What to Do While Waiting for Doordash Orders? 13 Crazy Ideas!
When it comes to working as a DoorDash driver, waiting for orders is an inevitable part of the job.
While some drivers may be lucky enough to receive back-to-back orders, others may find themselves with long gaps in between.
So, what can drivers do to make the most of their time while waiting for orders?
While waiting for DoorDash orders, you can stay productive by catching up on emails, exploring the area, networking with other drivers, completing other tasks, or taking a break to recharge. The key is to make the most of your time and stay focused on the task at hand, while also taking care of yourself and staying alert for any new orders that come in.
One option is to use the time to prepare for the next delivery. This could involve checking the delivery address and any special instructions, or making sure that the car is clean and well-stocked with supplies.
Drivers can also use this time to familiarize themselves with the area, so that they can find the most efficient routes to their next destination.
Another option is to use the time to take a break and recharge. Drivers can use this time to grab a snack, stretch their legs, or even take a quick nap if they need to.
It’s important for drivers to take care of themselves, both physically and mentally, so that they can provide the best service possible to their customers.
Check Your Equipment:
As a DoorDash driver, it’s essential to have the right equipment to ensure a smooth and successful delivery. Before starting a shift, drivers should make sure they have the following:
- A fully charged smartphone with the DoorDash app installed
- A car charger or portable battery pack to keep the phone charged
- A thermal bag to keep the food warm during transport
- A hands-free headset or Bluetooth earpiece to make and receive calls safely while driving
It’s also important to make sure that the DoorDash app has access to the phone’s camera and location services. To check this, drivers can follow these steps:
| On iOS: | Go to Settings, scroll down to Privacy, select Camera and look for the Dasher App icon and toggle it right to give the app access to your camera. To give the app access to location services, go to Settings, select DoorDash and toggle on Location. |
|---|---|
| On Android: | Go to Settings, Applications/Apps, look for the Dasher App, click on Permissions, select Camera, select Allow. To give the app access to location services, go to Settings, select Apps, look for the Dasher App, click on Permissions and toggle on Location. |
By checking their equipment before starting a shift, DoorDash drivers can ensure they have everything they need to provide excellent service and complete deliveries efficiently.
Stay Productive:
While waiting for DoorDash orders, it can be tempting to just sit back and relax. However, staying productive can help make the most of your time and increase your earnings. Here are a few ideas:
Read a Book:
If you enjoy reading, bring a book with you and use your downtime to catch up on your reading.
Reading can help relax your mind and reduce stress, while also keeping your mind active and engaged.
Learn a Skill:
Use your downtime to learn a new skill or improve an existing one. There are many online courses and tutorials available that can help you learn anything from a new language to coding.
This can help you develop new skills that can be useful in both your personal and professional life.
Complete a Task:
Use your downtime to complete a task that you’ve been putting off.
This could be something as simple as making a phone call or sending an email, or something more complex like organizing your finances.
By completing tasks during your downtime, you can free up more time later and reduce stress.
Take Care of Yourself:
Waiting for DoorDash orders can be a tedious task, but it is important to take care of yourself while you wait. Here are a few tips to help you stay healthy and energized:
Stay Hydrated
It is essential to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially when you are out on the road.
Make sure to carry a water bottle with you and sip on it regularly. Dehydration can cause fatigue and headaches, which can affect your ability to work efficiently.
Avoid drinking sugary drinks or caffeinated beverages, as they can cause dehydration.
Stretch and Exercise:
Sitting in a car for long periods can cause stiffness and soreness in your muscles. Take a few minutes to stretch your legs, arms, and back to keep your muscles relaxed.
You can also do some simple exercises like squats, lunges, or jumping jacks to get your blood flowing. This will help you stay alert and focused while waiting for orders.
Eat Healthy Snacks:
Snacking on unhealthy foods like chips and candy can cause a sugar crash, leaving you feeling tired and sluggish.
Instead, pack some healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, or granola bars to keep your energy levels up. Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day can also help you stay focused and alert.
Stay Entertained While Waiting for DoorDash Orders:
Waiting for orders can be tedious, but there are plenty of ways to stay entertained while on the job. Here are a few options:
Listen to Music or Podcasts:
One easy way to pass the time is to listen to music or podcasts. Drivers can create playlists or find pre-made ones on streaming services like Spotify or Pandora.
Alternatively, they can catch up on their favorite podcasts or discover new ones on platforms like Apple Podcasts or Stitcher.
Play Mobile Games:
Another option is to play mobile games. Drivers can download games from app stores like Google Play or the App Store and play them while waiting for orders.
Some popular options include Candy Crush, Words With Friends, and Solitaire.
Watch Videos:
Drivers can also watch videos while waiting for orders. They can use their phone or tablet to stream movies, TV shows, or YouTube videos.
Alternatively, they can download content ahead of time to watch offline.
It’s important to note that drivers should always prioritize safety while on the job. They should never engage in activities that could distract them from driving or put themselves or others in danger.
How long should I wait for a DoorDash order?
As a DoorDash driver, it’s important to be efficient with your time and avoid long wait times for orders.
While some waiting is inevitable, it’s important to know when to move on and find a new order. So, how long should you wait for a DoorDash order?
The ideal Avoidable Wait rate is less than 2 minutes. This means that you should aim to avoid waiting more than 2 minutes for an order whenever possible.
If you arrive at a restaurant and the order is not ready, you can use this time to check your phone, catch up on emails, or complete other tasks. However, if the wait time is longer than 2 minutes, it may be time to move on and find a new order.
Of course, there may be times when you need to wait longer than 2 minutes for an order.
For example, if the restaurant is particularly busy or if there is a delay in the kitchen. In these cases, it’s important to communicate with the customer and let them know that there may be a delay in their order.
Ultimately, the amount of time you should wait for a DoorDash order will depend on the situation.
As a general rule, aim to avoid waiting more than 2 minutes whenever possible, but be prepared to be flexible and adaptable when unexpected delays arise.
By being efficient with your time and making the most of every opportunity, you can maximize your earnings and provide excellent service to your customers.
What to do when you aren t getting DoorDash orders?
If you’re not getting DoorDash orders, there are several things you can do to increase your chances of receiving more orders. Here are some tips:
- Check your settings: Make sure that your settings are up to date and that you are available to receive orders. You may also want to check your location and make sure that you are in a busy area.
- Be proactive: If you’re not getting orders, try driving to a different area or hotspot. You can also reach out to other drivers or restaurant staff and ask if they know of any busy areas or upcoming events.
- Promote your services: Consider promoting your DoorDash services on social media or through word of mouth. You can also create business cards or flyers to hand out to potential customers.
- Improve your ratings: If your ratings are low, this may be affecting your ability to receive orders. Focus on providing excellent service and communicating with customers to improve your ratings.
- Stay positive: Remember that DoorDash order volume can be unpredictable, and there may be times when you don’t receive as many orders as you would like. Stay positive and keep trying, and remember that persistence is key.
Overall, there are several things you can do when you’re not getting DoorDash orders.
By being proactive, promoting your services, and providing excellent service, you can increase your chances of receiving more orders and maximizing your earnings as a DoorDash driver.
