Learn the ins and outs of shopping at retail stores and how Shop & Deliver can help Dashers maximize their earning potential.
Whether it's tech gear to get students ready for the school year or a diaper restock for new parents — Dashers can deliver electronics, home goods, dollar store items, crafting materials, prescription medications, and more from retail stores on DoorDash with Shop & Deliver. Here, we cover retail offer advantages, need-to-knows, and the top ways Dashers who shop manage successful retail deliveries.
How does Shop & Deliver work at retail stores?
Shop & Deliver offers Dashers a way to earn beyond restaurant deliveries. With it, Dashers can receive offers to shop for grocery, alcohol, flowers, and retail items, and deliver them to customers. For retail offers in particular, there are a few things Dashers can expect.
Shoppable items at retail stores
Beauty supplies like makeup and skincare from Sephora or Ulta
Baby goods like diapers, formula, wipes, toys, and games from Toys R Us
Office supplies & stationery like paper, ink, pens, and cards from Staples or Office Depot
Home goods & improvement like home decor and power tools from Home Depot and Lowe's
Electronics like TVs, toasters, and everything in between from Best Buy
Pharmacy like over-the-counter and prescription medication from Walgreens or CVS
Arts & crafts like yarn, paint brushes, and canvases from Michaels or Hobby Lobby
Completing Shop & Deliver offers from retail stores
Once you select the Shop & Deliver option in the Preferences tab in the DoorDash Dasher app, there are three steps to the DoorDash retail delivery process after you accept an offer:
Shop for the customer's list of items.
Pay with a DoorDash-provided Red Card at checkout.
Deliver the items to the customer's door.
It's important to know that retailers may offer Shop & Deliver alongside regular pick-up and delivery, with some offers from pharmacies being simple pickups. The DoorDash Dasher app will always notify you when an offer requires the use of a Red Card.
Why accept Shop & Deliver offers?
The perks are plenty when it comes to retail delivery with DoorDash. Here are just a few of the many ways Dashers benefit from accepting Shop & Deliver offers:
Earn extra cash. Dashers can earn more per Shop & Deliver order compared to regular restaurant deliveries.* Plus, Dashers keep 100% of customer tips, in addition to Base Pay and applicable promotions.
Set your own schedule. Retail offers don’t revolve around meal times or peak shopping hours — meaning night owls and early birds alike can earn when it’s most convenient for them.
Avoid wait times at restaurants. When you do the shopping, your productivity and pace doesn’t rely on a restaurant preparing the order. For speedy Dashers, this can mean more orders in less time.
Welcome a change of pace. Shop & Deliver offers a different dashing experience, whether you want to have more control over the process or simply to switch things up.
Dasher tips for shopping at retail stores
Dashers who choose Shop & Deliver offers often come equipped to fulfill retail store offers efficiently and accurately. These are their top tips.
Ask for help, if you need it
Especially for beauty stores like Sephora and Ulta where aisles may not be clearly marked, don’t be afraid to ask an employee for help locating your items. A simple ask can keep Dashers on track for efficient delivery.
Equip yourself with the right gear
Preparing your vehicle with the right gear is key for easier loading and unloading. Retail stores can offer a number of items, big and small — so having bins, reusable bags, and a dolly on hand ensures you're prepared to shop and deliver possibly heavy or bulky items from home goods or hardware stores.
Handle fragile items with care
While every delivery should be handled with care, items like glass vases and canvases from Michaels and other craft stores require a little extra attention. Secure the items in your vehicle, and drive carefully to mitigate the risk of damage.
Use clear (and friendly) communication
As with grocery delivery, you’ll want to notify customers of unavailable items and replacement preferences throughout your dash at retail stores. Dasher Tara K. recommends introducing yourself before you begin to shop to set the tone from the jump.
“I share kind communication with my customers to make them feel like they are more than just an order, but they are really special and important to me,” - Tara K., Dasher.
Earn on your terms
Accepting offers from retail stores with Shop & Deliver gives Dashers more flexibility and opportunities to earn outside of restaurant deliveries. No boss, no set hours — just the freedom to accept offers from retail stores on DoorDash when it’s most convenient for you.
Ready to start earning with Shop & Deliver? Sign up to become a Dasher, today.
Get started with DoorDash*Get paid more per order as compared to a restaurant delivery order, based on average Dasher payouts nationwide while on a delivery. Actual earnings may differ and depend on factors like number of deliveries completed, time of day, location, and expenses.
