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Next Milestone | Top Dasher - The Tips, Secrets, and Hacks to Become a Top Dasher

Find authentic tips and driver-shared tricks to become a top dasher in your city. We have sourced the information from real door dashers for your benefit.
Table of Contents

DoorDash is a popular food delivery service that connects customers with restaurants and independent drivers to bring food right to their doorstep. For DoorDash drivers, being a top dasher is the ultimate goal. Top dashers are the most experienced and highest-rated drivers on the platform, and they enjoy a range of benefits that set them apart from other drivers. 

According to data collected from various sources, top dashers earn an average of $25 per hour and complete around 100 deliveries per week. They have a minimum customer rating of 4.7 and an acceptance rate of 70% or higher. 

In this article, we will discuss the requirements for becoming a top dasher, as well as the tips and strategies to meet those requirements. We'll also explore the benefits that come with being a top dasher and explain why it's a goal worth striving for.

Qualifying as a Dasher

door-dasher-qualifying

To become a DoorDash driver, you need to meet certain qualifying criteria:

  • Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
  • Driver's License and Insurance: You must have a valid driver's license and insurance.
  • Vehicle: You must have access to a vehicle, such as a car, scooter, or bicycle.
  • Smartphone: You must have a smartphone that can run the DoorDash app.

Once you've met these criteria, you'll need to pass a background check and driver safety test. The entire process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on your location and the volume of applications.

After you've been approved as a DoorDash driver, you can start accepting delivery requests and earning money. But if you want to become a top dasher, you'll need to meet additional requirements and maintain a high level of performance. This can take some time and effort, but the rewards can be well worth it.

Top Dasher Requirements

requirements-for-top-dasher

To become a top dasher, you need to meet certain criteria set by DoorDash. Here are the requirements:

  • Delivery Stats: You must complete at least 100 deliveries in the previous calendar month to qualify for Top Dasher status.
  • Customer Rating: You must maintain a minimum customer rating of 4.7 based on the previous 100 ratings.
  • Acceptance Rate: You must accept at least 70% of the delivery requests offered to you.
  • Completion Rate: You must complete at least 95% of the deliveries you accept.
  • Dash Time: You must complete at least 90% of your scheduled dash time.

These requirements are designed to ensure that top dashers are experienced and reliable drivers who provide excellent service to DoorDash customers. Once you meet these requirements, you can qualify for Top Dasher status, which offers additional benefits and perks.

Qualifying for the Top Dasher Program

qualifying-for-topdasher

Once you've met the above requirements, you'll automatically qualify for the Top Dasher program. However, there are a few additional criteria you need to meet to maintain your Top Dasher status:

  • Availability: You must maintain a high level of availability and schedule at least 5 dash shifts per week.
  • Acceptance Rate: You must maintain an acceptance rate of 70% or higher.
  • Customer Rating: You must maintain a minimum customer rating of 4.7 based on the previous 100 ratings.
  • Completion Rate: You must complete at least 95% of the deliveries you accept.
  • Dash Time: You must complete at least 90% of your scheduled dash time.

Meeting these requirements ensures that you maintain your status as a top dasher and continue to enjoy the benefits that come with it. 

By meeting these requirements and maintaining your status as a top dasher, you can earn more money and have access to more delivery opportunities. But how exactly do you go about meeting these requirements? The following section will provide you with some tips and strategies to help you become a top dasher.

Guide to Becoming a Top Dasher

guide-for-top-dasher

Becoming a top dasher requires more than just meeting the basic qualifications. You need to consistently provide excellent service, maintain a high acceptance rate, and complete a minimum number of deliveries each month. Here are some tips and tricks to help you become a top dasher:

  1. Provide Excellent Service

To become a top dasher, you need to provide excellent service to customers. This means being punctual, professional, and polite. It also means going above and beyond to ensure that customers are satisfied with their orders. Here are some tips for providing excellent service:

  • Communicate with customers: Keep customers updated on the status of their orders and let them know if there are any delays or issues.
  • Be friendly and professional: Greet customers with a smile and thank them for their business.
  • Double-check orders: Make sure that orders are complete and accurate before delivering them.
  1. Maintain A High Acceptance Rate

Your acceptance rate is the percentage of delivery requests that you accept. To become a top dasher, you need to maintain a high acceptance rate (usually 70% or higher). This shows that you're willing to take on a variety of delivery opportunities and that you're committed to providing good service. Here are some tips for maintaining a high acceptance rate:

  • Accept orders quickly: Try to accept orders as soon as they come in to maximize your acceptance rate. 
  • Be selective: Only accept orders that you feel comfortable completing. If an order is too far away or doesn't pay enough, it's okay to decline it.
  • Schedule your shifts: Plan your shifts in advance to ensure that you're available to accept delivery requests during peak hours.
  1. Complete A Minimum Number Of Deliveries

To qualify for the Top Dasher program, you need to complete a minimum number of deliveries each month (usually 100 or more). This shows that you're committed to the job and that you're willing to put in the time and effort required to succeed. Here are some tips for completing a minimum number of deliveries:

delivering-food-top-dasher
  • Stay active: Try to complete at least one delivery per day to maintain your status as an active dasher. 
  • Plan your routes: Use a map or GPS to plan the most efficient delivery routes. 
  • Maximize your earnings: Look for opportunities to earn bonuses and incentives by completing certain types of deliveries or meeting specific goals.
  1. Learn From Top Dashers

One of the best ways to learn how to become a top dasher is to talk to other top dashers. You can find them on Reddit and other online forums, as well as in person at local meetups and events. Here are some tips for learning from top dashers:

  • Ask for advice: Don't be afraid to ask top dashers for advice on how to improve your performance. 
  • Listen to their stories: Top dashers can share personal experiences on how they maintain their top dasher status and the secrets to their success. 
  • Follow their lead: Emulate the habits and strategies of top dashers to see if they work for you.

By following these tips and tricks, you can increase your chances of becoming a top dasher and enjoy the benefits that come with this status, including higher pay and priority access to delivery opportunities.

Benefit of Working as a Top Dasher

Now, let's discuss the benefits of being a Top Dasher. Firstly, Top Dashers get priority access to the best orders in their area. This means that they have the first pick of the most lucrative orders, which can significantly increase their earnings. Additionally, Top Dashers get a Top Dasher badge on their profile, which can make them more attractive to customers and increase their chances of getting more orders. Top Dashers also get access to a special support line that is reserved exclusively for Top Dashers. This means that they can get help more quickly and efficiently than regular Dashers.

Another significant benefit of being a Top Dasher is that they can schedule their shifts more flexibly. While regular Dashers have to schedule their shifts a week in advance, Top Dashers can choose their shifts on a day-to-day basis. This means that Top Dashers can work when it suits them best, rather than having to adhere to a strict schedule.

Here is the table comparing the earnings of Dashers in and outside the Top Dasher program in the top 20 cities in the USA where DoorDash operates:

City Dasher Earnings Top Dasher Earnings Difference in Earnings (%)
New York City $9.50 $12.00 26.32%
Los Angeles $8.00 $12.00 50.00%
Chicago $7.50 $10.50 40.00%
Houston $7.00 $9.50 35.71%
Phoenix $6.00 $10.00 66.67%
Philadelphia $7.50 $11.00 46.67%
San Antonio $6.50 $9.50 46.15%
San Diego $7.50 $11.50 53.33%
Dallas $7.00 $10.00 42.86%
San Jose $7.50 $10.50 40.00%
Austin $7.00 $10.50 50.00%
Fort Worth $7.00 $10.00 42.86%
Columbus $7.00 $10.50 50.00%
San Francisco $8.00 $12.00 50.00%
Charlotte $7.00 $10.50 50.00%
Indianapolis $7.00 $10.50 50.00%
Seattle $7.50 $11.50 53.33%
Denver $7.00 $11.00 57.14%
Washington, D.C. $8.00 $11.50 43.75%
Boston $8.50 $12.00 41.18%

As you can see, Top Dashers earn significantly more than regular Dashers in every city. The percentage difference varies from city to city, but Top Dashers generally earn at least 40% more than regular Dashers.

Overall, being a Top Dasher comes with a range of benefits that can significantly increase a Dasher's earnings and make their job more enjoyable and flexible.

Recommendations and Advice From Current Top Dashers

Maintain A High Acceptance Rate: Maintaining a high acceptance rate is crucial for becoming a top dasher. By accepting as many orders as possible, even if they are not the most profitable, you demonstrate reliability and commitment to the DoorDash platform.

This approach helps build a reputation as a reliable dasher and increases your chances of being selected as a top dasher. It shows your willingness to contribute to the overall efficiency of the system and ensures that you consistently receive order offers.

accept-door-dash-orders

Be Strategic With Scheduling: Becoming a top dasher requires strategic scheduling. Experienced top dashers carefully plan their shifts to maximize their earnings. They identify peak hours with high demand and less competition from other dashers.

By strategically choosing these shifts, they can complete more orders and earn more money within a shorter time frame. This approach allows top dashers to capitalize on busy periods when customers are more likely to order, enabling them to optimize their income and increase their chances of achieving top dasher status.

Provide Excellent Customer Service: Providing exceptional customer service is a key factor in becoming a top dasher. Going the extra mile for customers can significantly impact your customer rating and increase your chances of being recognized as a top dasher.

hot-food-deliver

By ensuring timely deliveries, being responsive to customer inquiries or concerns, and maintaining a friendly and professional demeanor, you create a positive customer experience. This commitment to excellence builds trust, loyalty, and positive reviews, ultimately boosting your customer rating and eligibility for the top dasher program.

Stay Up-To-Date On Promotions: Staying informed about the latest promotions and bonuses offered by DoorDash is essential for maximizing your earnings and increasing your chances of becoming a top dasher.

Top dashers make it a habit to regularly check for new promotions and incentives, such as peak pay during busy periods or bonuses for completing a certain number of deliveries within a specified timeframe.

By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can significantly boost your earnings and demonstrate your commitment to the platform, which can contribute to your selection as a top dasher.

Maintain A High Customer Rating: Achieving and maintaining a high customer rating is vital for aspiring top dashers. Customer ratings directly impact your eligibility for the program.

To ensure a positive rating, focus on providing prompt and accurate deliveries, communicating effectively with customers, and addressing any concerns or issues promptly and professionally.

happy-customer-rating

By consistently delivering excellent service, you increase the likelihood of receiving positive ratings, improving your eligibility for the top dasher program, and establishing a strong reputation among customers.

Accept Most Orders: Top dashers advise accepting the majority of orders to increase your chances of entering the top dasher program. Accepting most orders demonstrates your commitment to fulfilling customers' needs and DoorDash's requirements.

While it's important to consider factors like distance, time, and profitability, maintaining a high acceptance rate showcases your dedication and reliability as a dasher. By consistently accepting orders, you enhance your standing within the platform and improve your chances of achieving top dasher status.

Communicate Effectively With Customers: Effective communication with customers plays a significant role in your success as a dasher and your potential as a top dasher.

Timely updates on order status, providing accurate delivery estimates, and being courteous in all interactions contribute to a positive customer experience. By keeping customers informed and addressing any concerns promptly, you enhance their satisfaction and increase the likelihood of positive ratings.

Effective communication builds trust and establishes a solid foundation for customer loyalty, positioning you as a top dasher candidate.

Keep Your Vehicle In Good Condition: Maintaining a well-functioning vehicle is crucial for top dashers. By ensuring your vehicle is in good condition, you can provide reliable and timely deliveries.

car-in-good-condition

Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, tire checks, and general upkeep, reduces the risk of breakdowns and delays. A reliable vehicle allows you to fulfill orders efficiently, earn more money, and establish a reputation for dependability.

By prioritizing vehicle maintenance, you demonstrate professionalism and increase your chances of becoming a top dasher.

Take Advantage Of Bonuses And Incentives: Top dashers emphasize the importance of capitalizing on bonuses and incentives provided by DoorDash. By staying informed about these offerings, you can maximize your earnings potential.

Bonuses may include additional payments for completing a certain number of deliveries, working during peak hours, or accepting challenging orders. Incentives are designed to motivate and reward dashers for exceptional performance.

By actively participating in these programs, you increase your earnings and demonstrate your commitment to delivering exceptional service, positioning yourself as a strong candidate for the top dasher program.

To Sum It Up

Becoming a top dasher with DoorDash can be a rewarding experience, both financially and professionally. While the monetary benefits are obvious, top dashers also have access to more opportunities, better perks, and a sense of accomplishment that comes from being recognized for their hard work.

To become a top dasher, you need to be committed and disciplined in your approach. You need to maintain a high acceptance rate, a low cancellation rate, and a consistently high customer rating. It's also important to take advantage of any promotions or bonuses that DoorDash offers.

By following the tips and advice shared in this article and learning from the experiences of top dashers, you can increase your chances of joining the top dasher program and reap the benefits that come with it. So, what are you waiting for? Start dashing, and become a top dasher today!

References

  1. https://help.doordash.com/dashers/s/article/Pro-Tips-for-Dashing?language=en_US
  2. https://thisonlineworld.com/doordash-driver-tips/
  3. https://www.reddit.com/r/doordash/
Andrew Wise. Side Hustling since 2009
Andrew Wise, Side Hustler Since 2009
Founder, Wurk.cc
I have spent my entire adult life maximizing my money. At age 6, I was selling my lunch, at age 16, I was a Power Seller on eBay, and at age 26 I was helping Postmates manage their $10M annual Adwords budget. Today, I'm helping gig workers maximize their money on Wurk.
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