In the world of side hustles, finding ways to make extra money and enhance your financial security is a top priority. One of the most popular and flexible side gig opportunities available today is working as a DoorDash driver. Whether you’re looking for a full-time job or part-time work to supplement your income, DoorDash offers a promising avenue.
BestReferralDriver is a team of gig workers from around the world, and we’re here to help you navigate the world of DoorDash and achieve success in your side hustle journey. If you’re looking for an opportunity to earn extra income and enjoy the thrill of delivering, then aspiring to become a Top Dasher for DoorDash could be the perfect choice for you.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the requirements for becoming a Top Dasher, the benefits you can enjoy, and whether pursuing this status is worthwhile for you. Let’s dive in to discover more!
What Is the DoorDash Top Dasher Program?
If you’re a DoorDash driver, you might be curious about what the DoorDash Top Dasher Program entails. The Top Dasher Program is DoorDash’s way of recognizing and rewarding its top-performing Dashers.
As a Top Dasher, you’ll unlock a range of benefits and exclusive perks, making your experience as a Dasher even more rewarding. These perks can include financial discounts and vehicle-related benefits, enhancing your overall experience with DoorDash.
But what does it take to become a Top Dasher?
Being a Top Dasher means you’re among the cream of the crop in the delivery game. Your efficiency, reliability, and dedication set you apart, leading to exclusive benefits like increased earnings, access to special promotions, and more opportunities to excel in the gig economy.
To excel in the world of DoorDash – the “dash” being a term derived from Old English meaning “to run or move quickly” – you need to be swift, efficient, and consistently provide excellent service.
Also See: Lyft Amp: Illuminate Your Ride
Top Dasher Requirements 2023
To qualify as a Top Dasher, you must meet specific criteria and maintain good standing with DoorDash. You need to fulfill these requirements by 11:59 PM local time on the last day of the previous month. In other words, if you wish to participate in the program in January, you must meet all eligibility requirements by December 31st. Once achieved, your Top Dasher status grants you access to the associated benefits for the entire month.
The key requirements for becoming a Top Dasher are as follows:
Top Dasher Rating Requirements:
- A customer rating of 4.7 or higher, with no significant customer complaints.
- An acceptance rate above 70% by the end of the month.
- A completion rate of at least 95%.
Monthly Completed Deliveries Requirements:
You must have completed a minimum of 100 deliveries within the last 30 days to qualify as a Top Dasher.
Lifetime Completed Deliveries Requirements:
You must be an active Dasher in good standing with at least 200 lifetime deliveries to your name. This requirement ensures you have sufficient experience with the DoorDash platform.
Acceptance Rate Requirement:
A high acceptance rate is crucial to Top Dasher status. You must be willing to accept the majority of delivery requests that come your way. Dashers with lower acceptance rates may be removed from the Top Dasher list, so maintaining a high rate is essential.
In summary, to become a Top Dasher, you need to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Customer rating of at least 4.7.
- Acceptance rate of at least 70%.
- Completion rate of at least 95%.
- 100 completed deliveries during the last month.
- At least 200 lifetime deliveries completed.
Top Dasher Benefits
Becoming a Top Dasher comes with a host of benefits, making the program an appealing option for DoorDash drivers. If you meet the Top Dasher criteria, you’ll enjoy the following perks:
Dash Anytime:
Typically, DoorDash operates on a scheduled basis, where Dashers need to pre-book shifts to work. However, as a Top Dasher, you gain the flexibility to log in and start dashing at any time, even without a prior schedule. This is especially valuable during peak pay periods, allowing you to take advantage of high-earning opportunities whenever they arise.
More Deliveries:
As a Top Dasher, you’re prioritized for new delivery requests. When multiple Dashers are available for an order, DoorDash’s algorithm will favor Top Dashers, increasing your chances of receiving more orders.
Dash Anywhere:
Top Dashers have the freedom to travel to nearby metro areas and hot zones at any time. This flexibility is particularly advantageous for Dashers working in areas with fluctuating demand, as you can seek out more profitable opportunities in neighboring regions.
How to Become a Top Dasher
The good news is that there’s no need to submit an application to become a Top Dasher. If you meet the required criteria, DoorDash will automatically grant you Top Dasher status.
To achieve this status, continue working as a Dasher and aim to fulfill the eligibility criteria. Consistency is key, and maintaining high customer ratings, acceptance rates, and completion rates, along with meeting the minimum delivery requirements, is your path to becoming a Top Dasher.
Is Top Dasher Worth It?
The question of whether Top Dasher status is worth pursuing is subjective and dependent on individual circumstances. The value of the program varies based on market conditions and personal preferences.
Some drivers find the Top Dasher program highly rewarding, citing the array of perks and advantages it offers. They believe it provides excellent value for their time and effort, particularly appreciating features like the “Dash Now” option.
Others hold the opinion that Top Dasher status is not worth the investment, raising concerns about the cost of fuel, low-paying orders, and the quality of delivery requests they receive. For them, DoorDash’s payment system might not always live up to expectations.
Additionally, recent changes in how tips work on the platform have stirred controversy among DoorDash drivers. The absence of full payout information before accepting a trip has left some drivers dissatisfied.
To maximize your earnings on the DoorDash platform, consider strategies like working during peak hours, focusing on high-value orders, and operating close to hotspots. Furthermore, reducing expenses, such as gas costs, can significantly impact your overall income. Options like the Dasher Direct card and cashback apps can help you save money.
As an example of the potential difference between Top Dashers and non-Top Dashers, we conducted a test in San Francisco, comparing the earnings of Dashers with and without Top Dasher status:
| Status | Earnings Per Hour | Number of Active Hours | Total Earnings |
| Top Dasher | $24.60 | 41 | $1,008.60 |
| Not Top Dasher | $24.20 | 35 | $847.00 |
Tips for Qualifying as a Top Dasher
Some experienced Dashers have shared valuable tips to help you qualify as a Top Dasher without feeling obligated to accept all low-paying orders. One approach involves maintaining high acceptance and completion rates throughout the month while strategically accepting and unassigning orders during the final week.
Here’s a tip shared by a Reddit user:
“I keep it up by making my delivery as usual for the entire month. The last week of the month will normally have approximately 30% acceptance and 100% completion. From then, I’ll start accepting more DoorDash orders while multi-apping. My Acceptance Rate is normally about 50% on the last day before the month ends. Because most establishments are closed at night, I’ll work a night shift to take deliveries, label them as closed, and continue to build up my acceptance rate. If I receive a delivery that is so ludicrous that I cannot possibly deliver it, I will just accept it and then unassign it (this is why 100% completion is vital); you may unassign up to 5 deliveries and still be a Top Dasher.”
See: Uber Greenlight Hub Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Acceptance Rate Matter to DoorDash Drivers?
Yes, the acceptance rate is a critical metric used by DoorDash to assess how often drivers accept delivery requests. It’s calculated by dividing the number of deliveries a driver accepted by the total number of delivery requests they received. Maintaining a high acceptance rate can affect your eligibility for Top Dasher status and your overall standing on the platform.
Do Top Dashers Get Better Orders?
As of today, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that Top Dashers receive superior or higher-paying delivery requests. DoorDash’s official FAQ regarding Top Dasher status also does not explicitly mention better order assignments as a benefit.
How Do You Know if You’re a Top Dasher?
DoorDash will notify you of your Top Dasher status, typically by sending you a congratulatory message. You can also check your status within the DoorDash app under “Dasher Rewards.”
In conclusion, the decision to pursue Top Dasher status on DoorDash depends on your individual circumstances and market conditions. The program offers various perks and advantages, but it may not be the ideal choice for every Dasher.
To increase your chances of success on the DoorDash platform, consider implementing strategies that align with your goals and preferences. Whether you’re aiming for Top Dasher status or not, DoorDash can be a profitable side hustle if approached strategically.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons and decide whether pursuing Top Dasher status is worthwhile for your specific situation. By keeping track of market trends, adapting to changes in the gig economy, and maximizing your earnings, you can make the most of your DoorDash experience. Good luck on your journey to becoming a Top Dasher or achieving your DoorDash goals!
