Summary

The article provides guidance for DoorDash drivers on handling Cash on Delivery (COD) orders, addressing common concerns, and offering safety tips.

Abstract

The article on Medium discusses the introduction of Cash on Delivery orders for DoorDash drivers, emphasizing the importance of overcoming initial apprehension to maximize earning potential during slower delivery periods. The author shares personal experiences, such as preparing a cash bank for change and carrying pepper spray for safety, to encourage other drivers to opt into COD orders. The piece explains how COD works, including how drivers collect cash, which is then deducted from their next direct deposit, and what to do if they can't provide change or if a customer refuses to pay. Safety features like SafeDash are highlighted to reassure drivers, and the article concludes by motivating drivers to embrace COD orders as a viable way to earn more.

Opinions

The author initially feared COD orders due to safety concerns but overcame these by preparing adequately and considering the potential for increased earnings.
The author believes that with the right precautions, such as carrying pepper spray and having a well-organized cash bank for change, drivers can safely navigate COD deliveries.
There is an opinion that drivers should not let the fear of not having enough change or safety issues deter them from accepting COD orders.
The author suggests that drivers should familiarize themselves with the COD process and the DoorDash app's features, such as the "Issue Collecting Cash Payment" option, to handle situations where customers do not have cash or refuse to pay.
The article conveys a positive view of DoorDash's safety features, including SafeDash, which connects drivers with ADT agents for assistance during uncomfortable situations.
The author encourages readers to subscribe for more stories and to consider becoming a Medium member to support their writing.

DoorDash Drivers: Don’t Be Intimidated By Cash on Delivery Orders

Don’t let anything stop you from making your money!

In my area, DoorDash started its “Cash on Delivery” program on April 26th. At first, I was like “No way” and other drivers on Doordash Facebook groups were heavily against it. Then I thought to myself, “What am I afraid of?” The first idea that popped into my head was safety.

What if someone tried to grab my money bag while I was delivering their food? What if someone tried to carjack my car thinking I had a lot of money in my car? And so on… Then I thought to myself, Wait a minute, the summer slow down is coming and I need to open myself up to as many delivery opportunities as possible, especially with the oversaturation of drivers.

I now do grocery deliveries and alcohol deliveries, and I thought they would all be pains to deal with, but they turned out to be okay. I used to wait tables back in the day, so I am accustomed to carrying a bank with me to work so I can give my customers change when they pay the bill. I am good at calculating how to give back the correct amount of change.

So the next fear I would tackle would be the one concerning safety. So I bought some pepper spray off Amazon. I carry that in my pocket while out on deliveries. I work mostly at night so I am used to dealing with late-night deliveries.

So to get my bank together, I went to my bank and told them I wanted to withdraw $100 in the form of $5 bills and $1 bills and the rest in coin rolls all the way down to the penny. That gave me a $100 bank which I kept in a bag, a sort of flat pencil bag that you usually use at school.

If I needed my calculator I would just use the one on my phone. Armed with my bank and pepper spray, I went into the DoorDash app and went under “Settings” I toggled the “Cash on Delivery” button to start receiving these types of orders because at first, I had opted out, so it was in the off position.

Now I was ready to begin. And now, armed with the above information and the below information, you can, as well, be ready to start taking “Cash on Delivery” orders.

What Exactly Are Cash on Delivery Orders?

According to Doordash, “Cash on Delivery” orders are offers in which customers have the ability to pay cash for their food orders upon delivery. Drivers who opt to do this type of order collect the cash from the customer and have the amount of cash deducted from their following balance transfer.

How Does Cash On Delivery Work?

DoorDash sends an order assignment that informs the Dasher (driver) that it’s an order for Cash on Delivery.
Drivers have the choice to decline or accept the offer without an impact to their acceptance rate.
When drivers deliver the order, they’ll collect the cash from their customers.
Cash that is collected as payment for the offer is the driver’s to keep and is deducted from the following scheduled direct deposit.

How will Cash on Delivery payments work?

Video courtesy: Nuggs YouTube Channel

All cash amounts that are collected by the driver, excluding the tip, are deducted from the driver’s following scheduled direct deposit.

For example:

The driver accepts a Cash on Delivery order that has a guaranteed $7 minimum.
The driver completes the delivery and then collects $22.50 as the client’s payment for the food delivered (the app shows the precise amount to be collected as payment from the customer).
Total earnings for the week for all completed deliveries are $100 (includes $7 earned for completing cash delivery).
Since the driver already collected $22.50 cash, the cash amount is subtracted from the total earnings deposit; therefore, the driver receives the remainder of earnings ($77.50) on the following scheduled deposit.

If the customer gave the driver $25 for the above $22.50 offer, $22.50 is the amount that is subtracted from the earnings balance, and the driver keeps the extra $2.50 as cash tip.

What if the driver doesn’t have enough cash to give the customer change for the order?

If the driver doesn’t have sufficient cash to give change to a customer, just hand the delivery to the customer without obtaining payment and choose “Issue Collecting Cash Payment” in the app. Then choose “I don’t have any change” and then submit the issue. If a customer has any questions, contact support. The driver receives the base pay for the order and his/her Completion Rating isn’t affected.

What if the customer says they paid online?

This isn’t correct. Don’t give the customer the order. In the app, choose “Issue Collecting Cash Payment” then “Customer refused to pay.” The Dasher receives the base pay for the order and the Dasher’s Completion Rating isn’t affected.

What does it mean if a Dasher no longer receives Cash on Delivery Offers?

Dashers won’t get Cash on Delivery offers if they have a negative balance. When the Dasher has completed a sufficient number of regular deliveries and no longer carries a negative balance, the Dasher is qualified to get Cash on Delivery offers again.

What if the customer doesn’t have cash when the driver delivers the order?

The driver will inform a customer that he/she does not have the ability to hand the order to them without paying for it. In the app, choose “Issue Collecting Cash Payment” then “Customer refused to pay.” The driver receives the base pay for the offer and their Completion Rating isn’t affected.

Still Worried About Safety?

The following options are always available to Dashers:

Support: Like a regular dash, Dashers can reach out to support if they have concerns or questions.
SafeDash: Currently, SafeDash is live! If during any point during a Dash, the driver feels unsafe, there are new in-app features that are available:

“Safety reassurance call” connects Dashers with ADT agents through the app. ADT agent remains on the telephone until the Dasher feels safe.

“Emergency assistance button” allows Dashers to get help if necessary. Upon touching the button, the ADT agent contacts 911 and then discreetly stays in contact with the user through text messages.

Well, there you have it! Get out there and make your money! And don’t let anything stop you!

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