How to Schedule DoorDash Delivery: Your Expert Guide

Want to plan your cravings ahead of time and avoid the lunchtime rush? Scheduling your DoorDash delivery is a piece of cake, allowing you to enjoy your favorite meals exactly when you want them. It’s all about convenience, and DoorDash makes it incredibly easy. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how to schedule a DoorDash delivery:

1. Open the DoorDash App or Website: Start by launching the DoorDash app on your smartphone or visiting DoorDash.com in your web browser.
2. Enter Your Delivery Address: Ensure your current delivery address is correctly entered. This helps DoorDash identify restaurants available for scheduled delivery in your area.
3. Browse Restaurants: Explore the available restaurants as usual. Look for the little clock icon next to a restaurant’s name, indicating they offer scheduled deliveries. Not all restaurants participate in scheduled deliveries, so selection might be limited.
4. Place Your Order: Select the restaurant and add your desired items to your cart.
5. Proceed to Checkout: Tap the “View Cart” or “Checkout” button to review your order.
6. Select a Delivery Time: This is where the magic happens! Instead of the “Deliver Now” option, you should see an option to “Schedule Delivery.” Tap on it. A calendar will pop up, allowing you to choose your desired delivery date and time.
7. Choose a Date and Time: Select your preferred delivery date from the calendar. Then, select your desired delivery time. You’ll typically be able to choose a delivery window, rather than an exact minute. Keep in mind that the available time slots depend on the restaurant’s operating hours and availability.
8. Confirm Your Schedule: Review the scheduled delivery time and ensure it’s accurate. Double-check the order summary as well.
9. Place Your Order: Once you’re satisfied, click or tap the “Schedule Delivery” button to confirm your order. You’ll receive a confirmation message and an email with the details of your scheduled delivery.
10. Track Your Order: On the day of your scheduled delivery, you can track your order in the DoorDash app, just like a regular delivery.

That’s it! You’ve successfully scheduled your DoorDash delivery. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DoorDash Scheduling

To further enhance your understanding and experience with scheduling DoorDash deliveries, here are some frequently asked questions and their detailed answers:

Can I Schedule a DoorDash Delivery for Any Restaurant?

Not necessarily. Only restaurants that have opted into the scheduled delivery feature will allow you to schedule a delivery. Look for the clock icon next to the restaurant name in the app. If you don’t see it, they likely don’t offer this option.

How Far in Advance Can I Schedule a DoorDash Delivery?

The scheduling window varies depending on the restaurant and your location, but generally, you can schedule a delivery up to several days or even a week in advance. Check the availability within the DoorDash app when selecting your desired delivery date and time.

What Happens If I Need to Cancel a Scheduled DoorDash Delivery?

You can cancel a scheduled DoorDash delivery through the app. However, be aware of cancellation policies. You might be charged a cancellation fee if you cancel too close to the scheduled delivery time. The specifics of the cancellation policy will be displayed when you attempt to cancel. Look for a “Cancel Order” or “Manage Order” option within the app and follow the prompts.

Can I Change a Scheduled DoorDash Delivery Time?

Yes, in most cases. You can modify your scheduled delivery time, but it depends on how close you are to the original scheduled time. There might be limitations on changing the time close to the delivery window. Go to the “Orders” section of the app, find the scheduled order, and look for an option to “Edit Schedule” or “Change Delivery Time.”

Will the Price Be the Same for a Scheduled Delivery?

The price of your order should be the same regardless of whether it’s a scheduled delivery or an immediate one. However, keep an eye out for potential price fluctuations due to surge pricing (known as “peak pay” for Dashers) or restaurant-specific pricing. This is rare for scheduled deliveries, but it’s always a good idea to double-check the final price before confirming your order.

How Do I Ensure My Food Stays Hot (or Cold) When Scheduling Delivery in Advance?

DoorDash drivers are equipped with insulated bags to maintain food temperature during transit. While you can’t directly control this through the scheduling feature, consider choosing restaurants known for packaging their food well. You can also add a note to your delivery instructions requesting the Dasher to use an insulated bag. Ultimately, selecting restaurants that are reasonably close to your location will also help ensure your food arrives at the optimal temperature.

What Happens If My Dasher Is Late for My Scheduled Delivery?

DoorDash aims to deliver within the scheduled time window. If your Dasher is significantly late, you can contact DoorDash support through the app. They can provide updates, investigate the delay, and potentially offer compensation or a refund, depending on the circumstances. Look for a “Help” or “Contact Support” option related to your order.

Can I Schedule a DoorDash Delivery If I’m Paying with a Gift Card?

Yes, you can typically schedule a DoorDash delivery even if you’re paying with a gift card. Ensure your gift card has sufficient balance to cover the order total, including delivery fees, taxes, and any potential tips.

Is There a Way to Schedule a Delivery for Multiple Restaurants at the Same Time?

Unfortunately, DoorDash does not currently offer a feature to schedule deliveries from multiple restaurants for a single, combined delivery time. You’ll need to schedule separate deliveries for each restaurant. This means you’ll have multiple Dashers arriving at different times.

What Happens If the Restaurant I Scheduled From Closes Before My Delivery Time?

In the rare event that the restaurant closes unexpectedly before your scheduled delivery time, DoorDash will typically notify you and cancel the order. You will likely receive a full refund.

Does Scheduling Guarantee a Dasher Will Be Available?

While scheduling helps prioritize your order, it doesn’t 100% guarantee a Dasher will be immediately available at the exact moment. However, DoorDash’s system is designed to assign Dashers to scheduled deliveries efficiently. In very rare cases, there might be a slight delay if Dasher availability is extremely limited.

Can I Schedule a DoorDash Delivery for Someone Else?

Yes, you can schedule a DoorDash delivery for someone else. When placing the order, ensure you enter their delivery address and contact information. You’ll also want to inform them that a delivery is scheduled to arrive so they can receive it.