The winter holidays can present a variety of earning opportunities for Dashers, as customers rely on deliveries to keep up with holiday shopping and festive gatherings. While demand is high during this season, it can also be stressful. That’s why it’s important that Dashers keep best practices in mind. From managing peak hours to navigating holiday gift deliveries, these tips can help you dash smoothly and successfully during one of the busiest times of the year.
Holidays can be peak earning season for Dashers
With more offers coming in during the holidays, and therefore more deliveries being made, there's also the potential to increase the tips you receive. Offering smooth pick-up and drop-off, communicating clearly with customers, and carefully following delivery instructions are the most common tips that make for a 5-star delivery experience on every kind of offer.
Increase in offers and types of deliveries
During the holidays, Dashers can expect to see an increase in both the number of offers, as well as the variety of offers. These can include holiday meal deliveries, grocery and retail offers, and last-minute gifts.
1. Holiday restaurant offers
Restaurant offers typically surge as people celebrate with festive meals at home. From roasted turkey and mashed potatoes to honey-glazed ham and pumpkin pie, be ready with insulated bags for both hot dishes and cold items. It’s also important to confirm order details before leaving the restaurant so you can ensure smooth and reliable deliveries during this busier period.
2. Shop & Deliver offers
Shop & Deliver, where Dashers shop for and deliver grocery, alcohol, convenience, and retail orders, may also see an increase during the holiday season. As more people are hosting holiday parties, family dinners, and festive get-togethers during this time of year, this could mean more grocery deliveries, as well as any last-minute holiday shopping, like gift wrap and decorations.
3. Holiday gift delivery
In addition to restaurant and grocery offers, Dashers will also see an increase in gift deliveries during this time. The most popular gift deliveries include hot meals and sweet treats, as well as more delicate items like flowers, alcohol, and retail gifts. When delivering these items, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Store safely: Use boxes, dividers, and crates to safely store and space out fragile or lightly covered gifts like flowers, cakes, and cookies. This can help prevent damage and leakage.
Transfer carefully: Move steadily when transporting gifts from your car to the customer's door.
Drive smoothly: Smooth driving helps avoid spillage from a flower vase and keeps delicate gifts, like cookware and glassware, securely in place.
Delivering holiday gifts on DoorDash
With the spirit of gift giving in full swing during the holidays, it’s important that Dashers know how to handle gift deliveries and drop-offs, as they can differ from regular offers. In the DoorDash Dasher app, you’ll see that you’re delivering a gift after you’ve picked up the order. The drop-off screen will also contain information about the gift sender and gift recipient. To ensure a smooth experience, here are some tips on how to handle a gift delivery on DoorDash:
Verify names: When it comes to picking up a gift, make sure you share both the name of the sender and the recipient with the merchant to ensure you're picking up the right order.
Follow instructions: The sender can include instructions or special delivery requests. This could include removing the receipt from the gift, or specific details about how to drop off the gift. Know that you can always decline to complete any special request if it makes you uncomfortable or you deem it unreasonable.
Delivering a gift: If the order is marked as "hand it to me", contact the recipient directly in order to complete the delivery. Some offers might require customers to present their ID, as in the case of an alcohol delivery, or a signature to ensure the recipient received the delivery. If no contact information is provided, contact the sender to confirm how to best handle the drop off, or follow the contactless delivery instructions should neither sender nor recipient be reachable.
Managing surprise deliveries: Some gifts will be sent as surprises, so it’s always good to double check the instructions! You can also contact the sender to confirm whether or not this is a surprise delivery. If the recipient is not expecting the delivery, make sure to disclose the sender's name and mention that this is a gift during drop-off.
Additional tips for dashing during the holidays
While the holidays are a busier time with increased demand for regular offers and gift deliveries, you might also be navigating winter weather, heavier traffic, and bigger crowds, which can lead to rushing and potential delays. Keep these tips in mind when you’re out on the road and completing deliveries:
Prepare for inclement weather by servicing your vehicle, driving safely, and wearing a seatbelt.
Be aware of peak traffic times, pace yourself and plan your route.
Keep clear and open communication with customers to help manage the frustration caused by delays.
Double check your shopping list or delivery items to ensure all items are accounted for.
Be prepared for holiday dashing
By handling holiday deliveries with care, staying safe on the road, and offering a 5 star delivery experience, Dashers can maximize their earnings during the busiest and most festive time of year.
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