DoorDash has become the most important online food ordering and delivery service in the United States, as it directly connects thousands of restaurants to customers who no longer need to leave their homes. Customers place food orders from their smartphones and wait for a Dasher to arrive with their meals.
However, many people fail to recognize the crucial work performed by DoorDash delivery drivers, or Dashers, who facilitate meal deliveries to users. Dashers often rely heavily on tips as part of their income, yet customers frequently show little empathy and do not adequately compensate drivers for their efforts.
This has understandably frustrated many Dashers, leading some internauts to post angry Dashers’ viral videos about receiving no tips or minimal gratuities from users.
@hotspotmedia Is she right? #karen #karensgoingwild #karensgonewild #karens #delivery #tips #doordash #hotspotmedia
In response, DoorDash has clarified that it stands with Dashers, the individuals responsible for keeping the company’s food delivery platform operational. Dashers work constantly, yet customers may not realize Dashers earn an estimated 30% of their income from tips on average. DoorDash communications have emphasized that Dashers comprise one-third of the “DoorDash community,” along with consumers and restaurant partners.
By highlighting Dashers’ essential yet underappreciated role, DoorDash aims to increase awareness and encourage fair treatment of these crucial workers. In an industry where many Dashers struggle financially due to low pay and tip reliance, even small gestures of gratitude can significantly impact their livelihoods. The company and customers must recognize Dashers’ contributions if online food delivery is to remain a viable option.
This year, the company announced changes to the tipping DoorDash policy within the mobile app. Previously, when placing an order, customers could choose whether to add a tip and how much when completing their payment. DoorDash’s update introduced a new option during checkout where customers are prompted to decide on a tip amount or default option before finalizing their order after providing payment details.
However, some customers found it illogical to tip before receiving their food. There were also concerns that pre-tipping could allow for tip-baiting by customers changing the amount after delivery. As a result, DoorDash saw a decline in tipping through the app.
DoorDash updated the drivers’ order acceptance process. Dashers can now see during offer presentation whether an order includes a tip. Based on tip visibility, drivers can prioritize higher-paying orders with a gratuity.
To inform customers, DoorDash released a statement explaining this change. The company warned that opting not to tip through the app may result in longer wait times, as drivers are less likely to accept non-tipped orders promptly.
While tipping on food delivery remains at a customer’s discretion, DoorDash aims to increase understanding of how gratuities impact drivers’ livelihoods and willingness to deliver all orders promptly. Clear communication from all parties can help ensure a fair and efficient experience for customers and couriers alike.
The update introduces an optional pre-tipping screen where customers can add a gratuity before finalizing payment details. The company hopes encouraging pre-tipping will incentivize Dashers (find out how to become a Dasher) to accept and carefully deliver all orders promptly.
However, initial user feedback has been mixed. Some customers found pre-tipping illogical before receiving their food order. This led to a decline in tips through the app and longer wait times as Dashers prioritized higher-paying deliveries.
Previously, the app displayed a post-payment tipping screen reminding users that gratuities motivate Dashers and can influence how quickly an order is accepted. It clarified that Dashers receive 100% of tips and have the autonomy to accept or decline orders based on multiple factors like tip amount, distance, etc.
From now on, DoorDash will closely analyze the results from this pilot program. Outcomes will help determine if pre-tipping should remain an option or be altered or removed entirely based on effectiveness in achieving the dual goals of Dasher support and quality customer experience. Clear and frequent communication with all users remains essential.
“Tips help make orders more attractive to fulfill.”
@jessicagolich #greenscreen I always personally tip really well wby? 👀 #doordashtip #doordashtipwarning #doordashdriver #doordashlife #deliveryfoodtok #deliveryfood #deliveryservice #deliverybelike
With the new update, the message warns that “Orders with no tip might take longer to get delivered” because delivery will be delayed until a Dasher is available. “Are you sure to continue?”