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  • Tips for Getting Bigger Tips as a Shipt Shopper

    Tips for Getting Bigger Tips as a Shipt Shopper

    As a Shipt Shopper, maximizing your earnings through tips is an important aspect of the job. Here are some personalized strategies I’ve found effective in boosting my tip rate, especially in a bustling area like the Detroit metro.

    TIPS ON TIPS:

     

     
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    1. Add a Personal Touch:
    Injecting a bit of personality into your texts can go a long way. Don’t hesitate to joke with the customer! If you encounter an item that’s out of stock, share your frustration with a lighthearted message like, “Ahh, they’re out of my favorite snacks!” This establishes a friendly rapport and makes the interaction more enjoyable.

    2. Build Trust:
    When it comes to substitutions, frame your suggestions in a way that builds trust. For example, if a specific brand is unavailable, say something like, “They’re out of the Kind granola bars, but I’ve been loving this new Junkless brand lately. Trust me, it’s a great alternative!” This not only shows your expertise but also reassures the customer that you have their best interests in mind.

    3. Opt for Higher-Quality Substitutes:
    When selecting items, remember that some fruits and vegetables come pre-cut, which can be a great option when the fresh versions are subpar. If you find that all the strawberries are moldy, grabbing some pre-cut ones from the deli can be a win-win: it improves your base pay and the customer appreciates the effort.

    4. Use Google Wisely:
    If a customer’s desired item is out of stock and you can’t find a direct substitute, take a moment to search for a suitable alternative. For instance, if fresh turmeric isn’t available, you might suggest fresh ginger instead. Customers often appreciate the extra knowledge and might not have known this option.

    5. Set Expectations with Checkout Texts:
    Checkout lines can be unpredictable, so it’s helpful to keep customers informed. A simple message like, “I have everything and am ready to check out, but the lines are a bit slow today. I’ll text you when I’m about five minutes away!” shows that you’re proactive and considerate of their time.

    6. Handle Double Orders Efficiently:
    When working on double orders, I make sure to complete one delivery before processing the second. After dropping off the first order, I park nearby to manage the second order without losing time. This keeps the workflow smooth and efficient.

    7. Send a Thank You Text:
    After delivering, I recommend sending a thank-you message about 5-10 minutes later, once they’ve had time to unload. A simple text like, “Thank you for using Shipt, [Customer’s Name]! Your receipt is in our app and available online. Have a great day!” serves as a gentle nudge to remind them to rate the order.

    8. Leave Notes for Landline-Only Orders:
    For orders that are designated as “landline only,” consider slipping a Shipt thank-you note into one of the bags. It’s a small gesture that can leave a lasting impression, encouraging customers to tip more generously.

    9. Engage with Kids:
    If children are present and social, include them in the interaction. Ask for their names and make a light joke about your journey over, such as “I hope you didn’t miss any fruit snacks on my way here!” This makes the experience fun and memorable for the whole family.

    10. Use Your Best Judgment:
    When delivering orders with substitutes, let the customer know about the changes before checking out. This way, they can voice any concerns or preferences rather than feeling surprised upon delivery. It’s a thoughtful approach that shows you care about their satisfaction.

    Conclusion

    Implementing these strategies can significantly enhance your tip potential as a Shipt Shopper. Building rapport, providing excellent service, and maintaining clear communication not only improve customer satisfaction but can also lead to more generous tips. Experiment with these techniques and see what resonates best in your market. Happy shopping!

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  • Understanding Multi-Apping: Maximizing Earnings with DoorDash and Uber Eats

    Understanding Multi-Apping: Maximizing Earnings with DoorDash and Uber Eats

    In the gig economy, delivery drivers are always looking for ways to optimize their earnings. One popular strategy is “multi-apping,” where drivers use multiple food delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats simultaneously. This approach can help drivers capitalize on demand fluctuations, increase order volume, and ultimately boost their income. Let’s dive into how multi-apping works, including how to handle orders from both platforms when they align in the same direction.

    What is Multi-Apping?

     

     

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    Multi-apping refers to the practice of signing up for and using more than one delivery platform at the same time. For instance, a driver might be active on both DoorDash and Uber Eats, accepting orders from whichever app offers the best opportunity at that moment. This flexibility allows drivers to maximize their earnings by being in the right place at the right time.

    How Multi-Apping Works

    1. Sign Up for Multiple Platforms: The first step is to create driver accounts on various delivery apps. Each platform has its own sign-up process, which typically includes a background check and vehicle verification.
    2. Utilize Different Apps Simultaneously: Once registered, drivers can log into multiple apps during their shifts. By keeping both apps open, they can monitor incoming orders from each service.
    3. Evaluate Orders: When an order comes in, drivers should quickly assess its potential. Factors to consider include:
      • Distance: How far will they have to drive to pick up and deliver the order?
      • Pay: How much is the order worth, including any tips?
      • Time: How long will the delivery take?
    4. Accepting Orders Going in the Same Direction: If a driver receives an order from DoorDash and another from Uber Eats that both head in the same general direction, they can accept both orders. This strategy not only maximizes earnings but also minimizes travel time. Here’s how to do it:
      • Check Route Compatibility: Before accepting both orders, ensure that the pickup locations and delivery addresses are not too far apart. Use your navigation app to confirm that both deliveries can be made efficiently.
      • Prioritize Pickup: Accept the order from the app that has the earliest pickup time, or the one that is more profitable. Pick it up first, then proceed to the second pickup if needed.
      • Communicate with Customers: If there’s a time overlap or delay, it’s important to keep customers informed about their delivery status.
    5. Delivery Optimization: After accepting both orders, plan your route to make the deliveries as efficient as possible. This might mean stopping at the restaurant that’s closer first, or batching deliveries if they’re on the same street or nearby neighborhoods.

    Benefits of Multi-Apping

    • Increased Earnings: By using multiple platforms, drivers can significantly increase their order volume, leading to higher earnings overall.
    • Flexibility: Drivers can switch between apps based on demand, which is especially useful during busy periods or promotional events.
    • Improved Efficiency: Multi-apping encourages drivers to be strategic about their routes and deliveries, minimizing wait times and maximizing productivity.

    Tips for Successful Multi-Apping

    1. Stay Organized: Keep track of your orders and times. Use a notepad or an app to log deliveries and earnings for each platform.
    2. Know the Market: Familiarize yourself with peak hours, busy neighborhoods, and popular restaurants. This knowledge can help you make quicker decisions about which orders to accept.
    3. Maintain Good Communication: If you’re multi-apping, make sure to communicate with customers and restaurants promptly. This helps maintain a good rating and can lead to better tips.
    4. Be Mindful of App Policies: Each platform has its own rules regarding order acceptance and cancellation. Be aware of these policies to avoid penalties.
    5. Invest in Good Gear: A reliable phone with a good battery life is essential. Consider using a car phone mount to keep your hands free while navigating.

    Conclusion

    Multi-apping with DoorDash, Uber Eats, and other delivery services can be a game-changer for drivers looking to maximize their earnings. By understanding how to effectively manage multiple apps—and knowing how to take orders from both when they align in the same direction—drivers can adapt to market conditions and make informed decisions that enhance their income potential. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or just starting, incorporating multi-apping into your strategy can lead to greater success in the gig economy. Happy delivering!

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  • Doordash earn by time or offer – What is better?

    Doordash earn by time or offer – What is better?

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    Nobody can answer this question but YOU. In some markets where restaurants take like 20 mins to get the order ready and you’re just sitting there it’s probably best to use EBT (Earn By Time). You really have to know your market and test both ways. What works for my market might not work for your market.

    I do know from years of testing EBT gives the lowest tips and farthest orders because everyone on EPO (Earn Per Offer) just clicks decline.

    You also must understand EBT is ONLY paid from the time you click accept to when you drop it off. You are NOT paid for the drive back or while you wait to get a new order a lot of people think this is a hourly paid job like working for a normal W2 job.

     

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  • How does taxes work with DoorDash?

    How does taxes work with DoorDash?

    Understanding Per-Mile Deductions and Home Office Deductions for DoorDash Drivers

     

    When you’re driving for DoorDash, tax deductions can significantly impact your overall earnings. Two key areas of deductions are the per-mile deductions for vehicle use and the home office deduction. Let’s explore each in detail.

    Per-Mile Deductions

    As a DoorDash driver, you have the option to deduct your business-related mileage, which can add up to significant savings at tax time. Here’s how it works:

    1. Standard Mileage Rate

    The IRS sets a standard mileage rate that you can use to calculate your vehicle deductions. For 2024, the rate is 65.5 cents per mile driven for business purposes. This rate covers not just gas, but also wear and tear, insurance, and other operating expenses.

    How to Calculate Your Deduction:

     

     
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    • Track Your Mileage: Use a mileage tracking app or a simple logbook to record your business miles. Be sure to note the purpose of each trip, as the IRS requires you to provide this information if audited.
    • Calculate Your Deduction: Multiply your business miles driven by the standard mileage rate. For example, if you drive 1,000 miles for DoorDash, your deduction would be:
      1,000 miles × 0.655 = $655

    2. Actual Vehicle Expenses

    Alternatively, you can choose to deduct the actual expenses of operating your vehicle. This includes:

    • Gasoline
    • Oil changes and maintenance
    • Insurance
    • Registration fees
    • Depreciation (or lease payments if you lease your vehicle)

    How to Use This Method:

    • Document All Expenses: Keep detailed records and receipts for all vehicle-related expenses throughout the year.
    • Determine Business Use Percentage: If you also use your vehicle for personal trips, you’ll need to calculate the percentage of time it’s used for business. For example, if you drive 10,000 miles in a year and 6,000 of those are for DoorDash, your business use percentage would be 60%.
    • Calculate Your Deduction: Total your actual expenses for the year and multiply that by your business use percentage. If your total vehicle expenses were $3,000, your deduction would be:
      3,000 × 0.60 = $1,800

    Choosing Between Methods

    You can’t switch between the two methods in the same tax year. If you start with the standard mileage rate, you can switch to actual expenses in the future, but if you use actual expenses, you must continue using that method.

    Home Office Deduction

    If you use part of your home for managing your DoorDash business, you might qualify for the home office deduction. This deduction can also save you money at tax time.

    1. Qualifying for the Home Office Deduction

    To qualify, your home office must meet the following criteria:

    • Exclusive Use: The space must be used exclusively for your DoorDash work. A corner of your bedroom or a dining table used for both personal and business tasks generally does not qualify.
    • Regular Use: You must use the space regularly for your DoorDash business, not just occasionally.

    2. Calculating the Home Office Deduction

    There are two methods to calculate this deduction:

    Simplified Method

    You can deduct $5 per square foot of your home office, up to a maximum of 300 square feet. This means you could deduct up to $1,500 using this method.

    Regular Method

    This method requires you to calculate the actual expenses related to your home office, which can include:

    • Rent or mortgage interest
    • Utilities (electricity, heating, etc.)
    • Internet and phone expenses
    • Homeowner’s insurance
    • Property taxes

    To calculate your deduction:

    • Determine the Square Footage: Measure the area of your home office and the total square footage of your home.
    • Calculate Business Use Percentage: Divide the square footage of your home office by the total square footage of your home. For example, if your home office is 150 square feet and your home is 1,500 square feet:
      150 / 1,500 = 0.10 (10% business use)
    • Total Your Expenses: Add up your eligible home expenses for the year.
    • Apply the Business Use Percentage: Multiply your total expenses by your business use percentage to determine your deduction.

    Example: Regular Method Calculation

    If your total home expenses for the year (including rent, utilities, etc.) amount to $12,000, your deduction would be:

    12,000 × 0.10 = $1,200

    Conclusion

    Understanding how per-mile deductions and home office deductions work can help DoorDash drivers keep more of their hard-earned money. By keeping accurate records and choosing the best deduction method for your situation, you can significantly reduce your tax liability.

    Always consider consulting with a tax professional for personalized advice, especially as tax laws can change and may vary based on individual circumstances.

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  • Should I get a catering bag for DoorDash?

    Should I get a catering bag for DoorDash?

     
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    At this point it doesn’t matter, Doordash has removed the requirements for most areas. Some restaurants will still require you to have a pizza bag or catering bag and for the big tip orders its worth having one in my opinion. If you do this for a living just spend the $20 on amazon to buy one. I recommend buying one with plastic side walls and floor. I believe I paid around $50 for mine here’s a link and here’s my pizza bag

    Some areas require you to be approved for catering orders and one trick I have heard is to buy the bags from DoorDash here’s a link personally I would never buy from DoorDash they already make enough money from us and the bag isn’t great… But if it gets you into the catering program for $17 then its worth it because most orders are $20+ so in one order you made your money back.

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  • Does AR (Acceptance Rate) Matter for DoorDash Drivers?

    Does AR (Acceptance Rate) Matter for DoorDash Drivers?

    This a loaded question but it’s constantly asked in my Facebook Group

     

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    The answer is yes and no. It completely depends on YOUR area. For an example in my market it does NOT matter, there’s so many orders floating around and the market is always “Very Busy” I personally never need to schedule I can always click “Dash Now”

    Maybe your market is different and unless you are a Top Dasher or Platinum Dasher you will never be able to Dash. Some people say its too much work to schedule but my personal experience I set a alarm at 3pm and schedule for the next 6 days out everyday, its not hard and takes 30 seconds. If i don’t work that day no big deal. I see a lot of people saying “I’m a platinum dasher because I don’t want to schedule” Ok so your out here taking $2 orders going 9 miles just so you don’t have the tiny inconvenience of making a schedule? seems like its much more of a inconvenience to keep taking trash orders but hey you do you I guess. 

    Now lets talk about Platinum. According to DoorDash you will not get catering orders… Well I can promise that’s not entirely true. I have a AR of 1% and I still get them, yes I probably don’t get as many as the dasher who is Platinum, but i still do get them. My point is this is nothing but a lie to make you keep taking low paying orders its just not true plain and simple. Yes it could be different in YOUR area. 

    Conclusion

    Does AR matter? In some areas yes some no. You need to learn your area. Do some experiments, try it with platinum try it without. Only you can determine if its worth it to take low paying orders. My personal advice is NO I will never take low paying orders I have too many different apps, I can wait 10 mins for a good order to come through on a different app. You will never see me taking a $5 order for 2 miles. My minimum is $4 a mile to start my car. This might not work for your area but how many apps are you not using? Do you even know how many apps are live in your area? You might not know so stay tuned while I post about them all and my experience.  

     

    FAQ

    Does ignoring the order still affect my AR? Yes if it didn’t we would all have 100% AR come on guys why do people keep asking this SMH 

    Will I get banned for a low AR? No I have a 1% AR

     

     

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