DoorDash’s Shop and Deliver offers a whole new set of earning opportunities while also introducing some variety to a regular dash. With Shop & Deliver, Dashers shop in-store — be it convenience, grocery, or retail stores such as alcohol and flowers — and deliver the order to the customer. This isn't your standard restaurant delivery, so let's take a moment to explore what you can expect with Shop and Deliver to help you feel more at ease while dashing.
Why Dashers choose Shop & Deliver offers
There are many reasons Dashers opt-in to Shop and Deliver orders. Shop & Deliver can offer higher earnings per order than a restaurant delivery*, helping you meet your financial goals with fewer orders. This is particularly advantageous during off-peak hours, or in between meal rushes, when restaurant orders might not be as frequent.
Another benefit of Shop and Deliver is that it eliminates delays and extended wait times for restaurant orders, empowering you to manage your time more effectively. It also gives you the opportunity to experience a different type of delivery that can often serve as a nice change of pace from a regular dashing schedule.
How to prepare for a Shop & Deliver dash
If you're wondering how to get Shop and Deliver offers on DoorDash, it's as easy as signing into the app, choosing to opt-in to Shop & Deliver, and accepting an offer.
While Shop and Deliver dashes are different from restaurant orders, completing them is just as straightforward. So before you head out, here are some things to keep in mind:
Red Card set up
A Red Card is a prepaid card that makes it easy for Dashers to pay for orders when completing a Shop and Deliver offer. There are two easy ways to access a Red Card:
1. You can instantly receive a digital Red Card through the DoorDash Dasher App.
2. Dashers also receive a physical Red Card in their DoorDash kit. If you lose the card, you can always order a replacement physical card from the DoorDash store.
On a Shop and Deliver dash, when you've finished shopping and are ready to check out, present your Red Card to the merchant. Most merchants accept contactless payments, but in case they don't, you can use your physical Red Card. If a situation arises where you don't have your Red Card on you or you encounter an error while using it, use your personal card and remember to keep the receipt for reimbursement.
Helpful gear accessories
Being prepared with the right gear can make a world of difference when accepting Shop and Deliver offers. Consider outfitting your vehicle with these items to help you make smooth and efficient deliveries:
Grocery bins: Save time while dashing by using bins to load and unload orders. Foldable or retractable bins can help you stay organized without taking up much valuable space in your vehicle.
Cart or dolly: If a customer lives in a condo or apartment building, a cart or dolly may help you get the order to their door more efficiently.
Reusable bags: These help you pack your orders efficiently, especially if the store you're shopping at doesn't provide bags.
Insulated bags: When an order includes frozen food or cold items, keeping insulated bags on hand can help the products stay cool on the way.
Buckets or boxes: When the offer involves a flower delivery, it's a great idea to keep a bucket or box in your vehicle to ensure the flowers stay fresh and safe during transport — not to mention the fact that your vehicle will remain spill-free if the flowers come in a vase
Ready your vehicle
Before you head out to complete Shop and Deliver jobs, you can take a few additional steps to keep your vehicle prepared.
Orders placed through Shop and Deliver can contain many items, so keep your trunk and back seat free of clutter to make room for larger grocery orders. If you're taking on batched offers, invest in dividers to keep orders separate, or use a permanent marker to write your customer's name on their bags.
And, of course, regular vehicle upkeep and maintenance is an essential part of successful dashing, whether you're completing offers from a restaurant or a store.
Useful Shop & Deliver tips from a seasoned Dasher
Experienced Dashers have some great tips on how to navigate stores and provide stellar service during a Shop and Deliver dash:
Set the tone: Once you accept a Shop and Deliver offer, remember to use the in-app function that automatically sends a message introducing you to the customer.
Look for quality: As you're shopping, take time to select the most accurate products and watch for expiry dates and spoilage to ensure the best quality. A good approach is to consider what you would look for if you were to shop for yourself.
Plan how you shop: Look over the shopping list and map out a strategy — consider leaving refrigerated and frozen items for last.
Get help if you need it: Don't be afraid to ask store workers for directions if you can't find an item, as they can help you save time and avoid the frustration of wandering the aisles.
Take on Shop & Deliver offers with ease
Using this guide and other resources, Dashers can begin making successful deliveries with DoorDash’s Shop and Deliver. Accepting these offers can be a great way to increase your earnings per order and turn downtime between meal time rushes into earning time.
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*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.
