The on-demand food delivery market has absolutely exploded over the past few years. With so many choices across apps like DoorDash, GrubHub, Uber Eats, and more – how exactly are we expected to pay for the convenience of delivery to our doors?
Can you pay cash for DoorDash orders? The short answer is yes – but under specific circumstances. DoorDash itself does not directly take cash payments, however through their DoorDash Drive white label fulfillment platform, merchants can enable a “Cash on Delivery” option. This is most commonly seen amongst pizza chains that utilize Drive.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about paying cash for DoorDash orders, including:
- How the DoorDash platform works and standard payment methods
- When cash payments are possible through DoorDash Drive
- Step-by-step process for paying with cash
- Cash payment availability for different restaurant types
- Tipping DoorDash drivers with cash
- Troubleshooting issues that may arise
- Comparing cash acceptance across top delivery apps
- The pros and cons of using cash for orders
- Impacts on ratings and customer service
By the end, you’ll understand exactly when and how to pay cash for your DoorDash deliveries. Now let’s get started!
How DoorDash Works and Standard Payment Options?
DoorDash is a widely popular on-demand delivery service allowing customers to order food and other items from thousands of connected restaurants and stores. Orders can be placed via the DoorDash app or website for delivery in most locations across the United States.
Payments on DoorDash are typically handled through:
- Credit/debit cards
- Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay
- DoorDash gift cards and credits
Cash payment is not a standard option for regular DoorDash orders placed through their platform. This is mainly for simplicity and convenience compared to cash transactions. However, for restaurants utilizing DoorDash Drive, cash can be enabled.
Are Cash Payments Accepted on the DoorDash Platform?
As mentioned above, DoorDash itself does not directly accept cash as a form of payment method. The DoorDash app and website can only facilitate digital payments through integrated payment processing.
So in what situations can you pay cash for a DoorDash order? This is where DoorDash Drive comes into play.
Using DoorDash Drive to Enable Cash Payments
DoorDash Drive is a white label fulfillment platform from DoorDash that allows restaurants, convenience stores, grocery stores, and other merchants to offer delivery through their own digital channels.
This means businesses can power deliveries direct through their website or app while still leveraging the courier network and logistics infrastructure of DoorDash behind the scenes.
An optional feature available with DoorDash Drive is called “Cash on Delivery.” This can be enabled by merchants that want to give customers the choice to pay with cash for orders.
Nearly 20% of pizza orders fulfilled through DoorDash Drive have opted to accept cash payments from customers upon delivery. Cash provides flexibility for those without access to credit cards or online payments.
Now that we’ve seen cash can be an option through Drive, let’s look at the specifics of how to actually pay with cash.
Requirements and Process for Paying Cash via DoorDash
In order to pay with cash for a DoorDash order, a few requirements must be met:
- The order must be placed through a merchant using DoorDash Drive
- That merchant must have “Cash on Delivery” enabled as a payment method
- The order subtotal must be at least $7
- The delivery address entered matches the customer location
Once these criteria are fulfilled, here is the step-by-step process to pay with cash for DoorDash:
- Place order as normal through merchant’s app/website up to payment
- Select “Cash on Delivery” or “Pay with Cash” option
- Review order details and confirm delivery address
- Await arrival of Dasher with order
- Provide Dasher with exact cash payment amount upon delivery
It’s also good practice to have some small bills ready as change if needed. And don’t forget you can still tip the driver additional cash!
Cash Payment Availability for Different Restaurant Types
We’ve seen that nearly 20% of pizzerias accepting orders through DoorDash Drive have enabled cash payments. But what about other restaurant categories?
Here is a breakdown of cash payment availability:
- Pizza restaurants: Very popular, almost 1 in 5 allow cash
- Chinese restaurants: Also frequent users of cash payments
- Fast food: Less common but some enable cash
- Upscale dining: Typically don’t offer cash payment
Pizza in particular remains a category with high cash usage compared to digital payments. That’s why integration with delivery services like DoorDash provides a nice middle ground – expanding reach but still enabling customers to pay cash should they desire.
How to Tip DoorDash Drivers with Cash?
A great aspect of cash payments, when available, is that it makes the process of tipping your DoorDash driver simpler.
With a cash DoorDash order, you have a couple tip options:
- When the Dasher arrives, provide cash payment for meal + any additional cash tip
- Or tip as normal through the app, and give a cash tip separately
Cash tips allow Dashers to pocket the money right away rather than waiting for their weekly direct deposit. This is why many Dashers appreciate cash gratuity.
Troubleshooting Issues with Cash Payments
Occasionally some issues can crop up preventing a smooth cash transaction with DoorDash orders:
- Dasher doesn’t have correct change for large bills
- Order canceled after selecting cash payment
- App errors when choosing cash
- Customer claims they already paid online
- Unable to reach customer location
In these instances it is best to contact DoorDash support through the app or website. They can help resolve payment failures, reassign orders, and potentially provide credits if warranted.
Having small bills ready can help smooth the payment process for all parties when paying cash. Overall though, problems are infrequent with proper preparation.
Comparing Cash Payments Across Top Delivery Apps
How does DoorDash compare to other major food and grocery delivery apps when it comes to accepting cash payments? Here is a brief overview:
- Uber Eats – Cash limited based on location, but generally not accepted
- GrubHub – Some allow cash depending on restaurant
- Postmates – Does not accept cash payments
- GoPuff – Cash not enabled; card/wallet only
Ultimately DoorDash comes out favorably thanks to DoorDash Drive integration enabling merchants to allow cash. But policies vary widely across apps and regions.
The Pros and Cons of Paying Cash for DoorDash Orders
What are the major advantages and disadvantages to funding your DoorDash delivery with cash?
Pros
- Provides alternative payment method for those without cards
- Customers control spending more carefully with cash payments
- No processing fees taken from purchases
- Drivers receive cash tips immediately in hand
Cons
- Availability limited compared to digital payments
- Risk of Dasher unable to provide change
- Potential delays or issues collecting payments
- Less record keeping than with digital history
Again the option for cash affords more flexibility – but it does come with some drawbacks to consider as well.
Does Paying Cash Affect Your DoorDash Ratings?
One common question is whether paying with cash vs credit or app payments changes the delivery experience or impacts ratings at all.
The good news is DoorDash has designed their systems to provide consistent service regardless of order payment method. Drivers are still expected to deliver items in a timely fashion with good service and communication.
So opting to pay with cash should have no effect whatsoever on your DoorDash ratings as a customer. Dashers are also not impacted by your payment choice. Simply choose your preferred payment method per your needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions on Paying with Cash on DoorDash
Is Cash Payment Available in My Area?
Cash payment availability through DoorDash Drive varies depending on location and merchant preferences. Check with your favorite local restaurants that leverage DoorDash couriers to see if they have enabled cash acceptance. Availability is higher in certain categories like pizza delivery.
What If I Don’t Have Exact Cash Ready?
It’s best to have the exact cash amount ready when paying upon delivery. But sometimes mistakes happen. In those cases, you can ask the Dasher if they can provide change from smaller bills. Just keep in mind Dashers are not required to carry cash pools. Leaving a generous cash tip is another way to “round up” if needed.
Can I Tip My Driver in Cash?
Yes, Dashers always appreciate cash tips in addition to any in-app gratuity. This allows them to take home the money right away rather than waiting until their next payout period. Even on non-cash orders, many Dashers welcome cash tips.
What Happens If My Order Gets Canceled?
In the rare instance an order is canceled after you selected cash payment, reach out to DoorDash support for assistance. They can determine next steps based on the specifics of the situation. You may receive a refund or credits depending on the cancellation reason.
Final Thoughts: When Cash Delivery Is Possible with DoorDash?
Hopefully this guide has helped explain when and how cash payments can be accepted for DoorDash delivery orders. Here are some key tips to remember:
- Cash is not possible on the core DoorDash app/website – only with DoorDash Drive
- Merchants like pizzerias can enable “Cash on Delivery” through Drive
- Orders must meet $7 minimum and exact cash amount is required
- Cash enables flexible payment option for those without cards
- Consider carrying smaller bills to help make change
- Cash tips are appreciated by drivers
Check if your favorite restaurants offer DoorDash Drive integrations with cash acceptance. And don’t hesitate to throw your Dasher a few extra bucks tip in cash – it can really make their day!
