Chances are you’ve heard of one of the many food delivery services out there; you may already be using one of them. If you’re looking for a part-time gig to earn additional cash, DoorDash could be a great option. DoorDash is an app that lets you order food from various restaurants. The service is fast and straightforward to use. When becoming a DoorDash driver, known as a “Dasher,” you will find plenty of opportunities to earn some extra income.

Read on to learn if becoming a “Dasher” is the right choice for you.

For those of you who need to become more familiar, DoorDash is a food order delivery service. Customers can place an order at various restaurants and then agree to a delivery fee and tip. The orders are then sent to “Dashers” who are using the DoorDash app. Once you accept an order, you go to the restaurant, place it, bring it back to your car, and deliver it to the customer. The DoorDash app provides all the necessary directions for the delivery. More recently, DoorDash has extended its services, allowing delivery for a wide range of items, from restaurants to grocery and convenience stores.

As a Dasher, it’s important to not only focus on your profits but also ensure that you’re providing value to all parties involved. This involves keeping track of your customer rating, which is based on a one to five-star scale. Providing excellent and prompt customer service often results in a higher rating.

To maintain your job as a Dasher, you must maintain a completion rating of close to 100%. This means that when you accept a job, you must also complete it. Failure to do so may result in termination.

Additionally, keep an eye on your acceptance rating, which is the percentage of jobs you accept compared to those offered by DoorDash. While maximizing your earnings is important, you may need to occasionally take less desirable and smaller jobs to satisfy DoorDash.

In the DoorDash app, you may come across bonus offers based on specific criteria you meet. These offers can be as simple as driving at certain times. Additionally, DoorDash has peak pay incentives for drivers and delivery persons who work during peak hours, such as dinnertime. Another bonus option is the Referral Bonus, which varies in amount based on your city. Through the app, you will receive a unique referral code that you can share with others. Once your referred driver completes the minimum number of deliveries required to meet the criteria, you will receive a bonus!

One important thing to note is that as a Dasher, you have to pay for all your business expenses. That includes data for your phone, gas, car insurance, and wear and tear on your vehicle. The upside to this is that when you track all your expenses throughout the year, you can receive a decent sum back come tax time.

When it comes to earnings, this will vary. The rates you receive will depend on factors such as distance traveled, the order size, and how quickly you deliver your orders. As a Dasher, you’ll receive 100% of any boosts and tips from customers. DoorDash makes its profits by charging restaurants a percentage fee for each order. Some DoorDash drivers can earn a little more by following these three tips:

1. Look for larger orders

Although DoorDash tracks your acceptance rate, they will not penalize you for only seeking larger orders. Therefore, be selective and choose larger orders. Customers typically tip based on a percentage system, so larger orders could lead to higher tips.

2. Avoid high traffic areas

Navigating through traffic and locating a parking space can really slow you down. You can speed up your delivery times by avoiding orders in downtown areas, which are typically crowded.

3. Work during peak times

Most orders are placed during lunch and dinner time, making these the ideal times to work.

Driving for DoorDash is an excellent option for a flexible part-time job. You’ll be free to set your own schedule and work as much or as little as you want. Plus, with plenty of orders coming in every day, there’s always an opportunity to earn some extra cash on the side. Overall, DoorDash offers a great way to make money on your own terms and at your own pace.