As a new DoorDash driver, starting your food delivery journey can feel a bit daunting. Among the various types of orders, shop and deliver orders can present unique challenges. Unlike straightforward delivery orders, where you simply pick up food from a restaurant, shop and deliver orders require you to act as a personal shopper for your customer. In this guide, we will break down the key differences between shop and deliver orders and traditional deliveries, offering practical tips to help you complete them with ease and efficiency.
Understanding Shop and Deliver Orders
Shop and deliver orders differ significantly from traditional orders. In a standard order, your role is straightforward: pick up food from a restaurant and deliver it to the customer. Conversely, with shop and deliver orders, you’re responsible for selecting items from a grocery store based on the customer’s requests. According to DoorDash, these orders can account for up to 20% of a driver’s earnings, making them an essential skill for maximizing your income.
This added responsibility means you must juggle both shopping and delivery tasks. Knowing how to manage this dual role is crucial for meeting customer expectations and enhancing your time management skills.
Tips for Effectively Navigating Shop and Deliver Orders
1. Time Management is Key
One of the primary challenges of shop and deliver orders is effective time management. Since time is money, you’ll need to keep track of how long you’re inside the store and the entire delivery duration to gauge if you’re earning fair compensation for your time.
To improve your efficiency:
-
- Review the Order Before Shopping: Read through the order list before entering the store to map out a strategy. For instance, if you have to gather items from both frozen and fresh produce sections, planning your route can save you time.
-
- Prioritize Products: Focus on items that are essential to the order first. If your order includes a popular dish, such as avocado toast that requires ripe avocados, find those first. This way, you can avoid unnecessary detours.
-
- Focus on Time Over Fulfillment: Don’t get hung up on items that are out of stock or not available. Remember: the store’s stock may vary from what the app system says is there. Sometimes the ordering system is out of date or synced up with a different store location. The best thing you can do is check for substitutions and keep it moving, refunding items if necessary, and keeping your shop time as short as possible.
2. Handling Product Substitutions
Stock shortages can happen, so knowing how to handle substitutions is vital for customer satisfaction.
-
- Communicate Clearly: If you’re unable to find an item, look for alternatives that might work. For example, if a brand of pasta is unavailable, you could suggest a different brand or a gluten-free alternative if the customer prefers.
-
- Be Resourceful: Familiarize yourself with common substitutes. If a specific type of milk is out of stock, knowing that almond milk or oat milk might be acceptable choices can help you respond quickly.
3. Seek Help from Store Employees
Don’t hesitate to ask store employees for help; they often know exactly where items are located.
-
- Be Polite and Quick: Store employees typically have their hands full. By being respectful and asking clear questions, you can get the help you need more rapidly.
-
- Learn Store Layouts: If you often shop at the same stores, invest time in learning the layout. Familiarity can cut your shopping time significantly.
4. Communicate with the Customer
Good communication can make all the difference in customer satisfaction. Keeping customers updated can build trust.
-
- Update on Delays: If shopping is taking longer than planned, send a quick message to your customer. Acknowledging delays shows that you value their time.
-
- Ask for Clarifications: If any part of the order seems unclear, reach out to the customer. For instance, if a customer orders “salad dressing,” asking if they want a specific type is better than guessing.
5. Complete Effective Checkout Procedures
Checking out can take varying amounts of time depending on the store. Here are ways to make the process smoother:
-
- Be Prepared for Payment: Ensure you have the correct payment method that DoorDash provides. Having everything ready will keep your checkout process quick.
-
- Keep Receipts: Always save the receipt. This is important for resolving any discrepancies or providing proof of purchase for the customer if needed.
6. Delivery Time Considerations
Once you’ve finished shopping, delivering the items resembles traditional order deliveries, but be mindful of a few details:
-
- Plan Your Route: Use navigation apps to find the best route to the customer. Try to avoid high-traffic areas during rush hours to ensure timely deliveries.
-
- Be Mindful of Delivery Instructions: Pay attention to any specific instructions from the customer. For example, if they request delivery to a side door or have specific timing preferences, make sure to follow those for a smooth drop-off.
Final Thoughts
While handling shop and deliver orders can feel intimidating initially, practice will make you more confident and efficient. By mastering time management, communicating well, and seeking assistance when necessary, you’ll navigate this order type with ease.
Every customer interaction can lead to improved service, which not only enhances tips but also encourages loyalty among your clients. Embrace the learning curve, and soon you will excel at shop and deliver orders, increasing your earning potential as a skilled DoorDash driver.
With these practical tips in mind, you are now better prepared to tackle your next shop and deliver order. Happy shopping and delivering!