DoorDash, the popular food delivery service, is implementing a significant change to the way its couriers are paid. In an announcement made on Wednesday, DoorDash revealed that couriers will now have the option to earn hourly rates on top of their tips.
Under the new system, couriers will see the choice to “earn by time,” which guarantees them an hourly minimum rate for the time they spend on deliveries. The clock will start as soon as a courier accepts an order and will continue until the order is dropped off. This change marks a departure from the current system, where couriers earn a base pay determined by factors such as time, distance, and desirability of an order. However, not every order will offer the option to earn hourly rates. Couriers can only enable this feature at the start of each dash when the “Earn by Time” option is available.
This update is aimed at addressing concerns about inconsistent pay for gig economy workers. By offering an hourly rate on top of tips, DoorDash hopes to provide couriers with a more stable income. This change is particularly significant as it represents DoorDash’s most significant app update in a decade, indicating the company’s commitment to improving its services and addressing the needs of its workforce.
In addition to the new payment structure, DoorDash is introducing a location-sharing feature for couriers. This feature allows couriers to share their real-time location with up to five contacts. This feature offers peace of mind to couriers as friends and family members can track their location and request emergency assistance if necessary. This feature builds upon DoorDash’s existing safety measures, including reminders for customers to turn on their porch lights and a mechanism for couriers to avoid rude customers without consequences.
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Another notable update is the “Dash Along the Way” option, which enables couriers to pick up orders on their way to a specific destination. This feature improves efficiency for couriers by allowing them to complete multiple tasks in a single trip. DoorDash is also rolling out a new tipping option that allows customers to add a tip or increase the amount after checkout. This feature aims to remind customers to properly tip their couriers for their services.
From a user perspective, DoorDash is introducing several updates to its app. Users will now have a search option that allows them to look for items across multiple types of establishments, including restaurants, grocery stores, and retail locations. Additionally, a new Browse tab will enable users to explore various categories of food, drinks, pet supplies, beauty products, and other items when they are unsure of what they want.
One exciting feature forthcoming to DoorDash is the ability to create multiple carts. This feature allows users to fill up multiple carts with different products and save their progress each time. This feature will be particularly useful for individuals who prefer to plan and order their groceries or supplies in advance, enabling them to assemble multiple orders throughout the week. DoorDash is also adding support for online SNAP / EBT payments at supported stores, including Aldi, Safeway, Meijer, and 7-Eleven. This inclusion ensures that customers who rely on SNAP benefits can conveniently use DoorDash for their online grocery shopping needs.
In summary, DoorDash has made significant updates to its platform, notably including the option for couriers to earn hourly rates on top of tips. These changes aim to provide couriers with more consistent and reliable income. Additional features, such as location-sharing, multiple cart support, and expanded payment options, enhance the user experience and convenience for customers. DoorDash’s commitment to improving its app and addressing the needs of its couriers and customers is evident in these updates.
