Requirements to become a Top Dasher
DoorDash’s Top Dasher program is an initiative to recognize and reward its most outstanding drivers.
This program, which has not been widely documented in statistical terms, has generated mixed opinions among drivers, as reflected on various platforms such as Facebook, Reddit and YouTube. The testimonials shared are purely anecdotal, showing both positive and negative points of view.
In this article, I will focus on analyzing the Top Dasher program, evaluating its advantages and disadvantages. We will address key questions such as what the program is, whether the benefits are essential for DoorDash drivers, how to qualify to be a Top Dasher and whether it is really worth aspiring to this status.
The company
DoorDash is a U.S.-based technology and logistics company known primarily for its food delivery service.
Founded in 2013, DoorDash allows users to order food from local restaurants through its mobile app or website, and then delivers those orders to customers using a network of independent delivery drivers known as “Dashers.”
So, what is a dasher?
A “Dasher” refers to a person who delivers orders for DoorDash. Dashers use the DoorDash app to accept orders from restaurants and other retailers, and then deliver them to customers.
This job offers flexibility of schedule, as Dashers choose when and how much they want to work, making it a popular choice for those seeking additional income or a part-time job adaptable to their needs.
Requirements to become a Top Dasher
DoorDash describes its program as a way to value and reward its best drivers. To be part of the program, there are certain criteria that drivers must meet.
aRequirements to be a Top Dasher in DoorDash:
- Customer Rating: Must be at least 4.7.
- Order Completion Rate: Must be 95% or higher.
- Deliveries Completed Previous Month: Must be at least 100.
- Total Deliveries Made: Must be a minimum of 200 in total.
- Order Acceptance Rate: Must be maintained at at least 70%.
Additionally:
- Drivers are added to the Top Dasher program at the beginning of each month.
- To be eligible, they must maintain these criteria through the end of the previous month. In other words, to become a Top Dasher, it is necessary to meet the criteria and maintain them until the last day of the month prior to attempting to become a Top Dasher. For example, to become a Top Dasher in July, you must meet the criteria by June 31 at 11:59 p.m. (local time).
Detailed guide to all requirements
| N° | Requirements to become a Top Dasher |
|---|---|
| 1 | Customer rating of at least 4.7 |
| 2 | Acceptance rate of at least 70%. |
| 3 | Order completion rate of at least 95% |
| 4 | 100 deliveries completed during the last month |
| 5 | At least 200 deliveries completed in total |
Program feedback
The question of whether it pays to be a Top Dasher varies from driver to driver. Some, like those who share their experiences on YouTube, speak positively of the program, citing benefits such as flexible scheduling.
However, other drivers express doubts, especially in relation to the need to maintain a high order acceptance rate, which could lead to accepting lower paying orders.
In summary, whether the Top Dasher program is beneficial or not depends on each driver’s individual strategy, preferences and work style. Tools such as the Gridwise app can help drivers track their revenue and identify the most profitable times and zones, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their work.
Benefits of being a Top Dasher
Being a Top Dasher at DoorDash carries a number of significant benefits that can make this designation attractive to drivers.
Here I detail these benefits in more detail:
- Flexibility of Schedule (“Dash Now” Anytime):
- As a Top Dasher, you have the freedom to work anytime, anywhere, without having to schedule your hours in advance. This flexibility is particularly valuable for those seeking to adapt their delivery work to other commitments or personal preferences.
- Priority Order Acceptance:
- If multiple drivers are available to accept the same order, the driver with Top Dasher status generally receives priority. This can result in greater access to orders, especially in times of lower demand, which in turn can increase profit opportunities.
- Priority on High Value Orders:
- Top Dashers usually receive priority in the allocation of orders with a total value greater than $30. Not only can this increase the average revenue per delivery, but it can also mean better tips, as these are usually based on a percentage of the total value of the order.
- Possible Higher Customer Satisfaction:
- By having access to more orders and potentially higher value orders, Top Dashers can have more interactions with customers, which can translate into higher customer satisfaction if the service provided is of high quality.
- Performance Recognition:
- Obtaining and maintaining Top Dasher status is a recognition of the quality and efficiency of the service you provide. This can be a point of pride and motivation for many drivers.
- Potential for Increased Revenues:
- Although not guaranteed, being a Top Dasher can offer opportunities to increase revenue through priority order placement and the ability to work more flexible hours.
- Better Downtime Management:
- Since Top Dashers can work at any time, they can take advantage of times when demand is lower to make deliveries, which can be especially useful during periods when regular drivers are unable to work.
It is important to note that these benefits must be balanced with the requirements necessary to become and remain a Top Dasher, such as maintaining high order acceptance and completion rates, which can sometimes mean accepting lower value orders or working less convenient hours.
The decision to aspire to become a Top Dasher depends on the individual priorities and circumstances of each driver.
