For Missouri-based autism therapist, full-time mom, and longtime Dasher, Ashley B., Shop & Deliver offers a unique kind of freedom — one that lets her prioritize her kids without putting her work ethic on pause. Whether she’s dashing part-time after clocking out of her clinic job or making the most of her free time, Shop & Deliver gives Ashley the flexibility she needs, and the extra earnings to match.
Providing for my family, on my terms
I started dashing in 2018 when my youngest son was one. I had just left my job as a preschool teacher — not because I didn’t love it, but because being a single mom meant I needed flexibility. My son would get sick, especially in the winter, and I couldn't leave work to pick him up. That’s when I realized: I needed a job that worked around my life, not the other way around.
Dashing gives me that freedom. And today, I can truly say I'm living my best life: part-time autism therapist, part-time Dasher, and full-time mom.
Why I accept Shop & Deliver alcohol offers on DoorDash
Getting started with alcohol delivery* on DoorDash is straightforward. When you opt-in to alcohol delivery offers on the DoorDash Dasher app, you'll be provided with alcohol delivery guidelines and a few other requirements that enable you to safely and compliantly deliver according to applicable state law. You'll also need a valid, unexpired ID in order to pick up alcohol. Once you're set up, alcohol offers will show up alongside other Shop & Deliver offers.
More than six years into dashing, DoorDash Shop & Deliver offers — especially alcohol** — are my go-to. Here's why I keep accepting these offers:
High earnings. A single alcohol delivery can sometimes match the total payout from multiple restaurant offers. Between company events and neighborhood parties, I can make $100 from a single Shop & Deliver offer, especially around the holidays when people are celebrating, and often more generous with tips.
Low-stress logistics. Pickups are usually quick with minimal substitutions. Store staff often help load your car, and using a dolly or wagon can make transporting larger orders much easier. In addition to other unique requirements, you'll have to verify the customer's ID to make sure they're of legal age when you drop-off the alcohol delivery. The process is great because verification is built right into the app. However, as a Dasher, you should always use your discretion when completing an alcohol delivery.
Consistency. If I park outside of known liquor stores in my favorite hotspots, I tend to receive a lot of alcohol offers. I'm almost never waiting around — the work finds me.
New places. I’ve discovered new neighborhoods and entire towns I’d never visited thanks to dashing. I even found my favorite nail salon after completing a delivery to a customer.
My advice for delivering alcohol with Shop & Deliver on DoorDash
Having been a Dasher for a long time, I’ve learned what it takes to handle different types of deliveries with confidence — including alcohol. Here are my top tips for delivering alcohol efficiently and responsibly.
Understand the rules — and stick to them. In addition to ID requirements, if the customer is underage, already intoxicated, or requesting items to a restricted location like a school, the delivery should not be completed. Even if they give you a hard time, stick to protocol and reach out to Dasher Support if you need help. Safety for everyone using the platform is top priority.*
Treat every order like it’s your own. I always deliver an offer that way I’d want it done for myself — carefully, respectfully, and on time. I bring a foldable wagon for heavy orders, and I never toss wine bottles into the trunk unsecured.
Talk to your customers. For every offer, I introduce myself: "Hi, I’m Ashley, your Dasher today. Feel free to message me if you need anything while I’m shopping." That little message goes a long way. And when they respond? Communicate clearly, confirm substitutions, send updates, and be dependable.
Know your zones. Learn your local hotspots. In my experience, Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest for alcohol delivery. I typically park outside of known liquor stores before I start to dash and I often see offers come in quickly.
Dashing took me to new places
Through this work, I've made new connections and discovered some of my favorite spots. Most recently, it's even taken me to Washington, DC. DoorDash flew me out to D.C. to join other Dashers and small business owners to speak with Members of Congress about including Dashers in the federal No Tax on Tips legislation–a policy we were originally left out of. We met lawmakers, shared our stories, and a week later, we were included in the bill. I walked the halls of Congress. I stood in front of the White House. From being a single mom making time to dash during dinner rushes to representing my fellow Dashers on a national level – it's something I never expected, and a testament to the belief that hard work pays off.
But above all, dashing helps me provide for my boys. Whether I'm completing a Shop & Deliver offer to pay for gas or to treat my kids to the arcade, dashing lets me set a schedule that works for me and my family — and we make the most of it.
If you're asking me, DoorDash Shop & Deliver is absolutely worth it. It might even take you further than you ever imagined.
Get started with DoorDash*Must be 21+ years of age and have a valid driver’s license to deliver orders containing alcohol. Additional terms apply.
**For a full explanation of Dasher rules and regulations pertaining to alcohol delivery, see our Delivering Alcohol Guidelines.
