When is the best time for DoorDash? (and maximize profits)
Doordash is a quick way to start your career as an independent delivery contractor, allowing you to enjoy the flexibility of work on your own time.
However, that means you also have to choose the best times for DoorDash wisely, lest you end up with a relatively empty shift.
So when is the best time for Doordash, and how do you maximize your schedule to make as much money as possible?
When is the best time for DoorDash?
Generally speaking, the best times for DoorDash are lunch (11am-2pm) and dinner (4:30pm-8pm). While the timeframes vary by region, these are the standard best times for DoorDash.
These times are also verified by DoorDash themselves as the best times for DoorDash. Additionally, these claims are supported by DoorDash’s own research and historical order data.
Dashers themselves came to the same conclusion as DoorDash, albeit at a slightly different time. According to the Dasher community, the best times for DoorDash are:
- Lunch (1am-2pm) and Dinner (5pm-9pm)
- Weekend late night (until 2am)
Based on their past experience, Dashers also strongly recommend that newbies start half an hour before peak hours. This allows you to get as many orders as possible, not to mention the slack time to accommodate traffic jams.
That said, both DoorDash and Dasher point out that peak hours work differently in each region.
Why is it important to find the best time for DoorDash?
Determining the best time to use DoorDash will directly affect the efficiency of your Dashing session. Naturally, more productive meetings generate higher profits.
Aside from monetary reasons, there are several benefits to determining the best time to use DoorDash.
Create consistent order flow during peak hours
Order volumes have been high during peak hours. Since Dashers are not paid by the hour, order volume and the efficiency of DoorDash are more important than ever.
Long periods of inactivity can result in a lot of gas and wasted time. Therefore, peak hours allow you to take many orders in a row and ensure you make the most of every hour.
Maximize your revenue stream during peak hours
In April 2021, DoorDash introduced a peak salary system where Dashers will receive bonuses if they take orders at a certain time. Dashers get this bonus on top of their base salary, which can add up to a sizable amount.
Peak hours let you plan ahead
Knowing the best times for DoorDash means you can plan your work hours. For example, you can avoid the crowds that come with rush hour and DoorDash at less busy times. Again, time and efficiency are the name of the game.
When is the best day for DoorDash?
The best days for Doordash are on weekends. People use DoorDash all the time to give themselves a break from cooking, not to mention hungry and drunk partygoers after a night out.
When is the best time for DoorDash on the weekend?
Nearly every Dasher says late night is the best time for Doordash on the weekend. Many Dashers were asleep and there were a lot of late night orders, especially around bars and pubs.
What time is DoorDash busy in the morning?
Doordash is generally not busy in the morning as not many people are eating breakfast these days. People rushing to work in the morning find it more convenient to grab a bite than to wait for takeout.
Again, it also depends on your region. Some Dashers found they were getting more orders from the suburbs on weekday mornings (before 10.30am), while others found Monday morning was prime time for bulk orders due to business meetings.
When do peak wages start?
DoorDash pays extra to have Dashers take orders during peak hours. Peak wages are only in effect during busy hours, usually between 11am-2pm and 4.30pm-8pm.
Again, these times vary by location, so treat them as estimates rather than strict rules to follow.
If you need a reliable way to know when peak wages start, you can refer to the real-time DoorDash heatmap. After you’ve used DoorDashed for a while, you’ll become familiar with peak wage hours for specific locations.
in conclusion
The best times for DoorDash are usually lunch (11am-2pm) and dinner (5pm-8pm). Knowing the best times for DoorDash is an excellent way to strategically plan your delivery times to maximize your revenue.
However, the best times for DoorDash often vary by region. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you test the waters in your specific location to see what works best for you.
Still have questions about the best time for DoorDash? Let us know in the comments below!
