How To Become a DoorDash Driver in Australia?
Ordering your favorite foods with just a tap of a button on service apps has become a norm in this current era and food delivery apps such as DoorDash have made food delivery at your doorstep all the more convenient.
Many students and people who want to earn some side income, delivering with DoorDash might be one of the best side hustles.
In this blog, you will get detailed information on how to become a DoorDash Driver in Australia.
What is DoorDash?
DoorDash is an online food delivery app that helps with placing orders for your favorite foods from local restaurants and its delivery to your doorstep. You can easily sign up to deliver with DoorDash if you want to make extra income and this can be done through easy registration processes.
DoorDash is available in more than 60 cities in Australia, including all the major cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, etc.
Requirements for working as a DoorDash Delivery driver in Australia
Before you can deliver with DoorDash, there are certain requirements that need to be met.
- Age – You must be at least 18 years old.
- Valid Driver’s license – You must have your Australian Driver’s license if you are going to deliver with a car. Overseas driver’s licenses are acceptable in most cities in Australia as well. You don’t need a license if you are going to deliver with bicycle.
- Background check – Before you are allowed to work in Australia, a background check must be issued and also a right-to-work check. This is gone through by the National crime check (NCC) and normally costs $49.90. Although DoorDash offers Free background check for its riders.
- ABN – When you are delivering with DoorDash, you are considered to be running your own business. So, you need to get your ABN (Australia Business Number) and you can learn to apply for an ABN here.
- Vehicle – When delivering with DoorDash, any mode of transport is acceptable, such as a car, scooter, or even a bicycle.
- Insurance – If you are going to deliver using a car or motorbike, then you will need to get third party insurance to cover you for third party liabilities.
- A smartphone – This is the most basic requirement. You need to have a smartphone to access the DoorDash App or website.
- DoorDash App – you need to download the DoorDash App and open a profile with DoorDash before working with them.
- Special Requirements for NSW motorbike, bicycle or scooter delivery riders: From 1st January 2023, all the delivery riders must wear a high visibility safety vest and carry food bag with the reflective strips (must meet the AS/NZS 1906.4:2010 standard). Also, the riders should carry a Safety Training Verification Record (e.g. Digital Certificate) for an inspection at anytime in New South Wales. Read more details here.
Detailed steps on how to deliver with DoorDash in Australia
You can become a DoorDash Dasher in Australia after you complete the registration or sign-up process and once your account is activated, then you can accept orders and deliver them to the customers.
Here below is a step-by-step guide on How to Sign Up to Deliver with DoorDash in Australia:
Step 1: Go to the official DoorDash Sign up page or Download the App to begin registration.
First step is to go the sign-up page and provide basic information for sign-up.
Next, you have to provide personal details, such as:
- Full Name
- Email Address
- Phone Number
- Birth Date
- Vehicle Details
- Zip Code where you wish to deliver with the company
- ABN
Ensure that all the details provided are correct because they will be needed for the background check.
Step 2: Apply for a Background check and right-to-work check
Once you have provided the necessary details, then you have to apply for a background check and right-to-work check (also known as VEVO check) which are done together and at the same time.
This background check is done through the NCC (National Crime Check) and this can take up to 14 business days. Although, it can be quicker than that as well.
The reason for a background check is to check for your criminal history or record and once you have applied for this check, the results will be sent to DoorDash. The cost of this check is around $49.90. Although, DoorDash provides free background check for its riders.
During your background check, you may be asked to upload some documents such as:
- A valid ID – Passport, Australia Birth certificate, government-issued photo card, or a time card may be required.
- A driver’s license – A valid Australian driver’s license may also be needed. Overseas or international driver’s licenses may be accepted in most cities in Australia.
- ABN– An Australian Business Number is also required since you are considered to be running your own business.
- Vehicle Registration– Proof of your vehicle registration and insurance covers may also be a requirement if you plan to deliver with them.
Once you have provided the necessary documents, tap on “continue” to approve the Background check.
The duration of this procedure ranges from three to fourteen days. An approval or rejection message will be delivered to the registered email address or sent to you through SMS.
Step 3: Authorisation of your account
After passing the background investigation, your account will be authorised, making you a legitimate Dasher in Australia. Using the Dasher app, you are prepared to Dash or plan your Dash. You will also get a free Dasher Kit upon activation
Step 4: Download the App, log in, and DASH
Get the Dasher app from the iOS App Store or Android Play Store.
Use your email and password to log in to the app. Verify your phone number before using the app and start delivering
Step 5: Get Paid
To get weekly payment by direct deposit, open the app’s earnings menu, upload a picture ID that is currently valid (such as a driver’s license or government ID), and enter your bank information.
You can also withdraw your daily earnings by paying a small fee using the Fast Pay option in the app.
Sign up for becoming a DoorDash Dasher here.
How does the delivery with the DoorDash work?
No one delivery will be the same as you will deal with different customers, restaurants, routes, traffic etc.
But to give you an idea about how a typical delivery with DoorDash might look, here is a quick guide:
- Once you open and go live in the DoorDash app, you will be presented with delivery opportunities.
- You will get to see where you need to pick the item from, where to deliver and how much you could be earning for the delivery.
- You have the right to accept it or reject it based on your preferences.
- If you do accept the delivery, you will need to drive to the nearest restaurant or retail outlet as per the order.
- Then you will need to pick the order. It is always good to confirm the order to avoid any issues before you leave the venue.
- Drive to the customer’s address as shown on the app. You can use the map to drive to the customer’s location if you are unsure about the location.
- Deliver the food as per the customer request.
Modes of transport
You can use 3 different types of transport when delivering with DoorDash. It includes:
- Car
- Motorbike
- Bicycles
Regardless of which mode of transport you use, you must be 18 years or above.
How much does it cost to get started as a DoorDash delivery driver?
Now, the cost of getting started to deliver with DoorDash will depend on a few factors. But to give you an idea, here are some costs you need to be mindful of when delivering with DoorDash.
- Vehicle. such as a car, bicycle, or scooter – $200 to $5000 or more (approx.)
- ABN – The application for ABN is $0 if you do yours on your own or $100 or more if it’s done through an accountant.
- Background check and right-to-work check – Free with DoorDash
- Smartphone – $300 or more (approx.)
- Phone data plan – $50 or more (approx.)
- Portable charger – $50 or more (approx.)
How much money can you earn while delivering with DoorDash?
Your earning as a DoorDash Dasher will vary depending on various factors.
But as per the DoorDash website, Dashers earn $25 per hour in Australia, including 100% of the tips.
The pay is calculated based on three factors:
- Base Pay
- Tips
- Promotions
Promotions are like bonuses provided to the Dashers to complete certain deliveries.
The pay structure used by DoorDash guarantees that drivers get clear and equitable compensation. The following variables affect your pay as a Dasher in Australia:
- Amount of work you do
- Parking time
- Wait time at the restaurant
- Tips
- Traffic
- Estimated activity time
- Time of work
- Driving distance
- Areas of service (e.g. city or suburbs)
- Type of order you deliver (e.g. standard orders and shop & deliver orders)
Tips to boost your earnings when delivering with DoorDash
While there is no set rule on how to boost your earnings, here are a few handy tips that we believe will help you increase your earnings:
- Street knowledge: Understand the area where you are delivering the food and you can deliver the food faster which means you have time to do more deliveries.
- Special Promotions: Make use of the special promotions run by DoorDash like Challenges and Peak Pay. .
- Timing: Work out the best timings for your areas when you can earn higher income.
- Events: Look for any local events happening in your area as they can help to boost your income.
- Be extra nice to customers: Making a little extra effort can go a long way to getting some extra tips from your customers.
Advantages of delivering with DoorDash
- Source of extra income: Since you may become a Dasher at age 18, it is appropriate for students who wish to make additional money.
- Simple paperwork and requirements: Compared to ride-sharing services, the sign-up process for the DoorDash app is quite straightforward.
- More eateries: You’ll see that there are more restaurants listed on the platform when you open the DoorDash user app. Even establishments that are not included in other meal delivery apps could be found. There may be additional delivery options if there are more restaurants and food options.
- Lots of promotions: DoorDash seeks to gain recognition among Australian foodies as a recently founded meal delivery service by running different deals that would entice consumers to test this service. For drivers, more orders equate to more delivery requests.
Disadvantages of delivering with DoorDash
- If you work in an area that is not busy, the delivery pay may not be particularly high: To increase your chances of receiving a peak pay promotion, the app offers a heatmap tool that allows you to locate the busiest areas in your city.
- Discomforts encountered in day-to-day deliveries: In contrast to ride-share drivers, delivery drivers face similar difficulties such as parking at restaurants, locating delivery sites within buildings, lengthy waits at restaurants, and anticipating the preparation of meals.
Should you do delivery for DoorDash or not?
This solely depends on your personal needs.
As an international student, you may be tasked with paying so many bills, and delivering with DoorDash serves as a great means to earn some extra cash.
The good thing about delivery apps like DoorDash is that you can get started quickly (without worrying about the traditional hiccups like sending resumes, going for interviews etc.) to earn some money, and it is especially good when you first arrive in the country.
