Key Takeaways
- The DoorDash waitlist is activated when there are more driver (Dasher) sign-ups than current delivery needs in a specific area.
- Applicants on the waitlist will receive notifications or updates from DoorDash when openings become available in their selected region.
- Duration on the waitlist can vary based on regional demand, Dasher turnover, and promotional activities.
- Regularly checking the DoorDash Dasher app or associated email can provide updates or potential steps to move off the waitlist faster.
- Considering availability in nearby regions or cities might offer quicker onboarding opportunities if the current area has a long waitlist.
What Is the DoorDash Waitlist?
The DoorDash waitlist is a system that the company uses to manage the number of drivers who work in a specific market. This is activated when there are more driver (Dasher) sign-ups than current delivery needs in a specific area.
DoorDash offers a fairly straightforward sign-up process for new drivers. However, some users end up on the DoorDash waitlist after completing this process.
The goal is to offer a positive experience to drivers by making sure there is plenty of work to go around based on the demand that exists for each market.
Related: How the Instacart waitlist works for drivers
How Long Is the DoorDash Waitlist?
The duration of the DoorDash waitlist can significantly vary from one market to another, influenced by the specific needs and dynamics of each local market.
In high-demand urban areas like New York City or Washington DC, where there is a high turnover of drivers, the waitlist may be relatively short. Conversely, in smaller towns with slower market growth, the waitlist could be longer due to less frequent openings for new drivers.
DoorDash’s market share and popularity also impact the waitlist duration.
As of 2018, DoorDash held 12% of the U.S. delivery market, with projections to reach 15% by the end of 2022. This growth, fueled by increasing app usage, implies a rising demand for drivers, potentially shortening the waitlist over time.
Additionally, DoorDash’s expansion into new services, such as delivering meals to food banks, suggests more opportunities for drivers. However, the growing gig economy, with more people trying gig work (e.g., 2 million Americans in 2020), increases competition among applicants for platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart.
This heightened competition could influence the length of the waitlist as more individuals apply for gig work.
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How to Check Your DoorDash Waitlist Status
DoorDash doesn’t provide users with a way of checking their waitlist status via the official website or DoorDash app. Instead, you’ll have to wait to receive an email with an update.
However, you can check your application status to make sure you have completed all the steps:
- Visit doordash.com/dash. Log in and select the link that says ‘Already started signing up?’ If you didn’t finish this process, the website will take you to the next step you need to complete to become a DoorDash dasher.
- Check your emails. DoorDash will send you confirmation emails after you complete the activation step and the background check. If DoorDash needs more information from you, these emails will contain thel instructions to follow.
What to Do if You Get Waitlisted
Signing up for DoorDash and getting an email that says you’re on the waitlist can be a frustrating experience. Here are your options if you end up on the waitlist.
1. Wait It Out
If you end up on the waitlist because DoorDash isn’t available in your area, you can wait and see if the delivery service expands to your city.
If you’re in an over-saturated market, you can wait until DoorDash accepts demands.
DoorDash will let you commence work if demand increases and the current driver pool is no longer sufficient or if enough drivers stop working.
Note that the driver pool can vary over time because of different factors. For instance, poor road conditions can cause some drivers to take a break from dashing in the winter to avoid driving on the ice and snow.
2. Sign Up in Another Market or Region
Another option is to drive in a nearby city where DoorDash is available or where the market isn’t over-saturated.
Driving to another city or region can add to your expenses in terms of gas, but it can be worth it if there aren’t many opportunities for gig work where you live.
3. Try Another Food Delivery Service
You can also sign up for another food delivery service. Uber Eats is a suitable alternative, and this service is available in over 6,000 cities worldwide.
The downside is that Uber Eats doesn’t have a rewards program like DoorDash. You should also think about exploring other driving and delivery apps:
- Instacart is a popular delivery platform for ordering takeout from a local restaurant and items from local businesses.
- Postmates is like Instacart and might be a good option for a grocery delivery gig.
- With Shipt, you can earn money by picking items from the grocery store and delivering them.
- Uber is a good way of earning some extra money by transporting riders.
- Amazon also offers gig opportunities through Amazon Flex where drivers deliver packages to earn some extra cash.
Can You Get Off the DoorDash Waitlist?
Yes, you can get off the DoorDash waitlist. To do so, you need to contact DoorDash Support and request them to deactivate your account. This action will remove you from the waitlist and erase your personal information from DoorDash’s records.
If you decide to reapply later, be aware that you will have to start the application process from scratch.
Additionally, if you simply wish to stop receiving emails from DoorDash while on the waitlist, you can unsubscribe from their emails by clicking the ‘Unsubscribe’ link found at the bottom of any DoorDash email.
Remember, as an independent contractor for DoorDash, even if you receive an email stating you can start dashing, you are not obligated to accept any delivery orders.
Why Do DoorDash Drivers Get Waitlisted?
DoorDash places new applicants on a waitlist because of the existing offer and demand for each market.
There is no sign that DoorDash would prioritize a delivery driver over another because of their profile.
Market Availability
A common reason for ending up on the DoorDash waitlist is market availability.
While Door Dash is a popular food delivery service, it’s not available everywhere.
If you live in an area where DoorDash isn’t available, you will end up on the waitlist until DoorDash expands to your zip code.
DoorDash is currently available in more than 7,000 cities in the US, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Japan, but it might not be an option if you live in a more isolated area.
A good way to see if DoorDash is available where you live is to open the app.
You can look up a popular chain like Taco Bell to see if any restaurant partners pop up for your zip code.
Getting on the waitlist is a good thing since you’ll receive a notification as soon as DoorDash becomes available in your area, and you’ll get early access!
However, there is no way of knowing when or if DoorDash will become available.
Market Oversaturation
DoorDash has a guaranteed earnings program in some areas that pays out a delivery fee if your earnings fall below a certain threshold, but the waitlist is another method the delivery service uses to make sure drivers have access to work.
There is no official guaranteed minimum for the amount of work available, but DoorDash can prevent market oversaturation with the waitlist.
You might end up on the waitlist if you apply to become a DoorDash delivery driver in a market that already has too many drivers.
It can happen in busy cities or in areas where DoorDash is a popular gig.
A common sign that your local market has become over-saturated is that DoorDash will stop offering a referral bonus for new dashers or if drivers earn less per hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read on to learn more about the DoorDash waitlist.
How long is the normal DoorDash onboarding process?
You can complete the online application within a few minutes.
There is a background check step, but it usually takes a few seconds.
DoorDash should process your application and send you a confirmation email within the same day.
However, you won’t be able to start dashing until you get your Red Card and delivery bag.
It usually takes three to four days to get these items in the mail.
You can’t start working without these items since the Red Card is a credit card you use to pay for most orders.
Restaurant partners have integrations through their POS to accept this card and bill DoorDash directly for the order.
Can you get rejected from DoorDash?
DoorDash can reject applicants.
There is a background check that will inform DoorDash of any prior traffic violations or other issues.
DoorDash can either reject you or request more information to consider your status.
If you get a rejection email, you’ll receive an explanation in the email.
You’ll also have an opportunity to submit more information and dispute the decision.
Final Thoughts
The DoorDash waitlist is a useful tool to ensure that there is enough work to go around for drivers, but it can be frustrating to apply and find yourself on the waitlist.
Thankfully, there are other opportunities for gig work drivers.
Look at the related articles we have published on Ridester to learn more about these options.
We also have some great resources about using these delivery apps, including tips for saving money, using a gift card to order, and more!
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