Whether or not to tip your DoorDash delivery driver is a question that many customers wrestle with. On one hand, DoorDash pays its drivers a base pay per delivery. However, this base pay is often quite low, with tips making up the majority of what delivery drivers take home. So is it rude to not leave a tip for your DoorDash driver? There are reasonable arguments on both sides of this issue.
The case for tipping
There are several reasons why it’s considered polite and customary to leave a tip for your DoorDash driver:
Drivers rely on tips as their main income
DoorDash pays its delivery drivers very little – often only $2-3 per delivery before tips. This means drivers rely on customer tips to make the job worth their time and effort. Without tips, DoorDash would likely struggle to retain drivers.
Delivering food is a service industry job
Like waiters, hairdressers, and taxi drivers, food delivery is considered a service industry job where tipping is standard practice. Drivers provide a convenient service bringing meals directly to your door. Tipping is how customers show appreciation for good service.
Drivers use their own cars and pay for gas
DoorDash drivers use their own vehicles and pay for all the associated costs like gas and maintenance. Tips help offset these expenses incurred while making deliveries. Without tips, the costs of the job may not be worth it.
Tips encourage better service
Tips provide an incentive for drivers to provide quick, careful service and follow delivery instructions. Drivers who receive fair tips are more likely to grab extra utensils or condiments, deliver food while it’s hot, choose efficient routes, and ensure orders are left in the right spot.
The case against tipping
However, there are also some arguments that tipping DoorDash drivers is optional:
DoorDash charges delivery fees
Customers already pay delivery fees directly to DoorDash for each order – usually $2-10 depending on distance. Some feel this should go towards adequately compensating drivers without the need for further tipping.
Drivers choose to work for DoorDash
DoorDash drivers voluntarily sign up to work for the platform knowing the base pay rate and reliance on tips. If the compensation is unsatisfactory, they can easily opt not to work for DoorDash.
Tips should be for above-average service
Some view tips more as bonuses for exceeding expectations, not as obligatory payments. From this perspective, decent or average service does not require a tip.
DoorDash should pay workers fairly
Rather than expecting customers to supplement base pay with tips, some argue DoorDash has a responsibility to pay fair wages to those performing services on their platform.
Factors to consider when tipping
When deciding whether and how much to tip your DoorDash driver, here are some important factors to keep in mind:
Distance traveled
Deliveries over longer distances take more time, effort, and gas from the driver. Consider tipping more for far deliveries and less for short distances.
Order size
Larger orders take more work to handle, pack, and deliver. Tip based on the overall size rather than percentage.
Weather conditions
Inclement weather like rain or snow makes deliveries more challenging and hazardous. Consider adding extra tip when drivers are braving bad weather.
Quality and speed of service
If your driver follows instructions, delivers hot food quickly, and communicates well, show your appreciation through a good tip.
Your overall budget
While it’s polite to tip, tip what you can afford. Never feel pressured to tip more than your budget allows.
Standard tip amounts
If you’re unsure how much to tip, here are some general standards to consider for DoorDash deliveries:
| Order Total | Tip Amount |
|---|---|
| $10 or less | $2-3 |
| $10-25 | $3-5 |
| $25-50 | $5-7 |
| $50+ | 10-15% of order total |
Of course, you can adjust up or down from these amounts based on service and other factors. Many customers tip around 10-20% of the total order cost.
Tip in cash for maximum benefit
While tipping through the DoorDash app is convenient, tipping in cash directly to your driver ensures they receive 100% of the tip amount. DoorDash has been accused of subsidizing base pay with a portion of tips from the app. So for the most benefit to your driver, tipping cash is ideal.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, whether and how much to tip DoorDash drivers is ultimately an individual choice and personal judgment call. There are reasonable arguments on both sides. The delivery jobs would not exist without the fees that customers pay to DoorDash directly. However, without tips, DoorDash would likely struggle to retain drivers. Factors like distance, weather, and service quality should influence your personal tipping decisions. If you can afford a little extra, your tips make a meaningful difference in your hardworking driver’s day. But customers should not feel ashamed for tipping only what their budget allows. As with all tipping, generosity and courtesy are preferable when possible. But the choice depends on each customer’s financial situation and individual preferences.