DoorDash is a great company to work part-time for quick income, delivering food from various restaurants. As a delivery driver or Dasher, you can make money as an independent contractor. But, how old do you have to be to start a delivery for this service?
To work for DoorDash, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a working smartphone, a clean driving record, insurance, and a valid driving license. Your job as a Dasher is conditional on a clean background check, after which you can start deliveries.
If you’re interested in becoming a Dasher for this popular delivery service, you’ve come to the right place! Read on to find all you need to know about working at DoorDash, including their payment model.
Dasher Requirements For DoorDash
There are a few requirements to meet if you want to work as a delivery person AKA Dasher for DoorDash. Here we discuss all of them.
Age Matters
The first criteria you need to meet to become a Dasher is the age requirement. You need to be at least 18 if you want to make money delivering food for DoorDash. The age limit is necessary because of liability and insurance issues.
Keep a Smartphone On Hand
You also need to have a working iOS and Android phone. Keep in mind that the DoorDash app may not allow access to some phones. Such phones that have trouble with accessibility are usually rooted or jailbroken. You would either need to reset your device or use another phone to access the app in such a case.
Know which Vehicle To Drive
There are no restrictions on what kind of car you need to drive for delivery. You are good to go as long as you have a driving license, a spotless driving record, and insurance.
In addition, it is not necessary that you need to drive a car for every order. For different markets, it may be allowed for Dashers to use bikes, scooters, motorcycles, or even deliver by foot.
Moreover, since Dashers are independent contractors, they can assign other people to deliver for them. This assistance can be the other person driving or delivering the order. In both cases, they need to have a DoorDash account for themselves too.
Insurance Coverage
Since Dashers work as independent contractors, they need insurance like an auto insurance policy or any other type the law requires. While DoorDash has commercial auto insurance that covers Dashers on delivery, some restrictions are in place. Read here to understand more about what is covered by the DoorDash insurance policy.
Moreover, if you sustain an injury while delivering for DoorDash, you may qualify for occupational accidental coverage.
Does DoorDash Conduct Background Checks?
As we discussed, a job at DoorDash is conditional upon completing a clear background check. New Dashers need to pass a background check to access the delivery service platform, which takes around five to seven business days to complete. Although, it can take longer than that too.
DoorDash looks at the Dasher’s criminal history and motor vehicle report (conditional upon usage).
Moreover, to continually maintain its communal safety, DoorDash keeps conducting routine background checks on old Dasher to locate any flagged incidents. If any such incident does not meet the background clearance criteria of the company, the Dasher may be removed. They will receive an email if that happens.
You can view your background check status here.
How Much Do You Earn At DoorDash?
The DoorDash payment model is such that the total earnings of the Dasher for every delivery may vary based on several circumstances. First, the Dashers receive base pay between $2 to $10, which varies based on the popularity of the order, the distance to delivery, and the time it will take. Then, delivery persons can have promotions like earning extra money for completing challenges, such as taking on a certain number of orders in an allocated time slot or taking on an order during Peak Pay, which adds to your total earnings. On top of all this, tips are also added to the final payout per order.
So, how much you earn can vary drastically. However, you are guaranteed base pay from the company for every order, and the rest is added to it.
When Does DoorDash Pay Its Dashers?
There are three payment options, and Dashers can choose what suits them best.
1. DasherDirect
After every order, you can get an immediate deposit in a special prepaid debit card for Dashers. Dashers also enjoy 2% cashback on gas everywhere and take money out from 20k ATMs without any fee.
2. Dasher Fast Pay (Available for the US and Some Parts of Canada)
Daily cashouts are available for $1.99, but you require a debit card to use this method.
3. Direct Deposit Per Week
Dashers get weekly deposits directly into their bank account. The official week clocks at Sunday midnight, so the money is in the account by Wednesday night, keeping in mind the two to three days processing time.
The Bottom Line
You have to be at least 18 to work at DoorDash. While the base pay is not great, the Dasher can earn more money through promotions and counting in tips. This is a great part-time gig as you can pick your own timings and work as much (or as little) as you like!