DoorDashing Through the Snow (and Wind and Rain and Ice)

BY HEATHER HAMILTON-POST

Scrambling to prepare for a weekend trip, I ordered a pair of sneakers from Dick’s Sporting Goods, set to be delivered to me via InstaCart. My groceries, which appear on my doorstep courtesy of DoorDash, were early, which meant that the two drivers met in the driveway. When I answered my door, an older woman asked me if there was anything else she needed to do, holding her screen out in front of me. I shrugged my shoulders– for all the ways I utilize such delivery services, I have very little knowledge of how they operate, save the magic of not doing it myself. Her frozen screen stared back as she asked the grocery driver if he knew Instacart–he did, since many drivers work for competing services.

Like folks around the country, I began utilizing grocery delivery at the onset of the pandemic, when working full-time from home in the company of my two preschool-aged children plus shopping became too much. The pandemic signaled an increase in usage of such delivery services, as well as an increase in the number of drivers, and while I was ordering items for delivery because my kids were home, others began driving for that very reason.

“Delivering for DoorDash was a good way for my children to see how to earn money. Most of the time, I would drive them around and let them do the work and earn the money,” says Malika Thaete. Driver Shay Short-VanderLinden’s daughter Abigail joins her when she makes deliveries too.

Both women began driving to make a little extra income– Short-VanderLinden pays for preschool tuition, car payments, and pet medication, while Thaete was looking for a fast way to earn money (she also drove for Uber Eats). And, although the money CAN be good, it takes some work. Locally, DoorDash offers $2 to $4 per order, so Dashers rely heavily on tips. “Places like Walmart have a yearly rate for grocery delivery, and many of my deliveries are flower deliveries where the recipient has no idea they’re receiving flowers–especially at funeral homes,” explains Short-VanderLinden. For orders that require significant mileage, both women say it isn’t worth it if the customer doesn’t tip.

In Thaete’s experience, some days are slow, and people don’t always tip. In a good week, she made around $200 when she was going every day and getting fast orders. Another week, she made $23. This is likely influenced by the high number of local drivers, as well as poor organization within some grocery stores and restaurants, which prohibits drivers from getting orders out in a timely way.

Delivery can be an interesting way to experience your community, and while it is mostly positive, Short-VanderLinden has had doors slammed in her face, called 911 after witnessing a domestic assault, and been followed by an angry commuter. Luckily, those things aren’t the norm, and Short-VanderLinde says that Door- Dash offers a reward beyond money. “I’ve helped elderly, disabled, and COVID-stricken people,” she says. And, while most folks prefer the “leave it at my door option,” she loves interacting with people, and happily takes groceries into their homes. “I’ve made a few elderly friends, and I truly enjoy helping them,” she says. Thaete also describes experiences with customers as pleasant. “They’re super nice–always friendly,” she says.

The best way to thank your driver? Kindness goes a long way, but ultimately, “We really depend on tips,” both say.

For Dashers Shay Short- VanderLinden and her daughter Abigail (pictured above) and Malika Thaete and children Topanga, Bryant, and Triston (pictured below), delivery provides a chance to earn money, work together, and even spread kindness.