When I first signed up for DoorDash, I didn’t expect much. Maybe a few bucks here and there. Definitely not $6,000 in my first month. But here we are. WOW.
I made $150 my very first day.
$1,900 in my first week.
And yep—over $6,000 by the end of the month.
Since then, I’ve had multiple $300+ days. So, if you’re a new or curious dasher, listen up—I’m about to drop the best door dash driver tips I wish someone had told me on day one.
These are real, practical, no-fluff strategies to help you earn more without burning out.
Understand What Doesn’t Matter (Even If DoorDash Says It Does)
Tip #1: Don’t Obsess Over Your Acceptance Rate
When you first start Door Dashing, the app will show you a colorful little badge with your “acceptance rate.” It’ll turn green if it’s high and red if it’s low. Ignore it.
Seriously—your acceptance rate does not matter.
DoorDash says higher rates may get you more orders, but in real life? Well, I’ve had mine as low as 3% and still made bank! The key is to pick good orders and decline the ones that waste your time. That’s it.
Tip #2: Stop Stressing About Customer Tips
It’s easy to get caught up looking at how much someone tipped. But here’s the truth: tips don’t really matter as much as you think.
The only numbers you need to focus on are:
- The total payout for the order
- The number of miles you’ll be driving
If it pays well for the distance, take it. If not, decline it. Tips are already factored into what you see—so don’t overthink it.
Tip #3: Ignore the “Total Might Be Higher” Message
Sometimes DoorDash says “Total may be higher” when offering a delivery. Cool. But don’t bank on it.
Only pay attention to:
- The base pay listed
- The mileage required
If there’s a surprise bonus, awesome. But don’t let maybe-money dictate your strategy.
How to Choose the Right Orders
Tip #4: Learn to Reject the Trash and Accept the Gold
This is one of the most important door dash driver tips you’ll ever learn.
Good orders usually have:
- $2 per mile or better
- $9+ payout minimum
- Drop-off zones near restaurants
- Fast and reliable restaurant partners
- Stacked deliveries (2+ in one trip)
- Grocery shopping orders with few items and high pay
Bad orders usually have:
- Low pay + long distances
- Drop-offs in the middle of nowhere
- Problematic restaurants (slow, disorganized, etc.)
Tip #5: Use the Decline Options
DoorDash gives you a list of reasons when you decline an order. Use them.
The app learns what you like—and you’ll start seeing better offers over time.
Mastering the Delivery Flow
Tip #6: Follow the Delivery Instructions Exactly
Customers leave delivery instructions for a reason. Read them. Follow them.
Some want the food handed to them, some want it dropped at the door, some want you to knock, and others say, “Do NOT knock.” Don’t assume—just follow the app.
Same goes for pickup instructions at restaurants.
Tip #7: Use an Electric Bike If You Can
If you live in a city, this can be a game changer.
Electric bikes = zero gas cost and way more take-home pay. Plus, parking is easier, and you can weave through traffic like a DoorDash ninja.
Build Your Knowledge Fast
Tip #8: Master Your Area Quickly
When I first started dashing, I accepted almost every order. Not because I wanted to—but because I needed to learn.
That’s how I figured out:
- Which restaurants are lightning fast
- Which ones are always slow
- Which neighborhoods are goldmines
The faster you learn your area, the faster you make real money.
Take Advantage of Order Types
Tip #9: Look for Stacked Orders and Shopping Runs
Stacked orders = multiple pickups or drop-offs on one trip. These are amazing if the distance is short and the payout is solid.
Example: I once got a one-pickup, three-drop-off offer for $17 in 1 mile. A total banger.
Shopping runs can also be lucrative if you’re good at navigating grocery stores. Just don’t accept a shopping run with 40 items unless the pay is worth it.
Tip #10: Take Smart “On the Way” Orders
If you’re already driving somewhere and get a quick, low-mileage delivery offer—go for it.
Think of it like finding money on the sidewalk while you’re already on your way somewhere.
Know When to Decline
Tip #11: Be Picky When It’s Busy
When DoorDash is hopping, you can afford to be choosy.
If an order is meh, let the timer run out. Odds are, something better is coming right behind it.
Tip #12: Schedule Dashes Ahead of Time
Use the “Schedule” feature to block off your dashing hours in advance. If it’s not busy, you won’t be able to go online unless you’re scheduled.
I keep 6–7 days booked out at all times so I can dash whenever I want.
Maximize Your Location
Tip #13: Camp Out Near Busy, Higher-End Restaurants
More restaurants = more orders. But if at least one or two of them are higher-end places? That’s where the good tips live.
DoorDash also stacks more from those spots—so stay close and get ready for bangers.
Tip #14: Don’t Obsess Over Peak Pay
Peak pay is nice, but don’t chase it. Only accept orders that make sense even without the bonus.
An $8 order + $3 peak pay = $11—but only if that base $8 offer was already worth it.
Use the App to Your Advantage
Tip #15: Use the “Tell Us What’s Happening” Button
If you’re stuck waiting at a restaurant, let DoorDash and the customer know.
Use the “Tell us what’s happening” feature to update them—it can protect your rating and maybe even get you extra time credit.
Tip #16: Don’t Overcommunicate with Customers
Unless there’s a legit issue (missing gate code, can’t find the house, etc.), don’t text the customer. Most people just want their food, not small talk.
Show up, drop it off, and bounce.
Final Tools and Mindset
Tip #17: Use an Insulated Bag
If you want good ratings, keep the food hot (or cold). Get an insulated bag. Bonus points if it has a divider so you don’t turn someone’s milkshake into hot soup.
Strategy Beats Speed Every Time
You’ll notice none of these door dash driver tips are “Drive faster!” or “Rush like a maniac!”
That’s because the real secret to success isn’t speed—it’s strategy.
You make more money when you:
- Accept smart orders
- Decline the bad ones
- Dash at the right times
- Hang out in the right locations
- Learn your area
- Use tools that save time and gas
The Hustle Is Real
If I can earn $6,000 my very first month DoorDashing—starting with zero experience—you can absolutely do it too. It’s not about luck. It’s about learning what works, avoiding what doesn’t, and staying smart with every order you accept.
So, what are you waiting for?
📌 Grab that red bag.
📌 Charge up your phone.
📌 And get ready to make some serious money honey!
You don’t need a perfect car, or a perfect plan. You just need a strategy, some hustle, and a willingness to learn. And lucky for you—I already made the mistakes so you don’t have to.
Download Your Free Checklist
As promised, here’s your free printable Door Dash Driver Checklist, below.
This thing is pure DoorDash gold.
Use it. Study it. Stick it on your fridge, your dashboard, or your forehead if you have to. These are the exact strategies that helped me hit $6K in 30 days—and they’ll help you too if you follow them.
👉 [Download Your Checklist Here Now]
And if this post helped you, don’t forget to share it with a fellow dasher. Let’s all get that bag.
Now go out there and make it happen!
Hi, Maya! Really enjoyed your article! What kind of area do you Dash in? I’m also wondering if the +$3 promos are to get you to an area that might not have a dasher. I was in a +$3 area at peak & got 2 orders in 3 hours! & it said it was “busy!” Just trying to learn as much as i can! Thank you!
Hi Brenda! Thanks SO much for reading and for the great question too!
I usually Dash in mid-sized suburban areas (not quite downtown, but not super rural either). Those tend to have a steady flow of orders without too much sitting around. The promos like +$3 are often DoorDash’s way of trying to lure drivers into areas that look busy on the map but may actually be under-covered or unpredictable. Sometimes they’re worth it, sometimes not—if you’re waiting hours for just a couple of orders, that’s a sign the demand just isn’t there, even if the app says “busy.”
What’s worked best for me is paying attention to patterns: certain restaurants and neighborhoods are consistently active at certain times (think Friday nights near popular takeout spots), while others are hit-or-miss no matter what the promo says.
If you’re experimenting, try tracking your hours, orders, and promos for a couple of weeks—you’ll spot trends and know which areas are actually worth your time.
Hope that helps, and keep me posted on how it goes! 🙂
—Maya