Improvements to Shopper Ratings
Items that are confirmed to be out-of-stock in store will no longer count against your Original Items Found rating.
When an item isn’t available, you'll be able to submit a photo of the shelf tag for review to confirm the item is out of stock.
Once the photo is approved, we'll exclude the item from your Shopping Ratings so that it won’t count toward your Original Items Found rating.
Make sure you’re using the latest app version to see this feature!
Because ratings are becoming more accurate, the Pro threshold for Original Items Found is changing:
On December 8, 2025, the Original Items Found threshold for Pro Shopper ratings will increase from 92% to 96%.*
This will help keep the Pro Shopper program meaningful for highly-rated shoppers.
You’ll have a full 30 days to ease into the new threshold.
What’s next
Starting December 8, 2025, if your Original Items Found rate is below 96%, you will lose Pro Shopper status. But don’t worry — your status is based on your most recent 40 Shop & Deliver orders. Keep shopping to reach 96% and earn it back. And now that you can get out-of-stock items excluded, it’s easier than ever to improve your rating. The more you shop, the quicker your old ratings cycle out.
Tips on Taking a Clear Shelf Tag Photo
Get close! Get close to the shelf tag so all the text on it is readable (if the shelf tag isn't clear, the item can’t be validated for an exemption)
Clean your camera! Clean your camera lens and make sure to focus the camera on the shelf tag
Get clear signage for perishable items! For produce or meat/fish items, make sure you capture the clearest signage possible (shelf tag or otherwise) for the item you’re shopping for.
Eligible Photo Examples:
Ineligible Photo Examples:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is my Original Items Found rate?
A: It’s the percentage of original items you find and fulfill exactly as ordered on your last 40 Shop & Deliver orders. Previously, this rate decreased if the original item was not delivered (either because you substituted the item or refunded it to the customer).
Now, when you provide a photo validating that the item is out of stock, it won’t count toward your Original Items Found rate — meaning it won’t negatively impact your rating. When prompted, just take a clear photo of the shelf tag for the unavailable item. If the photo confirms it’s out of stock, it’ll be automatically excluded.
Q: How do I know if my out-of-stock photo was approved?
A: Photos will be automatically reviewed after your dash. Afterward, you can see which items were excluded in the Shopping Ratings section of your app.
Photo Pro Tips: Ensure your phone’s camera lens is clean. Take the photo close to the shelf tag so that it clearly shows the item name.
Q: What if an item doesn’t have a shelf tag to take a photo of?
A: If an out-of-stock item doesn't have a shelf tag, it isn't eligible for a shelf tag exemption. But don’t worry. The 96% Original Items Found threshold already includes a buffer, so you can still qualify for Pro Shopper status even if you run into some out-of-stock items without shelf tags.
Q: How does DoorDash work to make ratings fair and accurate?
A: In addition to providing a way for shoppers to validate out-of-stock items using a photo, as mentioned here — we also exclude other issues from your ratings. For example:
If the customer requested a refund for an unavailable item, it is removed from Total Items Found.
If other shoppers reported difficulty finding an item, it will be removed from your Original Items Found.
If DoorDash suspects customer fraud, any item defects they reported will be removed from the applicable ratings.
If a customer pre-approved a substitution but later wasn’t satisfied, this will be removed from your Substitution Issues.
You can always check which item issues are excluded in your app’s Shopping Ratings, as shown below.
Q: How do I earn or maintain Pro Shopper status?
A: If you're already meeting the new Original Items Found threshold — great! Keep it up. If not, you’ve still got a full 30 days to reach 96% and keep your Pro Shopper status.
Watch this video (or check out this course) for tips on how successful shoppers make the most of Shop & Deliver.
Plus, here are some tips from experienced shoppers to help you reach and maintain Pro Shopper status:
Ask staff: If you can’t find an item, they may know if or where it’s stocked.
Check other areas: Always check less common areas like end caps, promotional stands, checkout counters, or near the pharmacy.
Find the best, closest substitute: Look for close matches in flavor, size, brand, or price.
Send photos of options: Text the customer photos, or call them to discuss their options.
Note substitutions: To avoid having your Dasher Red Card declined, be sure to mark substitutions in the app.
Disclaimer:
DoorDash may modify or cancel Pro Shopper, qualification terms, rewards offered, and available markets at any time. Pro Shopper is currently being offered with certain rewards and features available in certain locations. You understand that DoorDash may terminate or modify it (including, without limitation, what the Rewards are, how you earn them, the duration and availability of Pro Shopper) at any time in DoorDash’s sole discretion. Check the Dasher app to determine if Pro Shopper is available in your market and if you are eligible to participate. DoorDash reserves the right to revoke rewards, withhold or deduct payments, or remove a Dasher from Pro Shopper if we discover Pro Shopper status was earned in error, fraudulently, illegally, or in violation of the Dasher ICA terms or these terms.
