Key Takeaways
- DoorDash may deactivate accounts for policy violations or low performance metrics.
- Drivers receive notifications about deactivation reasons and appeal options.
- Appeals for unjustified deactivations can be submitted through DoorDash.
- Alternatives for deactivated drivers include Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Postmates.
Introduction to DoorDash Deactivation
Deactivation refers to disabling your DoorDash account so you can’t accept any more deliveries on the platform. It’s an extreme measure the company takes to ensure customer satisfaction.
If DoorDash decides to suspend your account, you’ll receive a message that includes the deactivation statement and the reasons behind it.
Should you move on and find another job then? Of course not! The company allows you to appeal the deactivation if you think it’s unjustified or the result of a misunderstanding.
The message will cover the necessary steps you can take if that’s the route you want to follow. That’s why it’s crucial to read it carefully. It’ll help you build an organized counterargument.
How Do You Know You Got Deactivated?
When you get deactivated, DoorDash notifies you via the Dasher app and an email. The in-app alert shows that it happened, and the email clarifies the reason.
If you can appeal the decision, the email will state how you can begin the process. The deactivation can happen at any time, but they do tell you why.
What Happens If You Get Deactivated?
If you get deactivated, DoorDash will notify you immediately with an app alert and email.
You can get deactivated in transit, so have your phone visible. All DoorDash deactivations are permanent unless you submit a successful appeal.
The process happens suddenly and sometimes without warning. Not all deactivations let you submit an appeal, but the email will tell you if you can.
From there, you will get instructions to begin the process.
DoorDash does not have an official number of policy violations that you need to commit before getting deactivated. They handle the offenses on a case-by-case basis, with some acts rendering faster deactivations.
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Understanding Your Deactivation
When your account gets deactivated, DoorDash support will send you a notification on the app and an email, telling you you can’t sign in anymore.
You’ll probably wonder why your account got deactivated, so here are the most common reasons.
1. Violating DoorDash’s Policies
While becoming a dasher is a convenient way to work at your own pace, the company will still hold you to high work standards/ethics.
In fact, DoorDash does extensive background checks before accepting drivers. It also has comprehensive rules dashers must follow to ensure customer satisfaction.
These include prohibiting consuming alcohol/drugs during work, misusing the prepaid card, and discriminating against customers.
If you violate any of these policies, expect your account to be deactivated soon.
2. Customer Complaints
As a customer-centered company, DoorDash allows its customers to voice their issues with its services.
That includes problems they might have faced with the drivers, whether it’s promoting common driver scams, stealing the food, or items reported as missing.
If you receive too many customer complaints, DoorDash will have no option but to deactivate your account.
3. Low Completion Rate
Having a high completion rate matters in maintaining a high rank on the app. Canceling too many delivery requests is a nuisance to the customer.
That means it’s also a nuisance to the company, and you’d be risking deactivation.
Immediate Steps to Take After Deactivation
The first action you want to take when DoorDash deactivates your account is to find out why.
Review Deactivation Policy
Understanding the guidelines DoorDash bases its deactivation on helps you identify if your suspension is valid.
For instance, let’s assume the email states the company deactivated your account for insulting a customer.
That’s a felony on your record, but a quick look at the deactivation policies will tell you that that counts as a minor violation.
In that case, the company should respond with a warning email, not by deactivating the account.
You can use that argument in your appeal to restore your account. Overall, reading these policies can be the silver lining that saves your livelihood.
Identify the Cause of the Deactivation
We’ve already established that the email will include the cause of the deactivation. Well, sometimes, that reason isn’t clear.
Here’s an example of a real deactivation email: “ Your Dasher account has been deactivated due to a report indicating that you violated one or more of the terms you agreed to abide by to use DoorDash platform.”
The email doesn’t specify what terms the dasher has violated. In that case, it’s up to them to investigate.
On rare occasions, DoorDash can even deactivate your account without providing any reason. That’s usually a mistake on the support’s side. If you contact them, they’ll restore it in no time.
If they say the deactivation is valid, you can ask about the reason and start building your case.
How to Appeal a DoorDash Deactivation
DoorDash allows some drivers to defend themselves and explain their side of the story in an attempt to restore their accounts.
Not everyone can appeal their deactivation, though. If the company suspends your account because your customer rating or completion rates are too low, they won’t allow you to appeal.
There’s nothing to appeal here. You simply didn’t meet the company’s standards.
However, you can appeal the deactivation if it claims you’ve violated your Independent Contractor Agreement or Service Provider Platform Access Policy.
That includes committing fraud, abuse, or violating the safety of the platform. Luckily, DoorDash has made the appeal process as straightforward as possible.
Fill Out the Appeal Form
The first step you want to take is to fill out the appeal form on the DoorDash website.
It’s crucial to take this step as soon as you get the deactivation message. That gives you the best chance to tell your side of the story without forgetting any relevant details.
You want to make your answers as detailed as possible but don’t mention any irrelevant information.
On average, It takes two weeks to two months for DoorDash support to process your appeal, so have some patience.
You don’t have to contact them every two hours. Give them enough time to identify whether you’re at fault or not.
If they don’t contact you within the aforementioned timespan, your appeal is probably rejected. That doesn’t mean you can’t contact them to ask for an update, though.
Contact DoorDash Employees Directly
You can call DoorDash support/customer service directly to inform the representatives of your situation. That’s not an alternative to filling out the appeal form.
Do both to increase the chances of accepting your appeal. We all know phone calls aren’t the most effective means of communication, though.
That’s why we recommend visiting a local DoorDash office if there’s one. That said, don’t expect much from the employees if you’ve already submitted your appeal.
If you get deactivated, try calling the DoorDash phone number and see what’s going on.
If that doesn’t work, reach out to DoorDash customer service for more information.
Then, follow the steps below to appeal your DoorDash deactivation.
Tips for Reactivation
You already know how the appealing process works. That doesn’t mean we can’t offer a few tips to increase your success rate.
1. Provide Evidence
You can’t claim that the deactivation was unjust if you can’t provide evidence to prove you’re not at fault. Use any screenshots, videos, or audio files that would back your claim.
You’d be surprised how many appeals get shut down for a lack of evidence. That’s why we suggest using timestamp apps and body/dash cameras.
These are tools that record everything happening inside your car, which can be substantial evidence to use in the appeal form.
Of course, you have to use them within the restrictions of state/federal laws. You also want to know your exact acceptance, completion, and cancellation rate in case you have to recall them at any point.
2. Be Respectful
The deactivation decision is a big hit to your livelihood, especially if you work for DoorDash full-time, so we understand you’ll be frustrated.
You can’t take that frustration out on DoorDash’s support, though. It’ll do more harm than good. No employee wants to help a rude customer, so be respectful but assertive.
3. Prevent Future Mistakes
The best way to reactivate your account is to avoid deactivation in the first place. You do that by becoming a careful driver who adheres to the platform’s rules.
You don’t have to be the top driver on the app. Doing the bare minimum is enough to get you by.
That includes maintaining a minimum of 4.2 customer rating and 80% completion rate. You also want to ensure not to violate the deactivation guidelines.
Alternatives if Reactivation Isn’t Possible
If your appeal gets rejected, take it as a chance to reflect on your mistakes and learn how to do better in future jobs. There are still plenty of opportunities out there.
Uber Eats
Uber Eat is the most vital DoorDash alternative on the market, as you also make a living delivering food from restaurants to customers.
Uber Eats has a few advantages, though; you don’t always have to drive. If you live in a traffic-heavy area, you can deliver the food on foot.
We don’t recommend that option, but it’s there if you want it. You can also withdraw your earnings up to six times a day. DoorDash only offers weekly payments and charges extra if you want to withdraw daily.
Uber Eats makes you eligible to work for the regular Uber as well. If you’re not feeling like delivering food at any point, you can always drive people.
Grubhub
Operating in 4,000 U.S. cities, Grubhub is another good DoorDash alternative. You also work in food delivery, meaning, the driving experience isn’t that different.
The payment system is a bit complicated. Take your time studying it to avoid any confusion.
The platform’s biggest selling point is that it lets you keep all the tips, so you can earn good money on that platform.
Postmates
Postmates is a comprehensive delivery app. You deliver food, groceries, alcohol, and more. Like Uber Eats, you don’t have to own a car to drive for Postmates.
You can use a bike or a scooter to make your deliveries. Uber acquired Postmates in 2020, so the app has a similar payment system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I restart the dasher application?
You can always restart your phone. If you use Android, press the power button and volume down, then choose “Reboot”.
If you use iOS, hold the Sleep button and volume down, then drag the slider right to turn the phone off. Then, press the Wake again to open your phone.
How long will a Doordash driver remain deactivated?
If your appeal is unsuccessful, your account will be permanently deactivated. If you still haven’t appealed, expect to wait two weeks to two months for DoorDash support to process your form.
Can you quit DoorDash at any time?
Yes, it’s possible to quit DoorDash any time you want. You don’t have to deliver a two-week notice or anything. Call DoorDash support and tell them you want to leave. They’ll take you through the process step by step.
Can you make a new Doordash account after the deactivation?
Many DoorDash employees will tell you you can create a new account using a different phone number, email, address, and social security number.
Not only is that already difficult, but It’s also too risky, as it goes against DoorDash’s policies. You’d be risking a permanent ban from the platform.
Final Thoughts: Moving Forward After Deactivation
No dasher can predict when their account will get deactivated. If that happens, you want to keep a clear head and be smart.
Start by reading DoorDash deactivation policies. That will help you identify if the suspension is valid and you’ll be able to make an organized counterargument.
Then, it’s time to fill out the appeal form. It’s your best chance to reactivate your account.
You want to write your side of the story in a polite, respectful tone. Even if your appeal is unsuccessful, you still have other gig platforms to drive for.
