. Plan ahead of time so you can manage your day well.
Always be prepared.
We never know when you get a flat tire or run out of gas in the middle of delivery. Fill up before dashing, and prepare some coins for the air pump. Better yet, invest in a portable air pump for your car.
Drive safely.
You may be a safe and cautious driver, but others won’t be. Once in a while, you will encounter a reckless one on the road. Be mindful of these drivers, and don’t rush to deliver the orders. Safety first always.
I would love to hear from other dashers. Share your thoughts in the comments.
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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Photo credit: Marques Thomas on Unsplash
