Key Takeaways
- DashMart is an online grocery and convenience delivery service by DoorDash, offering items from local businesses and traditional groceries.
- It provides quick 30-minute delivery, supports local merchants, and operates 24/7 exclusively through the DoorDash app.
- It has expanded to 14 major U.S. cities including Denver, Chicago, and New York City.
- DashMart orders are fulfilled from warehouses and delivered by DoorDash drivers, emphasizing speed and convenience.
What Is DashMart by DoorDash?
DashMart by DoorDash is a grocery and convenience delivery service. Similar to Uber’s Cornershop, you can order fresh produce, local favorites, and plenty of convenience items like toothpaste or paper towels.
DashMart came to fruition in 2020, and it has been steadily taking hold in the grocery delivery industry ever since. In their rise, the company uses this service to make even more money than they already are.
While the service still trails behind other grocery delivery services in popularity, they offer extra benefits and items that could easily draw people to their service.
Related: How DoorDash grocery delivery works
How Does DashMart Work?
DashMart operates as an online store within the DoorDash app, similar to the process of purchasing food from a third-party restaurant.
Customers can order a wide range of items, from fresh produce and groceries to toiletries and medicines, similar to what you’d find in a typical grocery or convenience store. However, DashMart does not offer alcoholic beverages.
The unique feature of DashMart is its partnership with local businesses, offering local favorites like restaurant-prepared foods and specialty items.
When an order is placed in the app, it is packed at one of DashMart’s micro-fulfillment centers. Then, a DoorDash delivery person, known as a Dasher, collects and delivers the order.
DashMart is known for its fast delivery service, often within 30 minutes, which is quicker than similar services like Instacart.
This efficiency and the wide range of products available, including local specialties, set DashMart apart from traditional grocery delivery services.
Is DashMart a Real Store?
Yes, DashMart is a real store, but it operates exclusively online, similar to a ghost kitchen or warehouse. It does not have physical locations for in-person customer shopping.
Instead, the company leverages a series of warehouses, or micro-fulfillment centers, that allow for efficient processing and quick delivery by drivers.
This system works similarly to Amazon Fresh or GoPuff’s warehouses, where items are packed at the fulfillment locations and then picked up by delivery drivers.
This system contrasts with companies like Instacart, which doesn’t have its own locations but relies on shoppers who buy items from various stores.
Brett’s Take: Thoughts From an Expert
DashMart is an interesting push by DoorDash to cut out middle men in the convenience industry – like CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, or Quick Trip.
It has been fairly well-received by customers who rely on these types of stores as an easy and quick way to get items fast with as little hassle as possible.
I personally use Walgreens and CVS a lot, especially when I’m in a time crunch.
I don’t necessarily like the markups they charge, but because they are so convenient, I am happy to pay them when I don’t have time to go to a cheaper alternative like Walmart.
This also seems to be well-received by drivers, who appreciate the efficiency and speed at which they can pick up and delivery pre-packaged goods to the customer.
Where Is DashMart Available?
As of 2023, DashMart is available in fourteen major cities in the United States. Initially launched in eight cities, the service has expanded due to its success, particularly during the pandemic.
DashMart’s current availability includes:
- Denver
- Chicago
- San Diego
- Sacramento
- Redwood City, CA
- Phoenix and the Greater Metropolitan area
- Baltimore
- Concord, CA
- New York City
- Dallas
- Salt Lake City
- San Francisco
- Cincinnati
- Columbus
- Minneapolis
DoorDash, the company behind DashMart, began this venture in densely populated areas and plans to continue expanding to more major cities across the US.
DashMart: From a Driver’s Perspective
Overall, DashMart seems to be worthwhile to check out while driving with DoorDash.
They are an efficient place for picking up orders, with a quick and streamlined process. You simply show up, show the order on the Dasher app, and receive the items.
Orders are usually pre-packed and ready to go, which helps to minimize wait times that drivers oftentimes face while picking up orders from restaurants.
One small perk of picking up these orders is that sometimes DashMarts will offer free snacks or items nearing their expiration dates to drivers instead of just throwing them away.
I’ve seen everything from chips and donuts to other rather unusual items like potatoes being given away for free.
As with any delivery service though, the orders can be hit or miss sometimes. Some orders have reasonable pay and mileage, while others might be low-paying with longer distances.
This seems to be largely driven by the city and location of the DashMart. In some cities, they are highly efficient and popular, while in others, they may offer less attractive orders or be in locations that are a bit of a pain to get to.
Regardless, I encourage you to check them out if you have one in your city and see what you think for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are DashMart’s Hours?
DashMart operates 24/7, offering round-the-clock convenience unmatched by traditional grocery stores or delivery services like Instacart and AmazonFresh. This continuous service is enabled by DoorDash’s diverse workforce, including night shift employees.
Can I Contact DashMart If I Need Help?
Yes, you can contact DoorDash’s customer service for issues related to DashMart. While DashMart itself doesn’t have a dedicated customer service team, DoorDash handles customer queries and concerns.
Separate service lines are available for merchants and Dashers. However, customer service may not provide detailed information on specific products, like expiration dates or product quality.
Final Thoughts
So far, DashMart has proved to be an excellent service that gets people stuck at home with their groceries and local restaurant favorites quickly and conveniently.
The service has some steep competition in the grocery delivery market, and many other companies have established themselves well.
From the 24-hour service to the 30-minute delivery, DashMart and DoorDash prioritize convenience and speed over everything.
And they step up their inventory by including local favorites while simultaneously uplifting local restaurants and shops.
