Dear door dash drivers… what is a good tip?
I want to know what is considered a good tip?
What do you feel like is adequate, what makes you look at your phone and god “OH WOW LOOK AT THAT TIP!” And what makes you look at your phone, sigh, and wonder why you’re even doing door dash?
Do you see small tips and hope they tack on more later if they’re satisfied? Are people even doing that?
I know for me personally, as someone who dashes a lot because three kids for a quick trip, or sometimes they’re in bed and I wanna treat myself, or forgot stuff at the store etc, there are certainly dashers who ruin it for others.
We’ve had dashers send us pics saying something was out, and in that picture we find the product and circle it, and they instead refund anyways. This is just one of many scenarios. I’ve had ones refund the whole order almost and then we send another dasher and they find everything no problem. I’ve also had ones double back to the restaurant because they noticed the restaurant forgot something. And I’ve had some that even when having to refund or replace, communicate with me about it vs the ones that as I’m reading their first text, refund without letting me reply.
My boyfriend and I have started doing low tips to start and if it’s filled without problem, we give them more after delivery. I don’t expect anyone to go above and beyond, the bar is just that I get my delivery without disrespect. But I want the good drivers to feel appreciated by giving them the tip they deserve, and the ones who fall short (I’m looking at one specific one who gave me a half used chapstick and open eye drops) well they just get a basic tip. I don’t know how much door dash pays, but I was a server once, so I’ll never not tip. Let’s chat about it
Tipping etiquette for food delivery has evolved significantly. Many consumers wonder what a reasonable tip for DoorDash drivers is, considering the variability in service quality. A good tip can depend on several factors, including distance, delivery time, and the driver’s communication skills. It's essential to remember the basic tipping rule: 15-20% of the total bill is generally a standard tip, but this rule may vary based on the service received. Through surveys and user feedback, most DoorDash users report that they appreciate drivers who communicate effectively, resolve issues promptly, and maintain a friendly demeanor during delivery. However, many customers also experience varying standards of service, which can affect how they tip. Some customers, like the author, have developed a strategy of starting with a lower tip and increasing it based on the service quality, which balances the driver’s motivation with their expectations. Moreover, it’s worth noting that DoorDash drivers often rely on tips to supplement their earnings due to the low base pay from the platform. With this in mind, remembering to reward those who go above and beyond, while expressing dissatisfaction through lower tips when the service falls short, could foster a more accountable delivery culture. Understanding these dynamics can enhance the overall experience for both customers and drivers in the delivery service ecosystem.
I always make sure to tip at least enough for a gallon of gas. That’s the least for me.