DoorDash customers are currently required to supplement their orders with a tip, causing annoyance and frustration.
A customer from New York City ordered a large meal via DoorDash for themselves and friends last week, only to discover that tipping had become more complex, as reported by The Verge.
After not using DoorDash since November, the consumer saw that it no longer allowed tips due to its objection to a New York City statute guaranteeing delivery drivers a minimum salary.
After receiving the meal, the consumer had several problems tipping. Despite searching the DoorDash website and receiving a confirmation email, the tip was not available.
The only option was to connect with DoorDash support and request a manual tip addition, which yielded confusing replies and hurried chats.
Another report noted similar tipping issues. The DoorDash app has an "add tip" option, but the online interface is unclear. This lack of openness might cost delivery drivers their well-deserved gratuities.
Extreme Policy Change
DoorDash's reach extends beyond its app, as several eateries use its technology to handle orders online. Delivery workers may not receive fair compensation without a tipping option at checkout or after the order.
The firm has not said if these concerns are technical or policy adjustments.
DoorDash's promotion of tipping after ordering indicates discontent with the $17.96 minimum hourly wage for delivery workers.
In announcing the tip modification, DoorDash dubbed New York City's ordinance "ill-conceived" and "extreme." Delivery workers received $7.09 an hour before the change.
In November, DoorDash faced a similar backlash when it promoted tipping with cautionary notices. When users submit orders without tips, a conspicuous notice urges them to rethink.
The stark warning was that orders without a tip might take longer to deliver, per USA Today.
The message details the probable impact: Dashers can choose which commands to do. Dashers' tardy acceptance of orders slows delivery. Users can then "add a tip" or "continue without a tip."
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(Photo: ERIC BARADAT/AFP via Getty Images) An AFP journalist checks the DoorDash food delivery application on her smartphone on February 27, 2020, in Washington, DC.
DoorDash's representative, Jenn Rosenberg, explained that Dashers are independent contractors who accept or reject proposals based on value.
She said Dashers "go the extra mile" to serve customers; hence, the firm recommends tipping to show gratitude.
Rosenberg acknowledged that most consumers tip but warned of the risks of ordering without tips. Such orders may be less attractive, resulting in longer customer wait times, merchant order delays, and Dasher value.
US Tipping Culture: A Hot Topic
US tipping policy differs from other Western nations, sparking intense debates.
In September 2023, Blueprint and OnePoll found that roughly half of Americans are tired of tipping. Most respondents (63%) feel overwhelmed with tipping requirements.
Despite these feelings, tipped workers must receive $2.13 per hour under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Note that state- and employer-specific numbers may vary.
Kaylania Chapman, Side Hustle CEO creator and former DoorDash, Postmates, GrubHub, and Uber Eats delivery worker, promotes honesty in tipping. Chatman says tipping shows appreciation for workers' services.
As reported by Parade, Chapman recommends tipping $5, depending on order quantity and driver distance. Start at $5 and increase the tip for larger orders or longer distances, especially if customers cannot pick up the order.
For instance, a 15% tip on a $33 transaction is $4.95, making $5 acceptable.
Shannon Torrence, an actress, events planner, DoorDash, and Uber Eats driver, emphasized that delivery drivers face several costs and hassles beyond delivering meals.
These include petrol, mileage, car upkeep, parking in restricted spaces, or navigating difficult residential zones.
