How DoorDash Schedules Work For Dashers: Explained in Simple Terms

Can You DoorDash Anytime?

Yes, you can DoorDash anytime, but with some conditions.

The DoorDash app includes a “Dash Now” feature allowing dashers to work flexibly. However, the availability of this feature depends on the number of dashers already working in your area and customer demand. If there are enough dashers to meet demand, you might need to schedule a shift for a busier time.

Additionally, the “Top Dasher Program” offers a “Dash Anytime” feature for drivers who meet certain criteria, giving them the privilege to work anytime regardless of demand, with priority for orders.

How are DoorDash Orders Assigned?

DoorDash assigns orders based on several factors.

First, the system prioritizes “Top Dashers” and those with the highest customer ratings. Dashers with high ratings and a record of timely deliveries are more likely to receive incoming orders.

Secondly, the proximity of the dasher to the restaurant is crucial; those closest to the restaurant typically receive the order first, promoting faster delivery and increased customer satisfaction.

However, there can be exceptions where an order might be assigned to a dasher who is not the closest, depending on business needs and the availability of drivers at that time.

What Time Do Schedules Come Out for DoorDash?

Schedules for DoorDash become available at midnight each night. Dashers can log into the app at this time to select their desired shifts, which can fill up quickly, especially in certain markets.

To secure better scheduling options, dashers can aim for Early Access Scheduling, granted to those with high Customer Ratings and Completion Rates.

There are two ways to qualify for this: maintaining specific performance metrics beyond your 500th delivery or weekly.

Early Access allows dashers to set their schedule six days in advance, becoming available at 3 PM, six days before the desired date. For example, on Friday, you can schedule for the following Thursday.

As of now, all dashers have access to Early Access Scheduling, but DoorDash has indicated that this may be a temporary arrangement.

Is It Better to Schedule Your DoorDash Shift or Dash Now?

Whether to schedule DoorDash shifts or use the “Dash Now” feature depends on your priorities and circumstances.

Scheduling dashes in advance allows you to set your own hours, ensuring you work when needed and potentially during more lucrative times. It’s a way to secure shifts that fit your personal schedule and possibly earn more.

On the other hand, the “Dash Now” option offers flexibility, enabling you to work spontaneously when you have free time. It’s beneficial for capitalizing on unexpectedly busy periods, especially if you couldn’t schedule a shift in advance.

DoorDash’s policy does suggest that scheduled dashers get priority. Those who schedule shifts ahead of time are typically first in line to receive orders, compared to those who choose “Dash Now.” Therefore, if you have the opportunity to schedule a shift, it might be advantageous to do so, especially for better access to orders.

Additionally, members of the Top Dasher Program are known to receive priority in order assignments.

How to Schedule DoorDash Dashes

To schedule a DoorDash shift, follow these simple steps:

1. Access the schedule in the DoorDash app by either selecting the ‘Schedule’ tab or clicking on ‘Schedule a Dash’. The ‘Schedule a Dash’ option is only visible when ‘Dash Now’ is not available.
2. Once in the scheduling section, tap on ‘Available’ to view the days you can work.
3. Select the day you wish to work.
4. Choose your preferred start and end time for the dash.
5. Finally, confirm your selection by pressing ‘Save Dash’.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully scheduled a DoorDash shift.

How to Delete or Edit Scheduled Dashes

To delete or edit a scheduled DoorDash dash, follow these steps:

1. Open the DoorDash app and navigate to the schedule section, similar to when you schedule a dash.
2. Instead of selecting the ‘Available’ tab, choose the day for which you have already scheduled a dash.
3. Tap on the dash you want to modify.
4. To delete the dash, press ‘Delete’, located at the top of the screen in the right-hand corner.
5. To edit the dash, tap on the time and adjust it as needed.
6. Once you’ve made your changes, click ‘Save Dash’ to confirm.

This process allows you to easily manage your scheduled dashes, whether you need to cancel or adjust them.

Tip: Pick the Best Shifts

Being an independent contractor with DoorDash provides great flexibility. You have the freedom to schedule your work according to your own time constraints and take on available shifts as needed.

However, it’s important to remember that the times you choose to dash can significantly impact the extra income you earn. To maximize your earnings, it’s crucial to select the right shifts.

What are The Best Hours for DoorDash?

The best hours for DoorDash, whether as a side job or full-time, are when it’s busy enough to minimize downtime between orders.

Typically, this includes the lunch rush (10 AM to 2 PM) on weekdays, when many people order lunch, and the dinner period (5 PM to 9 PM), which is busy with family dinner orders.

On weekends, orders often come in later due to extended restaurant hours and more relaxed schedules.

What are The Best Days for DoorDash?

The best days for DoorDash are typically when there is a high volume of orders, often seen on weekends.

Additionally, days with major events like football games, political events, or concerts, where families are likely to stay at home, can also see an increase in orders as people prefer the convenience of app-based food delivery.

Hot Spots

Another thing to keep an eye on is the presence of “Hot Spots”, sometimes referred to as “Hotspots”. These are areas that are busier at the given time.

Positioning yourself near a hot spot as indicated on your driver app will allow you to generate more revenue for yourself by picking up more orders.

Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Schedule a Dash?

If you’re unable to schedule a dash in the DoorDash driver app, there are a few possible reasons and solutions to consider.

The most frequent issue is simply that there are no times available to schedule. This typically happens when the demand for orders is low and enough dashers are already scheduled to meet the current demand.

There are a few different solutions to this:

1. Regularly Check for Availability: Keep an eye on the app for your desired time slot. Availability can change as other dashers adjust their schedules.
2. Use ‘Dash Now’: If scheduling in advance isn’t possible, try logging into the app when you’re ready to work and look for the ‘Dash Now’ option, which allows you to start dashing immediately if demand is high enough.
3. Consider Different Areas: If your usual area is consistently fully booked, you might explore scheduling or dashing in a nearby area that might have higher demand.

These steps can help you find opportunities to dash even when facing initial scheduling difficulties.

How Do I See My Schedule on DoorDash?

To see your schedule on DoorDash’s Dasher App, follow these steps:

1. Open the Dasher App and tap on “Schedule” at the bottom.
2. At the top of the next screen, choose “Scheduled.”
3. Use the seven-day calendar at the top to view your shifts for each day.
4. To modify your schedule, select the desired shift.
5. If you want to add more dashes, go back to “Available” and schedule from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping Up

The scheduling process for DoorDash is very straightforward.

There are ways to gain priority when receiving orders, and there are resources available on the Dasher Support website.

If you are researching how scheduling works for drivers, surely you are ready to go make money!

If you have not already signed up for DoorDash, the application process is simple.

If you are a new dasher, log into your driver app and get started today.