Flexibility and independence are often the top motivations for Dashers— they get to decide when, where, and how frequently they dash, fitting it into their schedule when it's most convenient. Knowing how to most effectively schedule these dashes can help further optimize their earning potential.
This guide will provide tips from seasoned Dashers on how to create a dashing schedule, answer common questions around scheduling, and explain the difference between Dash Now and scheduling a dash in the DoorDash Dasher app.
How do you schedule a dash on the DoorDash Dasher app?
Creating a dashing schedule can be particularly helpful to balance dashing with other responsibilities. It gives you more control over your hours, making it easier to plan your day and manage your other commitments.
Here's how you can schedule a dash:
Open the DoorDash Dasher app: Navigate to the 'Schedule' tab. If your Dash Now button says Schedule a Dash, you can also access the Schedule tab from there.
Select your preferred time slots: The Available tab shows the days of the week at the top. Select a day and the available time slots, then choose the ones that fit your availability. The schedule is constantly changing, so if your available time doesn't appear, you can always check back later or choose another time.
Confirm your slots: Once you've selected the slots, tap 'Save Dash'.
Check out this video tutorial about best practices for scheduling a dash.
What are some common questions about creating a dashing schedule on DoorDash?
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions around Dashing scheduling.
When is scheduling available?
Scheduling is available five days in advance beginning at 12 a.m. each day. But Dashers who meet certain criteria qualify for Early Access Scheduling, which is available six days in advance.
Seasoned dashers typically schedule dashes as soon as slots open up for the upcoming week. This ensures you secure your spot in advance and are ready to hit the road when it's busiest.
Peak times typically align with meal times, so aiming for lunch — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — and dinner — 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. — can help maximize your earnings.
Longtime Dasher Alfonso A. shares his tips on dashing successfully: "If you're going to do it full time, you must have discipline, set a schedule, establish goals and guidelines… Tons of people have different recipes for success. Pick the one that tastes best to you!"
Are there any restrictions on where you can schedule a dash?
If you're in a new area close to your recent dashing spot, you can instantly schedule a dash without changing anything on your DoorDash Dasher app. But if you want to dash in a new area that's not near your last location, you can easily update your dashing spot directly in the app.
If you already have a dash scheduled, you won't be able to book a new one or extend the current one within 30 minutes of the start time, to give you enough time to get to your scheduled area.
Unable to schedule a dash? If you don't see a location and time that works for you, it means there are enough active Dashers for that area and time. Try checking back later, as more time slots might become available.
Is it easy to schedule a dash?
Creating a dashing schedule on DoorDash is straightforward. Open the DoorDash Dasher app, click on the "Schedule" tab, and select the date and time that you want to dash.
As with all technology, you may encounter some troubleshooting issues from time to time. If you suspect this might be the issue, try rebooting your phone, clearing the cache under your phone's app settings, connecting to Wi-Fi, and logging back in.
Additionally, sometimes schedules may disappear due to high demand in certain areas at certain times. This can happen during busy periods, such as weekends and dinner rush hours. It's important to regularly check the schedule and be quick when booking shifts to secure a desired time slot.
Dasher Donelle O. takes advantage of scheduling so she can spend more time with her family: "For me, dashing ticks all the boxes. I can work around my children's schedules so that when they're out, I'm out, and then we can all be home together at the same time."
Does every Dasher qualify for scheduling?
If you're a new Dasher and have yet to receive an account activation confirmation from DoorDash, your app and its features will be restricted.
Make sure you've completed the following Dasher signup process. Once you're fully set up, you can choose a schedule that works best for you.
What is the difference between scheduling a dash vs. Dash Now?
There are two ways to organize your desired dashing times.
Dash Now allows you to start delivering immediately without any prior scheduling. This feature is excellent for spontaneous dashing when you have free time. To use Dash Now, open the DoorDash Dasher app and tap 'Dash Now' whenever it is available.
If Dash Now isn't available, check back later, as the availability to Dash Now changes throughout the day.
If your area is bustling, the Dash Now option allows you to start immediately. Look for a red heat map screen indicating plenty of available orders, and click Dash Now to begin.
Scheduling a dash, as discussed earlier, involves selecting specific available time slots in advance. This approach ensures you have reserved hours to dash. Scheduled dashes can result in consistent gig work since you're securing a spot in the delivery schedule ahead of time.
Seasoned Dashers often combine both methods to maintain flexibility while committing to a set number of reserved hours.
Flexibility in scheduling means more options
Whether you schedule a dash, use Dash Now, or choose to Dash Along the Way, the DoorDash Dasher app offers convenient options to fit your lifestyle.
Ready to start dashing? Sign up today.
