Food delivery apps like Doordash have become an integral part of our daily life. But did you know you can earn discounts in the Doordash app and save a significant amount of money on your orders? That’s right, Doordash offers a plethora of discounts that can help ease your monthly budget.
Understanding how to navigate these offers is an essential skill in this fast-paced, digital era. In this comprehensive guide, we will decode the various methods to capitalize on Doordash discounts.
Our aim is to help you become a savvy Doordash user, making the most out of every order. With the right information and tips, you could be saving more than you ever imagined. Let’s dive in and explore how to earn those sweet discounts!
What is DoorDash and How Does It Work
To fully appreciate the financial benefits and potential discounts available on Doordash, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the app’s functionalities and cost structure.
In-depth Explanation of the Doordash App
Doordash is a popular food delivery service that connects hungry users with their favorite restaurants. The journey starts with a Doordash app download, available on various platforms such as Google Play Store for Android users and App Store for iOS users.
Once the app is downloaded and installed, users can browse through an extensive list of partnered restaurants in their vicinity.
After selecting their desired restaurant, users can then proceed to place a Doordash food order, choosing from the restaurant’s full menu displayed in the app. The interface is user-friendly, making the food selection and order placement process a breeze.
After placing an order, users can track their delivery in real-time, with updates about the food preparation and the delivery driver’s route. This ensures a transparent and efficient food delivery experience, making Doordash a go-to choice for many.
Cost Structure in Doordash
Understanding the cost structure of Doordash is pivotal to maximizing your discounts. The total cost of a Doordash food order typically consists of four components:
- Cost of the Food Items: This is the price of the meals as listed by the restaurants on the Doordash app.
- Taxes and Fees: These include applicable sales tax and a service fee, which is a percentage of the total food cost.
- Delivery Fee: This fee varies based on the distance from the restaurant to the delivery address. Often, promotional offers can help reduce or eliminate this fee.
- Tip: While optional, it’s customary to tip the delivery driver for their service. The tip can be adjusted based on personal preference.
By understanding the breakdown of your order’s cost, you’ll be better equipped to spot potential savings and apply the discounts you’ve earned. In the following sections, we will delve into the myriad of ways to secure these discounts and save money on your future Doordash orders.
What is a Discount in Doordash?
Doordash, one of the leading food delivery apps, offers a variety of discount options to its users. In essence, a discount is a reduction in the original price of a service or product.
When it comes to Doordash, these discounts often relate to the cost of meals, delivery fees, or even service charges. They are mechanisms used by Doordash to incentivize users to make purchases, increase customer loyalty, and amplify their user base.
Types of Discounts in Doordash
There are several types of discounts users can benefit from in the Doordash app:
- First-time User Discount: As the name suggests, these discounts are exclusively for new users. They usually offer a significant percentage off the first order or free delivery.
- Referral Discounts: These are the discounts a user can earn by referring Doordash to friends or family. Once the referred person places their first order, the referrer gets a discount on their next order.
- Promo Codes and Coupons: Doordash periodically provides promotional codes or coupons that users can apply at checkout for a discount. These can be found on Doordash’s social media, emails, or app notifications.
- DashPass: This is a subscription-based service that offers free delivery and reduced service fees for many restaurants on the app. While it’s not a traditional discount, the savings accumulate over time.
- Limited Time Offers: These are special discounts offered by Doordash or even individual restaurants on the platform for a limited time.
How Discounts are Applied in Doordash
Applying for a discount in Doordash is a simple process:
- Choose your food items and add them to your cart.
- Click on the cart icon to review your order.
- At the checkout page, you’ll see a field to enter a promo code if you have one. Enter the code, and the discount will be applied to your order total.
- Automatic discounts like DashPass benefits, will be applied at checkout without needing a promo code.
Remember that each discount or promo code will have its own terms and conditions. It’s essential to read these carefully to understand when and how they can be applied.
How to Earn Discounts in Doordash App
Sign-up Offers
The first step towards earning discounts in the Doordash app begins at registration. As a fresh user, you’re welcomed with enticing sign-up offers to enhance your dining experience.
Typically, these offers provide generous discounts on your first few orders, which significantly cuts down the cost. It’s a clever strategy to attract new users and give them a taste of the Doordash experience.
For instance, you may find an offer that reduces your total bill by a certain percentage or a flat dollar amount off your first order. Remember, these discounts are introductory gift, and they might not reflect the average Doordash dasher pay or Doordash rates.
Referral Programs
In addition to the initial sign-up offers, Doordash also provides a robust referral program. This system allows you to earn discounts by simply inviting your friends, family, or any other potential users to the platform.
Once your referral makes their first order, you receive a discount on your next purchase. It’s a win-win scenario where you, your referral, and Doordash all benefit. By utilizing this method, you can continually earn discounts and reduce the impact of the standard Doordash rates on your wallet.
Regular Promotions & Limited Time Offers
Doordash frequently offers regular promotions and limited-time deals to its users. These discounts can be seasonal, event-based, or simply random acts of generosity from the platform.
To stay updated on these offers, it’s wise to allow notifications from the Doordash app or regularly check their website or social media pages. Remember, these deals are time-sensitive and require prompt action.
These promotions can significantly cut your costs, even making the Doordash dasher pay appear more affordable in comparison.
Doordash Pass
For regular users of the platform, subscribing to the Doordash Pass could be a smart move. This monthly subscription offers free delivery and reduced service fees on orders over a certain amount.
It’s a strategy that rewards loyal customers who regularly use the app for their meals. Plus, the Doordash Pass can help you maintain your foodie lifestyle without causing a dent in your budget.
DashPass Benefits
The benefits of DashPass extend beyond free deliveries. Subscribers also get exclusive access to promotions, discounts, and events that are not available to the general user base.
One great perk for students is the DashPass student discount, which allows eligible university and college students to enjoy DashPass benefits at a reduced price. This makes the subscription an even more cost-effective option for the student population.
Loyalty Programs
Loyalty Programs are another excellent way to earn discounts on Doordash. These programs offer rewards based on your usage of the app.
The more you order, the more points you accrue. These points can then be redeemed for discounts on future orders. It’s a strategy that not only rewards user loyalty but also encourages frequent usage of the app.
Tips and Tricks to Maximize Discounts in Doordash App
Make the Most of Your Tax Deductions
Being a DoorDash delivery driver positions you as a self-employed individual, not an employee. To truly flourish, you need to adopt the mindset of a business owner. One vital strategy all savvy business owners use is capitalizing on tax deductions.
Here’s a way to look at it: over a year, being a successful dasher means you incur various expenses. Perhaps you invest in a sturdy phone mount or opt for superior courier bags over the free one DoorDash provides. These are all legitimate business expenditures and are tax-deductible.
Even if you don’t go for these extras, the one tool you undeniably utilize is your car (or bike). This means more money spent on repairs, maintenance, fuel, and potentially even an insurance plan tailored for delivery drivers.
Pinpoint Peak Dashing Hours
Surely, you’d prefer to be dashing during high-demand periods, but not if every other driver on the DoorDash platform has the same idea. So, how do you find the perfect equilibrium between driver availability and customer orders?
From my personal experience and meticulous research, here are my suggested peak times:
6 AM – 9 AM
For the early risers, these hours can prove extremely lucrative. You’d be surprised at the volume of breakfast orders, and the competition is generally low during these hours.
11 AM – 1 PM
Lunchtime is undoubtedly a hectic period for all food delivery apps. Although this is a shorter window, it can be quite profitable if you’re available. If you’re a full-time dasher, don’t miss this slot, and plan your own lunch break accordingly.
5 PM – 9 PM
These hours see the highest restaurant and food delivery activity, particularly on weekends. This dinner rush provides a steady four-hour stretch to accumulate orders. However, remember that this is also peak time for dashers. If you intend to work these hours, secure your slot in advance through the dasher app.
After 10 PM
Late-night deliveries tend to attract more generous customer tips, making these hours exceptionally rewarding, especially in major markets like San Francisco and New York City. It’s not so much about the volume of orders but rather the increased earning potential per order.
Schedule Your Dashes Ahead of Time
When a region is saturated with DoorDash drivers, it gets greyed out on the app map, implying you can’t dash there. To avoid this scenario and secure well-paying dashes, I suggest scheduling your dashes ahead of time.
Here’s how it works. Suppose you dash into a profitable area, but it’s gradually becoming more competitive. When you see this happening, open the dasher app and reserve the area you wish to work in.
This strategy allows you to secure your spot in even the most sought-after areas. Once you’ve scheduled your preferred area and timeslot, it doesn’t matter if it gets greyed out – your dash is already confirmed.
By following this method, you can schedule your dashes up to six days ahead of time. It’s particularly beneficial for dashing in bustling cities.
No Need to Idle at a Single Hotspot
Don’t park yourself outside a single bustling restaurant. Believe me, being in proximity doesn’t increase your chances of getting an order. Any dasher within a two- to three-mile radius stands a fair chance.
Instead, find a spot near multiple restaurants. This strategy increases your odds of getting an order from any of them.
My golden tip: Try to find a parking spot at a mall with several eateries. This way, you can get to any of them in a jiffy.
Stop Obsessing Over Your Acceptance Rate
Sure, an acceptance rate over 70% gives you a few privileges, potentially including priority for high-paying orders. But trust me, accepting every order isn’t the best strategy. Any seasoned dasher will tell you the same.
Here’s the inside scoop: DoorDash starts by offering low-paying orders and gradually increases the base pay until a dasher accepts it. Think of it like an auction. This isn’t officially disclosed by DoorDash – we old-timers figured it out.
In short: Declining low-paying orders can indirectly cause DoorDash to increase their base pay.
So, skip the undesirable deliveries and hold out for something better. Don’t sweat it if your acceptance rate falls to 20% – there are no penalties for order refusal.
Choose Your Deliveries Wisely
Maximizing your time requires being selective. Driving eight miles for a $3 or $4 order simply doesn’t cut it.
My rule of thumb: Aim for a base pay of at least $2 per mile. ($1 per mile might be fine for super-fast orders, but generally, avoid it.)
Your best bet is to order above $7. These often come from popular restaurants, which tend to be busier and offer multiple dashes.
Naturally, you want to sidestep poor orders. Here’s a trick: Start your dash 10 minutes before you actually set off. The first few orders are likely the ones that have been declined by other dashers.
Here’s a rundown of deliveries to steer clear of:
Walmart Groceries
In my experience, Walmart runs can be a nightmare. The volume is hard to predict compared to restaurant deliveries. Always check the number of items. You might end up with 58 items and four cases of water, all destined for the fifth floor of an elevator-less complex.
Fast Food Drive-Thrus
These deliveries often entail long waits. You’ll end up in line with regular customers. Unless the base pay or tip is significant, give these a miss.
Orders Away From Hotspots
Remember, you’re only paid for delivering, not for the return journey to hotspots. Accept these orders only if the payout compensates for the return time or if they take you to a different hotspot.
Rethink Your Accepted Orders
Understand the art of discerning which orders to decline immediately. Nevertheless, there will be instances where canceling an accepted order becomes necessary. Of course, this isn’t a tactic to overuse since maintaining a high completion rate is key to staying on the platform.
Consider canceling when you reach the restaurant only to find the order far from ready, with a 15-20 minute wait ahead. Since time is money and waiting doesn’t pay, it’s often wiser to invest your time elsewhere.
In such situations, I ensure to communicate with the customer, informing them about the delay and my decision to cancel, thus allowing another dasher to handle their order once it’s prepared. This way, the customer remains in the loop and experiences minimal inconvenience.
Make Regular App Refreshes a Habit
While on the move, encountering areas with weak cell reception is common, causing GPS glitches and potential app crashes. During these tech hiccups, order deliveries stall. So, if you observe a lull in dashes or you’re receiving misplaced orders, just hit restart on the app.
I personally got this tip from DoorDash support, reassuring me that my progress or data won’t be compromised since the dash is registered on DoorDash’s servers.
Regardless of signal strength, I always reboot my app regularly as I’ve noticed this often triggers new orders. My routine includes restarting the app after each dash, and if I’m without an order, I keep refreshing the app every few minutes.
Adhere to Customer Instructions
Here’s a golden rule: To earn impressive tips and ratings, delivering exceptional service is paramount, and that starts with following customer instructions to a tee.
During the COVID pandemic, for example, many customers preferred contactless deliveries. No matter how unusual some requests may appear, respecting them is essential for maintaining your tip revenue.
If a customer prefers you to refrain from knocking, don’t. If they want their food left in a specific location, do it.
In my experience, DoorDash customers typically have simple instructions. But on the rare occasion when they don’t, I suggest reaching out for clarification.
Handle Hot and Cold Items With Care
Want to avoid a tip cut? Never deliver melted desserts or lukewarm soups. If a customer orders a combination of hot and cold items, it’s crucial to store them separately, preferably in individual insulated bags. (And remember, you can claim these on your taxes!)
This rule extends to chilled drinks too, especially those with ice.
Have a Sharpie Handy
Keeping a permanent marker within reach allows you to label customers’ orders. (Most establishments attach a receipt bearing the customer’s name to the bag, but a few don’t.)
This neat trick has saved me from confusion when handling multiple orders simultaneously. After all, delivering the wrong order is a surefire way to receive unfavorable ratings.
Keeping You Updated
As a user of DoorDash, I understand the anticipation of waiting for food delivery. That’s why I make it a point to update my customers at every step of the delivery process. Unless stated otherwise, I ensure my customers are in the know.
I often script out and save standard updates in my notes for these situations:
- At the Restaurant
Upon my arrival at the restaurant, I’ll send you a message to notify that I’m picking up your order.
- Order Received
As soon as I start my journey toward you, I punch your address into Google Maps and send you an ETA.
- Experiencing Delays
Encountered unexpected traffic? I’ll keep you updated so that you’re not caught off guard when your meal arrives later than estimated.
- Arriving Soon
As I close in on your delivery address, 3-5 minutes out, I alert you. This helps especially if your location is tricky or lacks clear numbering, preparing you in case I need to contact you.
- Delivery Made
For contactless deliveries, I send a final update letting you know your meal has arrived. For in-person drop-offs, unless you’ve asked for no knocking, I’ll knock on the door, step back, and wish you a good day or evening.
Professional Appearance
While the red DoorDash T-shirt isn’t a must, I believe in maintaining a presentable appearance as it can influence tips.
I avoid baggy clothing or any T-shirts bearing slogans that may not sit well with everyone, especially those with political themes. In essence, anything that might come across as unprofessional stays in the closet during my delivery hours.
Reaching Out to Support
Life as a dasher can be unpredictable, from receiving a generous $100 tip to driving eight miles off route due to a typo in the address. There could even be instances where reaching the delivery address or the customer is impossible.
Whenever I face such situations, my go-to solution is to contact support immediately. This ensures I’m not held accountable if the order has to be canceled.
Utilizing Multiple Delivery Apps
Diversification is my mantra! In addition to DoorDash, I also utilize platforms like Uber Eats, Postmates, Grubhub, and Instacart. Not only does this provide more earning opportunities, but it can also make my DoorDash deliveries more profitable.
After accepting a dash, I’ll check other apps for deliveries from the same restaurant. This potentially doubles my earnings as I get paid by two platforms. However, this strategy is best suited for seasoned delivery drivers to avoid delayed orders and subsequent low ratings.
Making the Most of Fast Pay
Instant payment is a godsend, especially when immediate expenses such as gas payments arise. That’s where DoorDash’s Fast Pay service shines, as it enables me to transfer earnings instantly to my account.
Even though there’s a $2 fee per transfer, the convenience of having the earnings deposited into my account within minutes outweighs the wait for the next weekly payment.
How to Get Free Delivery on DoorDash
Opting for Restaurants Offering No Delivery Fee
Interestingly, not all eateries listed on DoorDash require a delivery fee. When you navigate the DoorDash website or its mobile app, it’s possible to spot restaurants extending a $0 delivery fee for their first order, and some even offering the same perk to all customers.
Sign Up for DashPass
DashPass, DoorDash’s monthly subscription model, is a game-changer. It secures free delivery and slashed service charges on orders exceeding $12 from cherished restaurants via DoorDash or its affiliate, Caviar. The best part? It offers a risk-free trial for a month and can be dismissed anytime you wish.
To embark on the DashPass journey online, search for the DashPass promo box or hit the three lines (☰) nestled in the upper left corner of your screen, following it up by selecting ‘Get Free Deliveries.’
To join DashPass via the mobile app, hunt for the DashPass banner or tap on the profile icon stationed in the upper left-hand corner of your screen, and then select ‘Get $0 delivery fees with DashPass.’
Top Credit Cards for Maximizing DoorDash Benefits
Believe it or not, choosing the correct credit card for your DoorDash orders can not only save you some money but also pile up a significant number of points. You might be surprised that something as simple as ordering dinner from home could have such perks!
Now, let me share with you my most recommended credit cards for DoorDash:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
In my experience, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® card has consistently proved to be one of the superior travel rewards cards available. This card offers a plethora of bonus categories, including travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, thereby opening doors for you to amass bonus points.
In addition to that, the card comes with no foreign transaction fees, various point redemption options, and commendable travel insurance coverage. Given these advantages, it’s no surprise that this card sits at the top of my list for travelers.
DoorDash Advantages
What’s more, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card grants a complimentary DashPass subscription, delivering free and reduced-fee deliveries on orders above $12 from DoorDash and Caviar.
If you activate this offer before December 31, 2023, you can enjoy these benefits until the end of 2024. But don’t worry, if you activate it anytime during 2024, the subscription remains valid for an entire year from the activation date.
Other Splendid Benefits:
- 3x points on dining (including DoorDash purchases)
- Achieve 1.25 cents per point value when redeeming points for travel via the Chase travel portal
- The ability to transfer points directly to Chase’s hotel and airline partners
- Access to premium travel benefits like primary car rental coverage, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and baggage delay insurance
Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
Now, if you’re on the hunt for an exemplary travel rewards card that checks all boxes, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® could be your perfect match.
This card seamlessly blends exclusive travel benefits, such as airport lounge access, with impressive point-earning and redemption alternatives. Not to mention, the robust travel insurance protections it offers have you covered, no matter where you are.
What’s more, it comes with a $300 annual travel credit, significantly offsetting the annual fee!
DoorDash Advantages
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card also sweetens the deal with a $5 monthly DoorDash credit and a free DashPass subscription. Similar to the Preferred card, if you activate this by December 31, 2023, the subscription is valid through December 31, 2024. However, if activated anytime during 2024, the subscription continues for a year from the activation date.
Other Splendid Benefits:
- Earn 3x dining purchases (including DoorDash orders)
- Direct point transfers to Chase’s hotel and airline partners
- $300 annual travel credit
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit
- Priority Pass Select membership
- Premium travel benefits like car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay insurance, and lost luggage insurance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking Discounts
Misunderstanding Terms and Conditions
One of the most prevalent mistakes when it comes to hunting discounts is not fully understanding the terms and conditions of the deals.
When you sign up for Doordash, often you are presented with a “sign up Doordash promo“, which appears to be a fantastic deal at first glance. However, the fine print might contain specific stipulations that you need to meet to avail of the discount.
For instance, some of these promos might apply only to certain categories, such as groceries. This is where a deal like ‘Safeway Doordash’ comes in. You might see an enticing discount for your first Safeway grocery order through Doordash but fail to realize that it may not apply to your usual restaurant orders.
Tips to avoid this mistake:
- Always read the fine print.
- Don’t assume every promo applies universally across all Doordash services.
- If unsure, reach out to Doordash support for clarification.
Missing Time-limited Offers
In the world of app-based delivery services, flash deals, and time-limited offers are commonplace. Doordash is no exception. They frequently put out exciting, limited-time promotions that can provide significant savings, especially when ordering groceries or meals.
However, users often miss these offers due to inattentiveness, not checking their emails or app notifications, or simply overlooking the offer’s expiration date.
These fleeting opportunities can save you a hefty amount on your orders, making it crucial to stay up-to-date with Doordash’s latest offers.
Tips to avoid this mistake:
- Regularly check your email and app notifications for new Doordash deals.
- Set reminders for the expiration dates of offers you’re interested in.
- Regularly visit the Doordash app to check the ‘Offers’ section.
By steering clear of these common mistakes, you can significantly increase your chances of saving money through the earned discounts on Doordash. It’s all about being vigilant, understanding the deals on offer, and applying them correctly.
FAQs About Earning Discounts in Doordash (FAQs)
Can Doordash drivers also earn discounts on their personal orders?
Absolutely! Doordash drivers, often seen as the backbone of the Doordash business, can indeed earn discounts on their personal orders. They can take advantage of the same promotions and discounts as regular users.
How do I stay updated about the latest Doordash discounts and offers?
The best way to keep informed about the latest discounts and offers is through the Doordash app itself. It’s also recommended to subscribe to their newsletters and follow their social media accounts for timely updates.
I’m a Doordash driver. Are there any tips to earn more?
Sure thing! Beyond earnings from deliveries, Doordash driver tips can significantly boost your income. Providing excellent service, timely delivery, and maintaining good communication with customers often result in higher tips. Also, make sure you’re aware of “peak hours” where you can earn extra.
Does the Doordash Pass offer any discounts?
Yes, DashPass, the subscription service offered by Doordash, provides a myriad of discounts including reduced service fees and free delivery on orders from eligible restaurants. It’s a great way to save money if you use Doordash frequently.
I run a restaurant. Can joining Doordash benefit my business?
Joining Doordash can certainly benefit your restaurant. As part of the Doordash business model, they expose your establishment to a wider audience. This increased visibility can result in more orders and higher revenue. Plus, they occasionally run promotional offers that spotlight specific restaurants, which could be a boon for your business.
How can I contact Doordash driver support?
You can contact Doordash driver support through the Doordash app. They also have an extensive help section on their website with answers to common queries.
Can I use more than one discount on a single Doordash order?
Usually, Doordash allows only one discount code per order. However, this can vary depending on the specifics of the promotions. Always check the terms and conditions of the discount codes you intend to use.
Maximizing Savings: Unleash the Power to Earn Discounts in Doordash App
Learning how to “Earn Discounts in Doordash App” can lead to substantial savings, making your food delivery experience more affordable and enjoyable. Navigating through the various types of discounts and understanding when and how to apply them will help you reduce your meal costs consistently.
As we have seen, the Doordash app presents a range of options to earn discounts from referral programs, sign-up offers, to regular promotions. My personal experiences shared here serve as a testament to the potential of these discount opportunities.
Finally, each step brings you closer to maximizing your savings on Doordash. I invite you to take the next step – embark on your journey to earn discounts in the Doordash app, and make every meal a delight to your palate and your pocket.
