Is DoorDash worth it in 2024?

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Is DoorDash a Good Side Hustle in 2024?

Thinking about working for DoorDash to earn money? Let’s figure out if it’s still worth it in 2024.

For years, DoorDash has been an easy way to earn extra cash. But today, there are more Dashers and people doing food delivery than ever before. While food delivery isn’t going to end anytime soon, it’s worth understanding if the money you earn is worth it, compared to other side hustles.

In this article, we’ll share with you the pros and cons of DoorDash as a side hustle, how much you can potentially earn, and also compare it to Uber Eats.

If you’d like to explore remote side hustle ideas, you can check out our article on the top eight remote side hustles.

4 Benefits To DoorDash

Why DoorDash Is A Good Side Hustle

  1. Flexible Schedule: You get to pick when you work, so it’s easy to fit around school or other stuff.

  2. Extra Cash: DoorDash can help you make some extra money on the side for whatever you need.

  3. Easy to Start: Signing up for DoorDash is pretty simple. You just need a car, a license, and a phone.

  4. Tips and Bonuses: People often tip well, and DoorDash sometimes gives bonuses for doing deliveries or working during busy times.

Drawbacks To DoorDash
What To Know Before Being A Dasher
  1. Variable Earnings: Sometimes you make a lot, and other times it’s slower. It can be hard to predict.

  2. Expenses: Don’t forget about things like gas and car maintenance, which can eat into your earnings.

  3. Too Many Drivers: In some places, there are a lot of other people delivering for DoorDash, so you might have to wait longer for orders.

  4. Rules Can Change: DoorDash has rules that can change, so it’s important to stay updated to avoid problems.

Overall, DoorDash can be a good way to make some extra money, but there are things to watch out for. It’s flexible, and you can make decent money, but there are also expenses, and sometimes it’s slow. If you’re okay with that and want a flexible job, DoorDash could be a good choice for you. Just be ready to adapt to changes and stay on top of things.

How Much Can You Earn?

How Much You Can Make DoorDashing?:

$0

Cost To Start

Car, Smartphone

Requirements

$15 to $25

Avg Hourly Pay

How much you earn depends on where you live, how many hours you work, and whether you receive tips. There’s no way to know exactly how much you will earn per hour as a dasher. But if you work about 20 hours a week, you might make between $300 and $500.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DoorDash worth it after gas costs?

It depends. You’ll need to think about things like how much your car drinks gas, how much gas costs where you live, and how far you have to drive for deliveries.

While gas expenses are important, many drivers still end up making a profit after covering gas costs. It’s essential to keep track of how much you spend on gas and how many miles you drive for deliveries to figure out if DoorDash makes financial sense for you.

Planning efficient routes and working during busy times can help you earn more while spending less on gas.

To drive for DoorDash, you typically need to meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old (21 in some regions).
  • Have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle registration.
  • Own a smartphone to use the DoorDash driver app.
  • Pass a background check.

Earnings with DoorDash can vary based on factors such as location, time of day, and order volume. On average, DoorDash drivers can earn between $10 to $25 per hour after gas costs.

Yes, DoorDash offers flexible scheduling, allowing drivers to choose their own hours and work as much or as little as they want.

While having a car is the most common mode of transportation for DoorDash drivers, some areas may allow delivery by bike, scooter, or motorcycle. Check with DoorDash for specific vehicle requirements in your area.

DoorDash pays drivers weekly via direct deposit to their bank account. Additionally, drivers can cash out their earnings instantly using the Fast Pay feature for a small fee.

Yes, DoorDash drivers are responsible for covering expenses such as gas, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and taxes. These costs should be factored into your earnings calculations.

DoorDash provides customer support for drivers through the Driver app, online resources, and phone support. You can reach out for assistance with any questions, concerns, or technical issues you encounter while driving.

These FAQs cover some of the most common inquiries prospective DoorDash drivers may have. Keep in mind that specific policies and requirements may vary by location and over time, so it’s always a good idea to check DoorDash’s official resources for the most up-to-date information.

DoorDash vs. UberEats

Uber Eats vs. DoorDash: Which is better?

If you’re considering jumping into the world of food delivery gigs, you might be weighing the pros and cons of DoorDash versus Uber Eats. Let’s compare the two and see which one might be the better option for you in 2024.

DoorDash Benefits
Why DoorDash Might Be Your Best Bet:
  1. Flexibility: DoorDash offers drivers the flexibility to set their own schedules, making it easy to work around other commitments.

  2. Simple Sign-Up: Getting started with DoorDash is straightforward, with minimal requirements and a user-friendly sign-up process.

  3. Customer Tips: DoorDash customers tend to tip well, providing an opportunity for drivers to boost their earnings with gratuities.

  4. Diverse Market: DoorDash has a broad range of restaurant partners, offering a wide variety of delivery options to customers.

UberEats Benefits
Why Uber Eats Could Be the Way to Go:
  1. Brand Recognition: Uber Eats benefits from the strong brand recognition of its parent company, Uber, potentially leading to more customer demand.

  2. International Reach: Uber Eats operates in numerous countries and cities worldwide, providing drivers with opportunities for delivery in various locations.

  3. In-App Features: The Uber Eats app may offer features or tools that appeal to drivers, such as real-time navigation and delivery tracking.

  4. Additional Services: In addition to food delivery, Uber Eats offers delivery services for groceries, convenience items, and more, diversifying earning potential for drivers.

Comparing Earnings and Opportunities: Uber Eats or DoorDash

When it comes to earnings and opportunities, DoorDash and Uber Eats are relatively similar.

Both platforms offer flexible schedules, the potential for tips, and bonuses or incentives for completing deliveries during busy times. Ultimately, the earning potential may depend on factors such as location, time of day, and customer demand.

Final Recommendations
Choosing Between DoorDash and Uber Eats: Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the decision between DoorDash and Uber Eats may come down to personal preference and priorities. If flexibility and simplicity are your top priorities, DoorDash might be the better option. However, if brand recognition and international reach are important to you, Uber Eats could be the way to go.

The truth is, if you’re going to do food delivery as a side hustle, you’ll earn more if you use both. Some customers exclusively use DoorDash, while others only use UberEats. To serve the highest number of customer orders, utilize both customer bases to maximize your earnings.

Regardless of which platform you choose, both DoorDash and Uber Eats offer opportunities for drivers to earn extra income on their own terms. Consider your preferences, goals, and local market dynamics when making your decision, and happy delivering!