🔎 Disclosure: Heads up, babe: some links here are affiliate links, which means you might throw a tiny commission my way if you buy (zero extra cost to you). Only things you’d actually use and love get shared on this site.
1. Work Only In Busy Areas
You can’t make money if you’re sitting in a quiet parking lot waiting for orders.
Busy zones = more deliveries = more cash. Simple math, right?
So, skip the slow suburbs and head straight to the action.
Hot zones pay better: Downtown areas, college towns, and near malls are gold mines.
Less downtime: Orders pop up one after another without long waits.
Bigger orders: Busy zones often mean higher-end restaurants (and better tips).
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Open the DoorDash app, look for red “hotspots” on the map, and park nearby to catch constant pings.
Make It Easy: Keep a car vent phone mount to track hotspots hands-free while driving.
2. Message Customers Politely
A quick, friendly text can turn a regular delivery into a tipped one.
People appreciate good communication, especially when their dinner’s involved.
You don’t need to overdo it. Just be polite and clear.
Send a quick intro: “Hey, it’s your Dasher! I’m on my way.” works like magic.
Update delays: Let them know if the restaurant’s running behind.
Thank them: A simple “Enjoy your meal!” leaves a good impression.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Text customers after accepting their order to confirm and follow up before dropping it off.
Make It Easy: Use a Bluetooth earpiece so you can message or call safely while driving.
3. Protect The Food During Delivery
If you hand over a soggy bag or spilled drink, that tip’s gone faster than a melted milkshake.
Keeping food in perfect shape is how you turn a 3-star into a 5-star delivery.
It shows you care, and customers tip for that.
Use insulated bags: They keep food hot and drinks cold.
Separate items: Don’t let soups ride shotgun with fries.
Drive smoothly: Fast doesn’t mean reckless. Food shifts with every turn.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Keep hot and cold items in separate bags and secure everything before hitting the road.
Make It Easy: Grab a large insulated delivery bag to protect every order like a pro.
4. Plan Faster Routes
A slow driver is a broke driver.
You’re not racing, but every minute counts when you’re paid per trip.
Learn your area and master the fastest shortcuts like it’s a video game.
Avoid traffic traps: Use side streets during rush hours.
Batch smartly: Deliver nearby orders together to save gas and time.
Use live maps: GPS updates can save you from wrong turns.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Before starting your dash, preview your route and adjust to avoid known slow zones.
Make It Easy: Keep a dual phone charger to power your phone and GPS nonstop.
5. Do Small Things That Earn Tips
People remember the little things. the smile, the “thank you,” and the food still warm.
Good service doesn’t just get you paid. It gets you remembered.
That’s how you turn one-time customers into tip magnets.
Smile and greet: A friendly tone boosts your tip odds instantly.
Handle with care: Treat every meal like it’s yours.
Follow instructions: If they say “leave at the door,” don’t knock five times.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Add a small, friendly message when you hand off the order. something simple like “Hope you enjoy your dinner!”
Make It Easy: Keep a small LED flashlight keychain in your pocket to help find house numbers or gates during night deliveries.
Hey, I'm Lily! I'm a mom who's really good at two things: stretching a dollar and talking about stretching a dollar. I created Money Vice after one too many grocery trips where I watched my total climb and thought, "There's gotta be a better way." Spoiler: there is. Think of me as your money-savvy friend who's always got a tip (and coffee in hand).
