Everyone loves a good sale. With DoorDash, Black Friday can be a major earning opportunity for Dashers. With retail sales on everything from electronics and beauty products to groceries and last-minute gifts, the spike in delivery demand creates plenty of opportunities to stay busy on the road.
To make the most of this busy shopping weekend, it helps to know what to expect — from where demand picks up to when it’s worth heading out. Here's how to plan ahead, dash smarter, and set yourself up for a strong Black Friday.
What types of offers surge on Black Friday?
Black Friday can bring a significant spike in Shop & Deliver offers*, especially for non-food items. Shop & Deliver offers that require Dashers to pay for the items, can be done so by using a DoorDash Red Card. According to the DoorDash data, the most ordered Shop & Deliver categories during this period include:
Retail: Offers containing electronics (headphones, small appliances, phone accessories), beauty products (cosmetics, gift sets, self-care essentials), and home goods (cleaning supplies, holiday decor, small kitchen appliances) are twice as high during November.
Pet supplies: Pet food, furniture, toys, and grooming supplies see a boost in offers, especially from stores like Pet Supplies Plus and Petco.
Alcohol: Holidays are known for hosting and celebrating over food and drink, which means an increase in alcohol offers during this time
Grocery: In preparation for holiday gatherings, fresh, pantry, and frozen items are more likely to be included in grocery offers.
Black Friday also sees customers use DoorDash Black Friday promotions for last-minute gifts, stocking stuffers, and family gathering essentials, driving increased demand.
Best times to dash during Black Friday
While every area is different, certain times around the holiday season can bring unique opportunities for Dashers. Here’s a general look at how demand can shift during the week of Black Friday:
Lead-up to Thanksgiving: The day before Thanksgiving typically sees a boost in grocery offers as families stock up for hosting. Early Black Friday sales are already in full swing, too.
Thanksgiving Day: Morning and early afternoon can bring more grocery and Shop & Deliver offers, while evenings tend to slow down as people gather for dinner.
Black Friday & Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend: High volume of retail offers are likely throughout the day, with activity often continuing through to Cyber Monday.
Dasher tips for maximizing earnings during Black Friday
With busy streets and steady sales, it's worthwhile to plan ahead. Here’s how to make the most of one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.
Consider prioritizing Shop & Deliver offers
Black Friday is an ideal time to earn with Shop & Deliver offers. Expect offers from retailers like Best Buy, Target, or CVS — especially for smaller electronics or last-minute gifts.
And Dashers who register dashing with a larger vehicle can receive oversized offers that could be higher in value during this period.
"One year on Black Friday, there was a huge spike in electronics offers. Because I have a larger vehicle, I got assigned oversized offers. I think I delivered about 15 TVs that day — it was awesome!"
Focus on spots with easy parking
A top tip from Dashers: areas with quick, convenient parking can help keep Black Friday deliveries smooth and efficient.
Shopping plazas, retail strips, or neighborhood hubs often make it easier to get in and out quickly. That way, you can spend more time dashing and less time circling for a spot.
Watch for batched offers
High order volume means more chances for batched offers on DoorDash: completing multiple orders in a single trip. It’s one of the best ways to maximize pay during peak hours, while minimizing downtime.
Plan for changing weather conditions
Black Friday marks the start of winter for many regions, which means slippery roads, early sunsets, and potentially heavier traffic. Keep your phone charged, your car stocked with the right gear, and stay alert in busy areas. The DoorDash Dasher app also has built-in safety tools available anytime you're on the road.
Keep an eye on Hotspots
The demand during the week of Black Friday will be reflected in the Hotspots map— and knowing where to dash can make a big difference
Luckily, you can check your Dasher app for Hotspots: red zones showing where there's an influx of offers. The Hotspot map updates about every 10 minutes, to give you a live look at where demand is heating up.
Is dashing on Black Friday worth it?
In short: With proper planning, it can be.
With a higher than average daily order volume, the opportunity to accept batched offers and Shop & Deliver offers, Black Friday has the potential to drive high earnings for Dashers. A little preparation — like knowing what offers to watch for, where parking is easiest, and how to identify Hotspots — can help you make the most of the rush and keep things running smoothly.
Ready to earn on your terms? Sign up to become a Dasher today.
*Based on proprietary DoorDash data from January through December 2024.
