Is DoorDash Safe? The Complete Guide For Drivers & Customers
Food delivery has been around forever. And over the years, platforms like DoorDash have optimized food delivery experience making it possible to have nearly any food you’re craving at your door from the comfort of your couch.
In fact, DoorDash is now the leading food delivery app in North America. It handles millions of monthly orders, letting thousands of DoorDash drivers make money in the gig economy while feeding hungry customers.
But is DoorDash safe? And what should customers and drivers know about this food delivery app before signing up to ensure they stay safe?
In this post, I'm covering all of DoorDash's main safety protocols and rules in place to help protect drivers and customers. By the end of the post, you should know if this platform is the right side hustle or ordering option for you.
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Is DoorDash Safe?
Yes, DoorDash is a safe food delivery platform that's responsible for delivering millions of meals to people across North America and Australia. It uses the same safety precautions like competing apps Uber Eats and Grubhub to ensure that drivers are protected while on the job and that customers receive food that is safe to eat and untampered with.
Some of the main safety measures DoorDash takes is running background checks on new DoorDash drivers, so customers have more peace of mind.
It also has very strict food handling rules so customers can be sure that their food hasn't been handled or tampered with.
Plus, the driver rating system helps customers and drivers alike rate their delivery experiences and report abusive customers or drivers so DoorDash can handle disputes and rule breakers accordingly.
Overall, the platform is as safe as any other food delivery gig. Let's explore how all these precautions and rules work.
Is DoorDash Safe For Customers?
As the biggest food delivery platform in the United States, DoorDash is a no-brainer for when you want your favorite meal but don’t feel like leaving the house.
Doordash has also been ranked the most popular delivery app over its competitors, Uber Eats, Skip the Dishes, and other driving gigs.
With over 300,000+ restaurants in 5,000+ cities worldwide, there’s no question you’ll be able to find a great meal. But if you’re new to delivery platforms like this you may have some concerns about how it works or general safety.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about using DoorDash as a customer.
1. Hidden Personal Information
All of your information is hidden and protected with DoorDash. This includes payment information so you can be sure your financial information is kept private.
And although your driver is able to call your phone if necessary, they are unable to see your phone number on the app as it is hidden. This means your driver will have no way to contact you after the delivery is completed.
2. Contactless Delivery
You can request contactless delivery if you don’t feel comfortable directly interacting with your Doordash driver, in which the driver leaves your food at your door and sends you a notification to let you know it has arrived.
I do this all the time when I order, and I've never had problems with food being taken from my front porch or it being left in the wrong area.
3. Sealed & Secured Food Bags
Another way DoorDash keeps customers safe is by making restaurants seal food in delivery bags before handing them off to drivers. Usually, they do this by stapling the receipt through the top of the bag so you can tell it hasn't been opened.
This ensures your Dasher handles the food properly. And, more importantly, it means no one has touched, eaten, or tampered with your food until it reaches you.
Drivers are instructed to secure bags and ensure they are flat during delivery as well.
4. Insulated Food Bags
Drivers are expected to use an insulated delivery bag provided to them by DoorDash to ensure that food is temperature-controlled during delivery. This is a common Dasher tip since it keeps food at the right temperature and provides better customer service.
They are also instructed to keep them clean and sanitized, so you can be sure your food isn't getting contaminated somehow.
5. Driver Background Checks
One of the main reasons DoorDash is safe for customers is that it requires DoorDash drivers to complete a background check when they sign up.
This check looks for major criminal convictions, like assault or some other serious crime. It also checks driving records to ensure Dashers are reliable drivers and are safe on the road.
The fact it looks for criminal offenses can provide customers with peace of mind, and it's just another way DoorDash tries to reduce risk.
Is DoorDash Safe For Drivers?
If you’re looking for a way to make some quick money with flexible working hours, DoorDash could be a great option.
After all, DoorDash pay is pretty high in the world of food delivery gigs, and you can earn a lot more if you get lucky with some generous customer tips.
However, if you're thinking about becoming a DoorDash driver, you probably have a ton of questions about how it works, how much money you can make, and of course, your safety.
Here is everything you need to know about being a Dasher and some tips you can use to increase your safety while on the job.
1. Use DoorDash's Safety Call Features
One way DoorDash helps keep Dashers safe is by offering in-app emergency call options.
They have a safety platform that is built in the app, designed to address any situations that may arise when delivering.
If you’re ever feeling unsafe this feature can help you out with 2 options:
- Safety Reassurance Call: With the press of a button you can request a call from a trained ADT agent. ADT is one of the most trusted names in security putting Dashers in good hands. They will remain on the line with you until you feel safe and if the situation happens to escalate for whatever reason, the ADT agent will contact 911 and provide your GPS location with them.
- Emergency Assistance Button: This button has an ADT agent call 911 on your behalf and share your location with them. The ADT agent will discretely remain in contact with the driver via text that way you don’t have to worry about calling for help yourself if you’re feeling unsafe where you are.
The SafeDash feature can be found directly on the Dasher app by clicking the blue shield symbol on the main page.
2. Never Enter Someone's House
One other Dasher safety tip you should know is to never enter someone's house. You don't have to deliver food into a home, so meet your customer at the door or follow contactless delivery if that's what the customer requested.
3. Focus On The Road
A lot of YouTube DoorDash drivers try challenges like delivering for DoorDash for 30+ hours straight or similarly insane challenges.
Firstly, don't do this: you need your sleep so you can drive properly and safely. And on that note, always focus on the road and don't speed to try and complete orders faster.
I know this is difficult since time is money, and efficient driving matters for jobs like DoorDash. But your safety is more important than being slightly faster.
4. Be Careful At Night
Another important tip to stay safe as a DoorDash driver is to be safe at night. This is especially true if you make money on your bike as a courier like my friend did for Uber Eats and DoorDash.
Make sure you wear reflective clothing, a helmet, and always avoid bad areas of town at night if you feel unsafe. You can always decline orders since your DoorDash acceptance rate doesn't matter!
5. Use Your Judgment
If you have a bad feeling about a delivery, you don't have to accept it. You can even cancel deliveries if you suddenly feel unsafe for any reason. Don't worry about getting deactivated from DoorDash if it's a matter of your safety.
If you use your judgment when delivering, you shouldn’t have a problem staying safe. If you ever feel uncomfortable at any point while delivering, reach out to DoorDash and let them know.
Extra Reading: The Best Places To DoorDash.
What Do Other DoorDash Drivers & Customers Think?
We think DoorDash is a safe delivery app, but what do other Dashers and customers think?
Well, here's what some other other Dashers think about if this gig is safe or not to deliver for:
- ScoreKlutzy says: “Depends on how well you know your area. Some parts of my town are sketchy, I usually avoid them. But, even in an area I deliver regularly, I expect things to go awry anytime. You never know. Generally there are signs during delivery which makes you think something is not right. And yes, if you feel unsafe contact support immediately.”
- BrilliantAgreeable68 says: “I suggest downloading an app called Noonlight. If you're feeling unsafe you press and hold a button and if you let go you have to enter a predetermined code in a few seconds or it will automatically contact the police.”
- TNDashman says: “The app now has a feature built in if you are feeling unsafe that allows you to contact support or 911 directly from the main screen.”
And here's what some DoorDash customers think about if ordering from the app is safe or not:
- One user says: “Just like everything else a few bad apples make it all look bad. It's fine and your food will be fine 99.5% of the time.”
- SenyorHefe says: “I don’t think you need to worry about it, if they’re going to tamper it’s to take food not poison you.. just my opinion though. We use the service A LOT, never had a problem, cold food is the worst case scenario.”
- S7EFEN says: “Your food isn't locked up, so it's possible for someone to tamper with it. this is true for eating out anywhere.”
As you can see, customers and Dashers alike seem to agree that DoorDash is pretty safe. Although one customer is concerned that Dashers can still tamper with food potentially.
Again, I've ordered from DoorDash so many times and never had issues. I think it's a small risk, and any delivery app would be the same.
Final Thoughts
So yes, DoorDash is a very safe food delivery app for both Dashers and customers. After all, it's the #1 food delivery platform for good reason!
DoorDash has taken countless measures that put their employees and customers in good hands making the experience safe and seamless for everyone.
Just make sure you use common sense, especially if you're a Dasher who works late at night or just in general!
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