How does a DoorDash hotspot work? (Find out!)
Becoming a Dasher (DoorDash’s independent contractor) can be an easy way to earn extra income. If you’re just starting out, you’ve probably heard from seasoned Dashers about the importance of taking advantage of DoorDash hotspots (locations with large numbers of customers).
But how do DoorDash hotspots work, and how can you use them to maximize your income? Read on to find out!
How does a DoorDash hotspot work?
DoorDash hotspots appear in areas with many orders, and they appear as small flame icons on the DoorDash map.
Types of DoorDash Hotspots
There are two types of DoorDash hotspots: dynamic hotspots and historical hotspots.Both hotspots indicate high activity in the area, but when They are very busy.
Dynamic Hotspot
Dynamic hotspots are the areas with the most orders, and the DoorDash app counts and updates them in real time.These real-time hotspots usually happen at lunch and dinner time, which means you should Received many orders from dynamic hotspots.
However, other Dashers may want to take advantage of this high activity and flock to dynamic hotspots. Therefore, despite being in an active hotspot, you may find it challenging to take orders.
historical hotspot
Historical hotspots are areas that may become busy based on historical traffic. DoorDash determines historical hot spots based on the site’s most recent total orders.
While the historic hotspot isn’t busy at the moment, it’s still something to keep an eye on. The DoorDash app estimates activity based on historical data and tells you these areas should Busy soon. So you can use this information to gauge when historical hotspots are reached before other Dashers.
Are you getting more DoorDash orders at the hotspot?
In theory, you should get more orders near hotspots. DoorDash pushes its drivers to these hotspots to meet customer demand, especially during peak hours.
However, there is no guarantee that these hotspots will always have more orders. This is because other drivers may also take other orders earlier, or the order may be lower than expected.
One piece of advice from most Dashers is to pick a specific hotspot rather than trying to reach all potential hotspots. You can do this by waiting near commercial areas that tend to be busy during meal times.
How does DoorDash distribute orders?
DoorDash has an automated system for efficient order distribution and delivery. The ranking system in which Dasher gets an offer first depends on three criteria:
- Dash Score
- nearby
- order demand
First, DoorDash orders are assigned to the Dashers with the highest scores, commonly referred to as Top Dashers. Top Dasher earns these scores by having a high order acceptance rate as well as good customer reviews and ratings.
After all, they do want to assign orders to Dashers who have repeatedly proven themselves reliable. At the same time, DoorDash will also place an order for the person closest to the restaurant first.
Order allocation is also based on order demand and driver supply ratios. For example, if there are many orders, Doordash will repeatedly assign orders to drivers that are available nearby. However, if there are few orders but more drivers are available, DoorDash will pass the order to the top-ranked Dashers.
The only time DoorDash allows early distribution is to “drive large order deliveries.” These are large orders placed in advance. Dashers can pre-claim orders in the app the same day they are placed. If the order is not picked up or accepted early, Dashers can claim it during the sprint.
How close do you have to be to a hotspot on DoorDash?
You don’t have to be near the hotspot or even take orders at the hotspot. In fact, some experienced Dashers avoid relying on hotspots, because other Dashers may head there as well.
Are DoorDash Hotspots Worth It?
Doordash hotspots might be worth it if you’re just starting out, as it can be harder to get orders when you’re not sure where to start. You can still get orders when you’re at home or in a gray area, but it’s easier if you’re already a Top Dasher.
Regardless, newbie Dashers find it easier to improve their scores by lurking near hot spots. So if you’re just starting out, we recommend waiting near a hotspot.
However, you don’t have to be near a hotspot to receive your order. Most Dasher stay near commercial locations like shopping malls or restaurants and wait for orders. In fact, most of them use the DoorDash client app to view clusters of highly rated restaurants.
The hot spot has become a universal reference point rather than a firm push. Essentially, as long as you’re in a business area with DoorDash affiliates, it’s possible to get orders. However, the number of orders you receive may vary by location.
Hotspots are just a matter of testing, so you should test it yourself to see if it’s worth it in the long run.
How long does it take to get a DoorDash order?
If you are near a hotspot, it usually takes about 5-10 minutes to receive your order. After that, most Dashers usually drive to another hotspot and wait for their order there. Some drivers are even just staying home to take orders, especially if they live on the edge of a hotspot.
in conclusion…
If you’re just starting out, DoorDash hotspots can be a great way to start serving DoorDash. However, figuring out what works best for you as a Dasher is more important than trying as many hotspots as possible.
Ultimately, the method that works best for you depends on your availability, traffic conditions, and location. Still have questions about how DoorDash hotspots work? Let us know in the comments below!
