Food delivery service giant, DoorDash, has issued a warning to its customers that not tipping their drivers may result in delayed deliveries. The largest food delivery company in the United States, DoorDash, currently holding a 65% market share in online meal delivery, has informed its users that tipping plays a crucial role in ensuring prompt service. The company’s warning stems from the fact that its drivers have the freedom to choose which orders to accept, and they can see whether an order includes a tip. As a result, they may prioritize higher-earning opportunities over those without tips.
According to a report by The Verge, DoorDash has begun testing a new pop-up warning message aimed at encouraging users to leave a tip when placing their orders. This warning pops up when a customer attempts to place an order with a $0 tip. The message reads, “Orders with no tip might take longer to get delivered — are you sure you want to continue? Orders that take longer to be accepted by Dashers tend to result in slower delivery.”
While DoorDash’s new warning message has been implemented in some regions, it hasn’t been rolled out across the entire United States. Reports suggest that users in different states have experienced varying responses. For instance, a Verge reporter in New Jersey received the pop-up warning, while another reporter in South Carolina did not.
DoorDash maintains on its website that its drivers can earn between $2 and $10 per delivery, depending on factors such as the distance and desirability of the order. Additionally, DoorDash drivers retain 100% of the tips given by customers.
A spokesperson from DoorDash emphasized the importance of tipping and how it can impact the overall experience for both drivers and customers. They stated, “Every day, Dashers go the extra mile to help connect consumers with the best of their local communities. That’s why we encourage customers to show their appreciation by tipping. As independent contractors, Dashers have full freedom to accept or reject offers based on what they view as valuable and rewarding. While the vast majority of customers do leave a tip, offers that don’t include a tip can be seen as less desirable – this impacts our entire community, leading to longer wait times for customers, orders sitting longer at merchants, and less value for Dashers.”
The spokesperson also clarified that the reminder screen, which encourages tipping, is currently being tested to enhance the experience for all members of the DoorDash community. They expressed their commitment to analyzing the results and gathering feedback to ensure the best possible service for both customers and drivers.
DoorDash’s move to encourage tipping reflects the growing importance of gratuities in the gig economy and the impact they have on workers’ earnings. As the food delivery industry continues to evolve, the relationship between customers, platforms, and drivers remains a topic of ongoing discussion and debate.