DoorDash  Review: 16-Year-Old’s Personal Experience Using DoorDash to Make Money

16-Year-Old’s Personal Experience Using DoorDash to Make Money

Using DoorDash as a 16-year-old has been an interesting and eye-opening experience for me. I’ve been dashing under my sister’s account since DoorDash doesn’t allow people under 18 to have their own account. While it’s been a lot of fun, there are definitely pros and cons to the experience, especially since I dash in Madison, Wisconsin—a vibrant college town where the gig has unique challenges.

The Fun Side of Dashing

1. Flexibility and Freedom:
   One of the best things about dashing is the flexibility. My sister and I take turns, which means I can dash when I have free time, like after school or on weekends. It’s a great way to earn some cash while still balancing school and other activities.
2. The Thrill of Driving Around:
   I genuinely enjoy the process of picking up orders and delivering them. It feels like a mini-adventure every time I get a new order. It’s also fun to explore different parts of Madison, from the bustling university areas to quieter residential neighborhoods.
3. A Taste of Responsibility:
   Even though I’m technically using my sister’s account, dashing gives me a sense of responsibility and independence. From managing time to figuring out the best routes, it’s taught me valuable lessons I wouldn’t have learned otherwise.
4. Customer Interaction:
   Interacting with customers, even briefly, is a nice social aspect. Whether it’s handing them their food or just saying “have a great day,” it’s rewarding to know I’m helping make their lives a little more convenient.

The Challenges of Dashing

1. Low-Paying Orders:
   The biggest downside of dashing in Madison is the number of low-paying orders. Many of the orders I receive are in the $2–$4 range, which is frustrating because it’s hardly worth the effort. For example, this morning, I accepted an order to pick up from Taco Bell and Culver’s. It involved two stops and delivering to two separate customers, and I only made $3 and some change.With gas prices, car maintenance, and time factored in, it’s hard to justify taking such low-paying orders. College towns seem to have this issue because many students don’t tip, and DoorDash’s base pay is minimal.
2. No Account for Teens:
   I really wish DoorDash allowed 16-year-olds to create their own accounts. While I understand the safety and legal concerns, it feels unfair because many teens are capable of handling the responsibility. Having my own account would give me more control and transparency over my earnings and dashing stats.
3. Time-Consuming Low Payouts:
   Delivering low-paying orders often takes the same amount of time as higher-paying ones, which is demotivating. For instance, an order might take 20 minutes to complete but only pay $2. If I get multiple orders like that in a row, I feel like I’ve wasted my time.
4. Peak Hours Are Key:
   I’ve learned that timing is everything. Dashing during lunch or dinner rush increases the chances of getting better-paying orders, but even then, it’s not guaranteed. Madison’s student population and reliance on fast food means I often find myself stuck with cheap orders, even during busy times.

Lessons Learned

1. Patience and Strategy:
   I’ve had to develop patience and a strategy for accepting orders. Declining low-paying orders is important, even though it can feel like a gamble waiting for better ones.
2. The Importance of Tips:
   Tips make all the difference. I always hope customers recognize the effort that goes into delivering their food, but unfortunately, tips aren’t always guaranteed.
3. Knowing When to Dash:
   I’ve found that dashing in wealthier areas or during events (like football games) tends to yield higher payouts. It’s all about being strategic with timing and location.

Final Thoughts

Overall, dashing as a 16-year-old has been a mix of fun and frustration. It’s a great way to earn some extra money and gain life experience, but the low-paying orders in Madison can make it feel like a grind. If DoorDash allowed teens to create their own accounts, it would be an even better experience.

For anyone considering dashing in a college town, be prepared for a lot of $2–$4 orders and learn to strategize. Despite the challenges, I’ve enjoyed the journey and appreciate the opportunity to earn money, even if it’s not perfect.

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