https://driptorchpress.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/1_qy9ug-4cvzuw_1prds1juw.png

After my [bad experience](https://steemit.com/money/@driptorchpress/making-money-like-a-millennial-postmates) with PostMates, I was a bit hesitant to try DoorDash. But I am glad I did!

**What it is:**

[DoorDash ](http://drd.sh/FDRruB/)is a food delivery app which lets you use your own car and set your own hours.

**Getting started:**

DoorDash was super simple to sign up for. I gave them my address and some other info, they did the standard background check, and they sent me a handy little bag and a card to use for orders.

I then downloaded the app, activated my card, added a bank account and headed out the door for my first deliveries.

**General experience:**

https://driptorchpress.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/screenshot_2018-10-24-09-44-06-1220958724.png

The biggest difference between DoorDash and PostMates right out the door was the use of zones. DoorDash breaks up the area into zones, you select a zone to work in and you stay in that zone for the entire time you are running orders.

https://driptorchpress.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/screenshot_2018-10-23-11-10-31-1165217200.png

When you first begin your Dash you will notice that it’s already trying to direct you somewhere. This was a little confusing to me until I looked it up. This is DoorDash’s way of trying to help you find a busy spot. It’s a little less intuitive than the shading used by Uber and PostMates, but it was still helpful.

I began to drive towards the hotspot and before I could get there, I got an order.

https://driptorchpress.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/screenshot_2018-10-23-11-13-55-1577932591.png

It doesn’t just notify you in the app, it sends you texts! Which can be a little overwhelming honestly. If I have the app running, I’m going to know when an order comes in. I don’t need a dozen reminders!

One of the first things I noticed when the order came in was the “Amount Guarantee”. Like the other services I have run, DoorDash guarantees a minimum for each order you deliver, but unlike those other ones, DoorDash tells you up front what that amount is. Also unlike those others, it doesn’t just have a blanket minimum, the amount changes based on various factors like miles for the delivery, expected wait time, etc.

When you accept the order you just navigate to the restaurant and slide at the bottom of the app to show you have arrived.

https://driptorchpress.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/screenshot_2018-10-23-11-14-542131640461.png

The app pops up with a list of things in the order and tells you whether or not you are expected to place the order and pay, or just pick it up. In my limited experience it appears that fast food places like Steak ‘n Shake are the former, while places like Cracker Barrel are the latter.

Orders can get pretty complicated, thankfully these are usually the pick up only variety. I didn’t have to remember to ask for salsa!

https://driptorchpress.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/screenshot_2018-10-23-11-46-53169988707.png

Get your food and check the items. Swipe that you have done the pick up and the app will tell you where you need to go. It will also give you delivery instructions like these:

https://driptorchpress.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/picsart_10-24-08-2021721124.jpg?w=748&zoom=2

Deliveries are also easy, just navigate to the location, drop off the food, and swipe delivered. After that you just drive near another hot spot and wait for another delivery to roll in.

The only hard part of the whole thing was when two orders came in at the same time. I felt a little bad making the first person wait while I picked up the second order. The app had me drop them off in the order picked up, but it added several minutes to the delivery time.

The experience was great, I didn’t have to drive all over the world like some of the services. I was able to stay within a 10 mile radius of my house, which was a gas saver.

**How Much Money Are We Talking Here?**

https://driptorchpress.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/screenshot_2018-10-23-13-46-501668016546.png

In short: WAAAAAY more than PostMates.

I worked 11-1:15ish and then 4-6:30, made 6 deliveries, and was able to earn about $50.

**General Tips:**

Work the lunch and dinner hours.

Make sure you have enough gas.

Don’t be like me and find a beautiful piece of furniture, send a picture to your wife, have to stop work, go rent a truck, and bring it home. That really cuts into your bottom line.

Use the bag they give you, it keeps that food warm in bad traffic. And it alerts the restaurant who you are so you don’t have to keep saying “Hi, I’m a DoorDash driver!”

Be warned: they expect you to make 25 deliveries and work at least two weeks before you qualify for Fast Pay. So unlike the other money making schemes, you will have to wait a week for your money. That is the only pitfall to this app though.

**Bottom Line:**

$10/hr minus a little for gas isn’t great money, but it’s comparable to [Uber](http://driptorchpress.com/2017/11/21/making-money-the-millennial-way-uber/) and it’s still over minimum wage. Unlike Uber, you can use any old beater car, and even a motorcycle (or moped, for you hipster types) if you wanted. And you’re not dealing with drunk people. So for spare time money making this is an excellent choice.

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And check out my Wordpress pages @ 
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