Is “Earn by Time” Worth It (DoorDash Reddit)? A Deep Dive for Dashers

The burning question plaguing every DoorDash driver’s mind: Is “Earn by Time” actually worth it? The short answer, gleaned from countless Reddit threads and real-world experience, is a resounding “It depends”. This isn’t the cop-out answer you might expect, but rather an honest assessment of a complex system influenced by a multitude of factors. “Earn by Time” (EBT) can be a lucrative alternative to “Earn per Offer” (EPO), but only under specific circumstances and with a strategic approach. It’s all about understanding the nuances and playing the game to your advantage.

Understanding “Earn by Time”: The Devil’s in the Details

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of whether EBT is a good choice, let’s break down how it actually works. DoorDash’s EBT option pays you a set hourly rate for the time you’re actively dashing – from the moment you accept an order to the moment you complete the delivery. This contrasts with EPO, where you’re paid a pre-determined amount for each individual delivery based on distance, effort, and demand.

The hourly rate offered varies by market and can fluctuate based on factors like time of day and driver demand. Crucially, EBT includes the time spent driving to the restaurant, waiting for the order, and delivering it to the customer. This makes it potentially advantageous in situations where wait times are long, traffic is heavy, or orders involve significant distances.

However, there’s a catch: DoorDash often requires you to maintain a certain acceptance rate to remain eligible for EBT. This means you can’t cherry-pick only the most profitable orders, which can significantly impact your overall earnings. The key is to analyze whether the hourly rate, combined with the types of orders you’re likely to receive under EBT, will outweigh the potential benefits of selectively accepting orders under EPO.

Reddit’s Verdict: A Mixed Bag

Reddit is a goldmine of information for DoorDash drivers, and the general consensus on EBT is… complicated. Some dashers swear by it, highlighting the stability and predictability it offers. They argue that it’s particularly useful during slow periods or when dealing with restaurants known for long wait times. Others deem it a complete waste of time, citing low hourly rates, forced acceptance of undesirable orders, and the potential for significant earnings losses compared to a strategic EPO approach.

The recurring themes in Reddit discussions revolve around:

• Market conditions: EBT profitability is heavily dependent on your local market. Some markets offer competitive hourly rates, while others are simply too low to make it worthwhile.
• Restaurant wait times: If you consistently deliver from restaurants known for slow service, EBT can be a lifesaver.
• Traffic conditions: Heavy traffic significantly increases the time spent on each delivery, making EBT more attractive.
• Acceptance rate requirements: The higher the required acceptance rate, the less flexibility you have to decline unprofitable orders, potentially negating the benefits of EBT.
• Strategic order selection (even with EBT): Even under EBT, you can (and should) strategically decline excessively long-distance or low-tip orders, if your market allows you to decline some orders without affecting your acceptance rate drastically.

Ultimately, the value of EBT comes down to careful calculation and experimentation within your specific market.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing EBT

Before committing to EBT, carefully consider these factors:

• Hourly Rate: Is the offered hourly rate truly competitive? Factor in your expenses (gas, vehicle maintenance, etc.) to determine your net hourly earnings.
• Typical Order Volume: How busy is your market during the times you typically dash? EBT is most beneficial when order volume is consistent, but not overwhelming.
• Average Trip Time: Calculate your average trip time under both EPO and EBT to see which method yields higher earnings per hour.
• Acceptance Rate Threshold: Can you maintain the required acceptance rate without significantly compromising your earning potential?
• Order Types: Does EBT tend to push you towards low-tip or long-distance orders? Track your earnings under both methods to identify patterns.

A Strategic Approach to “Earn by Time”

Even if EBT seems like a potentially viable option, don’t just blindly accept every order. Develop a strategic approach:

• Monitor your earnings: Track your earnings under both EBT and EPO to compare their profitability.
• Experiment with different times: EBT may be more profitable during certain times of day or days of the week.
• Strategically decline orders: Understand the impact of declining orders on your acceptance rate and decline only those that are clearly unprofitable.
• Optimize your routes: Use navigation apps to find the fastest routes and minimize travel time.
• Communicate with restaurants: Promptly notify restaurants of your arrival to expedite the pickup process.
• Consider Multiapping: Consider using other apps like Uber Eats or Grubhub to ensure that your earnings are optimized.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DoorDash “Earn by Time”

1. What is the difference between “Earn by Time” and “Earn per Offer” on DoorDash?

“Earn by Time” pays you a set hourly rate for the time you are actively dashing (from order acceptance to delivery completion). “Earn per Offer” pays you a pre-determined amount for each individual delivery based on factors like distance and demand.

2. How is the hourly rate for “Earn by Time” determined?

The hourly rate varies by market and can fluctuate based on factors like time of day, driver demand, and location. DoorDash determines this rate based on their internal algorithms and market analysis.

3. Does “Earn by Time” include the time I spend waiting at the restaurant?

Yes, “Earn by Time” includes the time you spend waiting at the restaurant for the order to be prepared. This is one of the potential advantages of EBT, particularly when dealing with slow restaurants.

4. Do I have to accept every order when using “Earn by Time”?

In most markets, yes, you need to maintain a high acceptance rate to remain eligible for “Earn by Time.” However, specific acceptance rate requirements vary by market. Declining too many orders can result in being switched back to “Earn per Offer.”

5. Can I switch back and forth between “Earn by Time” and “Earn per Offer”?

Yes, DoorDash usually allows you to switch between “Earn by Time” and “Earn per Offer” within the app settings, but there might be limitations on how frequently you can switch, and availability depends on your market’s settings. Check the DoorDash app for specific details.

6. Does “Earn by Time” affect the tips I receive?

No, “Earn by Time” does not directly affect the tips you receive. Customers tip based on their perceived service and satisfaction, regardless of your payment method.

7. Is “Earn by Time” available in all DoorDash markets?

No, “Earn by Time” is not available in all DoorDash markets. Its availability depends on DoorDash’s rollout strategy and the specific conditions in each market.

8. How do I know if “Earn by Time” is profitable in my market?

The best way to determine profitability is to track your earnings under both “Earn by Time” and “Earn per Offer” for a period of time. Compare your net hourly earnings (after expenses) under each method. Also, check online DoorDash forums, like Reddit, to see what other drivers are saying about “Earn by Time” in your particular city.

9. What are the advantages of “Earn by Time”?

Advantages include predictable income, compensation for wait times, and potential benefits during slow periods or heavy traffic.

10. What are the disadvantages of “Earn by Time”?

Disadvantages include potentially lower overall earnings, required acceptance rate, and potential for being assigned undesirable orders (low-tip, long-distance).

11. Can I still see the estimated tip amount before accepting an order under “Earn by Time”?

In some markets, DoorDash displays the estimated tip amount even under EBT, while in others, it doesn’t. Check your app settings and pay attention to order details to determine if tip information is available. The absence of this information may force drivers to take more low-tip orders to keep an acceptable acceptance rate.

12. Does “Earn by Time” take into account gas and vehicle expenses?

No, “Earn by Time” does not directly take into account gas and vehicle expenses. It only pays you an hourly rate. You are responsible for covering all of your own expenses. Therefore, it is important to factor in these expenses when calculating your net hourly earnings to determine the true profitability of “Earn by Time”.

In conclusion, the worth of “Earn by Time” on DoorDash is a multifaceted question without a universally applicable answer. It necessitates a thorough evaluation of your market dynamics, a keen understanding of the program’s intricacies, and a willingness to adapt your dashing strategy. By carefully considering the factors outlined above and actively tracking your earnings, you can determine whether “Earn by Time” is a worthwhile option for maximizing your profits on DoorDash.