5 Smart DoorDash Hacks Every Busy Mom Should Know

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1. Skip Drinks and Desserts That Inflate Your Total

You know those tempting soda and dessert add-ons that pop up at checkout? Yeah, that’s where DoorDash quietly fattens your bill.

Restaurants mark up drinks and sweets by up to 200%, so skipping them is an easy win.

You can still treat yourself. just smarter:

• Grab drinks from home. A can from your fridge costs a fraction of DoorDash’s price.
  
• Keep your own dessert stash. Frozen brownies or ice cream are way cheaper per serving.
  
• Focus on the main meal. That’s what you’re really paying delivery fees for anyway.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Order only entrees when using DoorDash and handle drinks or dessert yourself at home.

Make It Easy: Keep a mini drink fridge stocked with your favorite sodas and sparkling waters for easy grab-and-go.

2. Search for Promo Codes Before Checkout

Before you hit that “Place Order” button, pause. There’s almost always a promo code floating around.

A 30-second search can save you a few dollars instantly, and over time, that adds up fast.

Here’s where to snag easy discounts:

• Check DoorDash’s “Offers” tab. They rotate deals weekly for restaurants near you.
  
• Use third-party coupon sites. They often have codes that DoorDash doesn’t promote openly.
  
• Sign up for email alerts. Get notified the moment local deals go live.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Copy-paste one promo code before each checkout. Even a $3 discount makes a difference.

Make It Easy: Use Capital One Shopping to automatically apply the best DoorDash coupons and cashback offers at checkout.

3. Avoid Ordering During Busy Hours to Skip Surge Fees

Ordering dinner at 7 PM on a Friday? That’s basically volunteering to pay more.

DoorDash charges extra during peak hours. all for the same burger you’d get at 3 PM for less.

Here’s how to dodge those sneaky surcharges:

• Order early. Late afternoon or before lunch rush saves you money.
  
• Schedule orders ahead. You can pick cheaper time slots and plan dinner smarter.
  
• Avoid weekends if possible. Midweek deliveries are often cheaper.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Schedule your DoorDash order before peak hours and reheat it when everyone else is waiting.

Make It Easy: Use a smart microwave or reheating tray to keep meals hot and fresh when delivered early.

4. Turn Off “Priority Delivery” for Normal Orders

That little “Priority” checkbox at checkout? It’s usually just a money trap.

Unless your food’s running a marathon to your house, standard delivery gets there almost as fast.

Here’s how that small change saves you:

• Standard delivery is just as quick. You’ll barely notice a few extra minutes.
  
• Priority adds unnecessary fees. often $2–$5 more for the same trip.
  
• Dashers don’t always notice the difference. The system just reroutes you earlier in line.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Uncheck “Priority Delivery” unless it’s a truly urgent meal (and let’s be real, it rarely is).

Make It Easy: Use a reheatable food container set to keep your meal warm if it arrives a bit later.

5. Avoid Impulse Add-Ons Like Extra Sides or Toppings

DoorDash knows exactly how to get you, a little “add fries for $3.49?” and boom, you’ve doubled your order total.

That’s how small decisions add up faster than the delivery driver can ring your doorbell.

Here’s how to avoid those pricey add-ons:

• Decide what you want before opening the app. No wandering equals fewer temptations.
  
• Stick to simple orders. The fewer customizations, the lower the total.
  
• Remove upsells at checkout. Review your cart before finalizing.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Build your order, review the cart for extras, and delete every non-essential item before checkout.

Make It Easy: Keep a meal planner notebook to jot down your go-to takeout orders and stick to them.

📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌