Should You Tip DoorDash Drivers in Cash or Through the App?

Whether to tip a DoorDash driver in cash or through the app is a common point of debate among customers. Different tipping methods have their pros and cons, and understanding these can help ensure a smoother delivery experience.

The Drawbacks of Cash Tipping

While offering a tip in cash can boost a driver's immediate income, it is not without complications. Many drivers have expressed reluctance to accept cash tips due to various reasons. For instance,:

Delay in Tip Acknowledgment: Once an order is placed, the driver sees the tip amount within the app. If the customer promises a cash tip on delivery but does not deliver, the driver might become suspicious, as many orders do not include a tip at all. Loss of Trust: Customers occasionally forget to give a tip, especially if they placed the order through a third party (such as a spouse answering the door without the intended tip). Lack of Accountability: Without the app, there is no formal record, making it difficult to follow up on a promised tip: 'Hey, what about that $10 you promised?' Drivers often become aware of the tip only after completing the delivery.

However, consistent and generous cash tips can enhance the relationship with the drivers, leading to better service and reliability over the long term.

Advantages of Digital Tipping

Tipping via the DoorDash app provides several advantages:

Guaranteed Tip: By using the app, the tip is guaranteed to go through, and the delivery driver knows they will receive it. Improves Service Experience: If you indicate the intention to tip in cash from the beginning, drivers might be more inclined to offer better service. However, it might be better to tip in the app to ensure a reliable service. Transparent Service: Tipping in the app allows customers to specify whether they do not want to tip at the start, which can prevent delays in acceptance of orders.

Drivers appreciate a cash tip because it doesn’t have to be reported as income. However, tipping through the app is a more convenient and direct way to ensure the entire amount goes to the driver.

Best Practices for Tipping

To ensure smooth and timely service, consider the following strategies:

Use the App for Tipping: Set the tip to zero at the beginning of the order and tip later once the driver has completed the delivery. This way, the tip is not factored into the delivery fee. Specify Cash Tip Intentions: If you prefer to tip in cash, let the driver know upfront in your order notes or in the name of the recipient. Avoid Minimum Order Fees: Understand that DoorDash uses some of the tip to fund the minimum order fee they pay drivers. Tips are preferable to drivers and customers can opt to not have the tip include the minimum fee.

Ultimately, the decision to tip in cash or through the app can impact the delivery experience. While cash tips show appreciation, digital tipping offers transparency and a more reliable service. Choose the method that best aligns with your goals and the relationship you hope to foster with DoorDash drivers.