Key Takeaways
- DoorDash offers free gear including an insulated delivery bag and red card.
- Essential gear for Dashers includes delivery bags, phone holders, and chargers.
- Optional gear like GPS systems and dash cams enhance delivery efficiency.
- DoorDash gear available at the DoorDash Store and third-party retailers.
Does DoorDash Give You Free Gear?
Unlike some food delivery services, one of the advantages of working with DoorDash is that they offer you some delivery gear for free.
Once you sign up as a Dasher and your account gets approved, you’ll receive the DoorDash activation kit after your first successful order. This kit includes a Dasher manual, an insulated delivery bag, and a DoorDash red card.
The insulated delivery bag is a DoorDash branded cooler bag with a zipper closure. It’s designed to keep food warm and fresh during transport.
The DoorDash red card is the prepaid debit card drivers use to pay for orders not already paid for by customers. You seldom need the card because most DoorDash orders are prepaid. However, you must activate the card before you can start taking orders.
4 Essential DoorDash Gears for Smoother Deliveries
Below are the four instruments that successful Dashers use everyday.
1. Delivery Bags
The number one piece of gear you need as a Dasher is a delivery bag. While there’s a DoorDash-branded insulated bag in the activation kits, you can use any other delivery bag.
You only need to ensure it can maintain food temperature and quality. Generally, there are four different types of bags you can use for DoorDash delivery:
- Hot Bags: Small insulated bags to keep hot food warm during delivery.
- Pizza Bags: Tall bags specifically designed for transporting pizzas without compromising their shapes or freshness.
- Catering Bags: Big, spacious bags for handling bulk orders and large items.
- Delivery Backpacks: Delivery backpacks are for Dashers with bikes or scooters, especially those without front or rear baskets. Most bikers invest in food delivery backpacks because they’re more comfortable and safer.
2. Car and Bike Phone Holders
Operating your phone while driving or biking can be extremely dangerous. Plus, distracted driving is illegal in the United States.
A phone holder gives you safe and easy access to your device while on the wheel. That way, you can view order details, communicate with customers, and follow map directions without taking your eyes off the road.
The ideal phone holder for you depends on the mount style you prefer. If you Dash in a car, there are phone holders you can attach to your dashboard, windshield, or even air vents.
If you use bikes for your DoorDash delivery, you need a phone holder that attaches to your bike handlebars. There are different bike phone mounts on the market. Opt for one that’ll hold your phone firmly and allow easy tilting and rotation.
3. Chargers and Power Banks
The last thing you want to experience in the course of a delivery is a low battery or a dead phone. The former adds unnecessary anxiety to your day, while the latter brings it to a grinding halt. That means missing deliveries, poor ratings, and no earnings.
A reliable car charger or power bank ensures your phone stays powered on even the longest deliveries. Having a car charger is an advantage if you work as a DoorDash driver full-time.
If you’re a biker, you need a power bank with sufficient capacity to charge your phone multiple times. You also want to ensure it’s compact and lightweight enough to carry around.
4. Drink Carriers
As a Dasher, you won’t be delivering food all the time. Drinks and beverages are sometimes part of the order. Your job is to make sure customers receive them in perfect condition, and a quality drink carrier is all you need to ensure that.
It prevents spills when driving or riding on bumpy roads, and it ensures that those sharp turns and sudden stops won’t make a mess of customers’ drinks.
While any regular drink carrier is okay, you should consider investing in an insulated one. It helps maintain the drinks’ temperature and keeps them fresh, whether they’re a morning hot coffee or an ice-cold soda.
4 Optional DoorDash Gear Recommendations
While not essential, the following DoorDash gears could be worth your penny.
Most delivery drivers rely on phone-based navigation apps to move around. However, dedicated GPS devices are more reliable. Compared to phones, they offer larger displays. They also minimize distractions, as you don’t need to access your phone for navigation.
Some dedicated GPS systems offer features such as pre-loaded maps and real-time traffic guidance. That way, unlike when you rely on phone connections, you won’t get stuck when making deliveries to areas with a bad internet connection.
2. Dash Cam
When you drive on unfamiliar roads or in heavy traffic, a quality dash cam can help record your on-the-road experience. In the event of an accident or an accusation of reckless driving, it can serve as an objective witness that’ll save you.
3. Bluetooth Headset
A Bluetooth headset is another valuable addition to your DoorDash gear collection. It allows you to receive and answer calls hand-free.
4. Flashlight
Deliveries often extend into the night and may sometimes involve getting into dimly lit areas, such as parking lots. A flashlight helps you navigate these areas safely.
Where Can I Get DoorDash Gear?
You can get all the delivery gear above at the DoorDash Store.
DoorDash doesn’t mandate Dashers to use their gear. You can purchase delivery accessories elsewhere. Third-party retailers such as Amazon, eBay, Etsy, etc., offer all sorts of delivery gear at affordable prices.
Browsing these sites gives you options to select what better suits your specific needs and budget.
Wrapping Up
The right DoorDash gear can go a long way toward making you a successful Dasher. From delivery bags to phone mounts, these little investments help you stay efficient and make smooth deliveries that keep customers happy.
