DashLink Runner FAQs
DashLink Runner FAQs
Content :
DashLink FAQs
Waitlist FAQs
DashLink Ratings FAQs
DashLink Central FAQs
Grouped Offers FAQ’s (California Only)
Amazon Key Delivery FAQs
DashLink Overview
DashLink is a new delivery offer type that may increase your earning potential. Within these offers, you can complete a single pickup for multiple deliveries. DashLink offers typically take longer to complete.
DashLink FAQs
Q: Where do I update my vehicle information for DashLink? Is it required?
A: Keeping your vehicle information updated helps DashLink match you to routes that fit your vehicle. To add or update your vehicle details, go to menu → Vehicle Information in your app and follow the prompts. If you have more than one vehicle, please set your preferred vehicle by going to the menu → Preferences. If your vehicle changes, or if you haven’t updated your details in a while, we recommend reviewing your vehicle information to help us provide DashLink offers that match your vehicle information.
Q: How can I receive a DashLink offer?
A: The DashLink waitlist is the best way for you to sign up ahead of time to increase your opportunity to receive DashLink offers. Join the waitlist each day you would like to be eligible for DashLink offers. Information provided within the waitlist screen will tell you how many offers are available that day, the estimated pickup time for these offers, how many other drivers are also on the waitlist, and more. You can also opt in to be notified each day when the waitlist opens, using the toggle on the screen.
For a chance to get a DashLink assignment through the waitlist, as your estimated pickup window approaches:
Be on an active Dash
Be physically located within the proximity of the pickup site
Runners have recommended being within ~10 miles of the pickup location
At pickup, you will be asked to present a valid ID that matches the name on your DoorDash account. You will be unassigned from the offer if you don’t have your ID or if the name on your ID doesn’t match what is shown in-app. Learn more about the “waitlist” below in the ‘Waitlist FAQs’ section.
Q: What is the pickup experience like?
A: Once you arrive at the site, park your car in one of the parking spots and check in with a site associate. The site associate will ask you to verify your ID and your offer assignment with what is shown in-app. Once check-in is complete, you will be given your deliveries to load into your vehicle. Scan each item as you load your vehicle to ensure you have all of the correct deliveries within your offer. If you are missing any items or have an incorrect item, please speak with a site associate before leaving the site.
Q: What is the delivery experience like?
A: While completing each dropoff, navigate to a dropoff destination and review the delivery instructions for more details. Avoid theft or damage by leaving orders in a safe place.
For each delivery, you will be prompted in-app to:
Scan the barcode before dropping off each order
Take a photo of the order, including its surroundings, showing it’s been placed somewhere safe
Avoid theft or damage by leaving orders in a safe place. Runners have typically tried to leave orders out of sight of the road and protected from the weather
Add a description to give the customer more details on where the order was placed
If the delivery requires a customer signature, ask the customer to sign on your device to confirm they’ve received their order.
Q:What if I have trouble accessing a drop-off location?
A: If you are having trouble accessing a drop-off location or finding a secure location to drop off an order, Runners recommends calling or texting the customer for help.
Return the order if it can't be delivered, as losses or thefts reported by customers may make you ineligible to receive DashLink offers in the future. If you are ever in doubt about whether or not an order will be safe upon drop-off, Runners recommend returning the order to the pickup site. Once all orders have been delivered and/or returned to the pickup site, the DashLink offer is complete!
Q:What if I found the location provided, but it doesn't seem like a safe and secure place to leave the order?
A: It's important to deliver each order to a safe and secure place. This is at the Runner’s discretion, which is why it's important to take photos of the drop location and be considerate of the surroundings. If you are ever in doubt about whether or not an order will be safe upon drop-off, Runners recommend
returning the order to the pickup site.
Q: What should I do if I have to return one or multiple deliveries?
A: If at the end of your route you have orders marked for return, bring them back to the pickup site as prompted in the app and hand them over to a member of the site staff to ensure they are returned safely. If you are returning orders while the site is closed, follow the instructions in-app and drop each return order in the specified return location. If return orders are left outside of the site,they may not be marked as complete returns and could result in the orders being reported as missing.
Q: How can I be notified of future DashLink opportunities?
A: If you are interested in being eligible for future DashLink offers, you can utilise the “Notify Me” toggle on the waitlist screen to be notified when the waitlist opens the following day.
Q: Who can I contact if I am in need of support?
A: If you are having trouble accessing a drop-off location or finding a secure location to drop off an order, call or text the customer for help first. If you are experiencing an issue related to the overall DashLink delivery or are unable to reach the customer and still need help, contact Support here.
Waitlist Overview
The DashLink Waitlist aims to help you improve the predictability of DashLink offers. Tap the link you received on your phone to see the Waitlist. Please make sure that your Dasher app is updated to the latest version for access (app store, play store).
Waitlist FAQs
Q: What is “Waitlist”?
A: Waitlist is a way for you to sign up ahead of time to increase your opportunity to receive DashLink offers later that day! DashLink offers are prioritised for drivers on the Waitlist in the order of when they joined.
Q: How does the DashLink Waitlist work?
A:
Signing up: If you meet the following criteria, you will see an option for you to join the Waitlist via the link you received via email / SMS or through the notification centre in your Dasher app (bell icon).
You are dashing in a market where a waitlist is available
You are looking to Dash after the Waitlist in your region has opened, but before all the spots on the Waitlist have been taken
Confirmation: Once successfully on the Waitlist, you will see an estimated time for arrival in addition to your place in line.
Receiving offers: Plan to arrive at the pickup location at the time given to you after you sign up. You will be given an offer as you start heading over to the pickup location.
Q: How do I sign up for the Waitlist?
A:
Access the Waitlist by tapping on the Waitlist link that was sent to you via text. It also lives in the notification centre in your Dasher app (bell icon).
Waitlists open for sign-up early in the morning (refer to the in-app notification for the exact open time), and spots are limited based on the number of DashLink offers available that day. If there is a spot available, tap ‘Join Waitlist’ to join.
Spots refresh every day, so remember to sign up for the waitlist on a daily basis.
Q: What if there are already enough people on the Waitlist for the number of offers there will be?
A: Spots may become available again later in the day if a driver leaves the Waitlist without taking an offer.
Q: What happens if I decline the offer when it’s my turn?
A: It’s your choice whether to accept or decline a DashLink offer presented to you while on the Waitlist, and you may continue to get other DashLink offers if they are available.
Q: What happens if I don’t show up to the pickup location on time when I’ve accepted an offer?
A: We’ll continue to hold your orders for a short period of time, but reserve the right to unassign them at any point. Repeated no-shows may result in losing access to DashLink opportunities.
Q: Can I still get a DashLink offer if I’m not on the Waitlist?
A: You may sometimes get DashLink offers if you’re not on the Waitlist. However, joining the Waitlist increases your chances of receiving a DashLink offer.
Q: If I’m on the Waitlist, how do I know when to show up?
A: The Waitlist will give you an estimated pickup time based on the schedule for assignments and your spot in line. If drivers who are ahead of you in line don’t show up, you may receive offers earlier than the initial estimated time. Note this time is an estimate, not a guarantee or requirement. If you’re not close to your spot on the Waitlist, you should feel free to accept other offers in the meantime.
Q: Am I guaranteed an offer if I am on the Waitlist?
A: No. Being on the Waitlist is not a guarantee that you will receive a DashLink offer that day, but it will increase your chances.
Q: Why did we launch the waitlist?
A: We launched the waitlist to improve the predictability of DashLink offers so that you can know in advance your chance of getting a DashLink offer and the estimated time to drive to the pickup location.
Q: Why did my spot get pushed back from the waitlist?
A: The waitlist gets you in line for a DashLink offer, but doesn't guarantee one. Priority goes to those who consistently deliver orders successfully.
DashLink Ratings FAQs
Q: What is the DashLink Ratings program?
A: Runners can use DashLink ratings to track their service quality directly within the DashLink section of the Dasher app. The program helps Runners to understand what actions lead to better results on the road.
By accessing key delivery metrics, Runners can monitor their service quality and learn how to improve over time. High-quality service can also unlock priority access to join the DashLink Waitlist.
Q: How does the program work?
A: Once a Runner completes 50 lifetime DashLink deliveries – typically over the course of their first 1 - 2 completed routes – they’ll begin to see ratings in their app. The ratings are tailored to four DashLink-specific metrics that help Runners understand their service quality for DashLink deliveries. Runners who meet/exceed the goal threshold across all the metrics in the Ratings suite can unlock priority access to join the Waitlist.
Ratings are based on your last 400 deliveries or your last year of activity delivering with DashLink—whichever comes first. Read below for more information on each metric.
Q: What metrics are included in my DashLink Ratings?
A: The in-app Ratings track the following performance areas:
DashLink RatingsCategory | What it means | Why it matters | Goal Threshold* |
Lifetime DashLink Deliveries | Total DashLink packages you’ve successfully delivered to the customer. | Reflects your experience and progress as a Runner. | >=50 |
Delivered to Customer | Percentage of packages picked up that are successfully delivered to customers. | Customers expect deliveries to be completed on the day of their expected arrival date. | >=97.5% |
Lost Packages (formerly “Packages Reported Missing”) | Undelivered packages that have not been returned to the DashLink site. | Ensures every package is accounted for—either delivered or returned. | <=2 |
High-Quality photos | Visual confirmation that a package has been dropped off securely and successfully. | Clear, well-lit photos with visible address numbers give confidence that the package has been dropped at a secure location, and reduces customer escalations. | >=90% |
In the App, Runners can tap on each metric to see ratings details and tips for improvement.
Q: How do ratings impact my access to the Waitlist or delivery opportunities?
A: Runners who meet/exceed the goal thresholds across all four metrics in the DashLink ratings suite will unlock priority access to the DashLink Waitlist, and can join the Waitlist 30 minutes prior to the general Runner population. The earlier a Runner joins the waitlist – and the higher their ranking on the waitlist the day of dispatch – the more likely they will be to receive an offer day-of.
Q: What happens if I fall below the goal threshold on a rating?
A: If your ratings fall below the goal, the app will highlight that metric in yellow or red to help you track your progress. You’ll also see tips and insights in the app that can help you understand how to improve the quality of your service.
Ratings below the goal thresholds could impact access to DashLink offers and ultimately result in a Runner losing eligibility to deliver with DashLink.
Because ratings are based on a Runner’s last 400 deliveries, continuing to complete DashLink offers and improve the quality of the service you provide can help ratings rebound over time.
Q: When will I see my ratings in the app?
A: Ratings become visible once you’ve completed at least 50 lifetime DashLink deliveries. This ensures that the ratings data is based on enough delivery history to provide data on the service you provide.
Q: Do you have any tips on how I can improve my ratings?
A:
Keep completing DashLink offers. Join the waitlist regularly, and complete every route you accept.
Deliver all packages safely and completely. Double-check addresses, follow delivery instructions, and leave packages in secure spots at drop-off.
Return undeliverable packages to the DashLink site immediately after completing your route if you can’t safely complete a drop-off and are unable to attempt redelivery on route.
Take clear, well-lit photos that show details like unit numbers and demonstrate that the package is in a secure drop-off location.
Avoid deliveries to mailboxes, as mailboxes are only meant for USPS personnel and could result in the packages being confiscated.
Review your metrics regularly in the app to track your quality and focus on areas where you think you could improve.
Q: Can I appeal or dispute a rating?
A: In order to improve your ratings, please complete more deliveries as ratings are calculated based on your past 400 deliveries or your last year of activity delivering with DashLink—whichever comes first.
Disclaimer:
DashLink may change or end the DashLink In-App Ratings program, its qualification terms, ratings categories, rewards and benefits, and available features or markets at any time and in DashLink’s sole discretion. DashLink reserves the right to adjust or remove ratings and related benefits or rewards in cases of fraud, abuse, errors, or violations of the DashLink Independent Contractor Agreement.
DashLink Central FAQs
Q: What is DashLink Central?
A: DashLink Central is a dedicated in-app entry point in the DoorDash app, designed to help you find everything you need to be successful with DashLink deliveries. It is intended to be a place for drivers to learn more about DashLink and your DashLink deliveries, and what you need to do to opt in or out
Q: Will I still be able to use the QR code to join the waitlist?
A: With the introduction of DashLink Central, you will no longer be able to use any QR codes to join the waitlist.
Q:How can I access DashLink Central?
A: From your DoorDash app, navigate to the Preferences section. From there, you should see two different tabs, one is DoorDash and the other is DashLink.
Q: How do I join the waitlist?
A: You can join the DashLink Waitlist through DashLink Central by navigating to the Preferences screen in the DoorDash app. From there, you can access the Waitlist Join page and see your current position on the Waitlist.
Q: How do I know if I’m on the waitlist?
A: You can check whether or not you’re on the waitlist by navigating to this section. If you’ve been assigned a spot #, you have successfully joined the waitlist
Q: Will I get a notification when the waitlist opens?
A: Opt-in to be notified each day when the waitlist opens and turn on the “DashLink-Only” toggle while waiting for your potential offer to prevent non-DashLink assignments from being assigned to you.
Q: What if DashLink is not available in my market?
A: If DashLink is not live in your market, you won't see the DashLink tab in the Preferences screen. Instead, you can sign up for notifications to be informed when DashLink becomes available in your area.
Q: How do I turn DashLink orders ON or OFF?
A: In DashLink Central, you can toggle DashLink orders ON or OFF. If the toggle is OFF, you will not be assigned any DashLink orders and won't be able to join the Waitlist.
Q: What happens if I turn DashLink orders OFF while on the Waitlist?
A: If you turn DashLink orders OFF while on the Waitlist, a confirmation message will appear, and you will be removed from the Waitlist.
Q: Can I join multiple Waitlists?
A: In markets with multiple DashLink sites, you can join the Waitlist for the site closest to your current location. You can only join one Waitlist at a time.
Q: How will I be notified about my Waitlist status?
A: You can see your Waitlist status and position in DashLink Central. Notifications will also inform you when the Waitlist opens, when offers are near you, and when you should start driving for an upcoming offer.
Grouped Offers FAQ’s (California Only)
Q: What are Grouped Offers?
A: If you opt into Grouped Offers, you will have a chance to receive multiple offers at once (up to 12 deliveries per offer). For your convenience and to keep you safe on the road, we’ll combine the Grouped Offers so that you only need to tap once to accept them all.
Q: How do I opt in for grouped offers?
A:
Log in to the DoorDash app.
Go to your waitlist.
Toggle the option for "Accept Grouped Offers" to ON.
Q: Is there a limit to the number of deliveries I can receive in a Grouped Offer?
A: Yes. You will receive multiple offers together, each offer containing up to 12 deliveries each.
Q: Will opting into Grouped Offers affect my current deliveries?
A: Opting into Grouped Offers gives you the chance to accept multiple offers at once, each offer containing up to 12 deliveries, helping to keep you safe on the road and improve utilisation of your time. Without Grouped Offers, you can receive a single offer of up to 12 deliveries.
Q: Can I opt out of Grouped Offers if I change my mind?
A: Yes, you can easily opt out of Grouped Offers by going back to the preferences page and toggling off the "Grouped Offers" option.
Q: Will I still have the option to receive single offers?
A: Yes, runners who prefer single offers can choose to receive offers with fewer deliveries by not opting into Grouped Offers or by adjusting their preferences.
Q: How will my earnings be displayed for grouped offers?
A: Your earnings will be broken down per offer within the Grouped Offer on the earnings tab, showing you the pay for each offer and the total amount.
Q: Amazon Key Delivery FAQ
What is Amazon Key?
A:
Amazon Key provides seamless, one-click access for deliveries to multifamily properties, like apartment buildings and gated communities. DashLink has partnered with Amazon Key to make it easier for Runners to successfully complete deliveries more quickly and help keep orders safe by placing them securely inside the property.
Q:
How to Use Amazon Key?
A:
If a drop-off location on your delivery route is an Amazon Key-enabled building, you will be prompted to use Amazon Key to complete the drop-off. You will use the Dasher app to unlock specific building doors and/or gates to drop off your package. Follow the step-by-step instructions on the app to ensure a successful drop-off.
Delivery addresses that have Amazon Key access will be marked as “Special Access.” Find the building entrance at your delivery drop-off location. The Dasher app may include additional entry instructions, a map, and/or photos to help you easily identify which building entrance(s) are Amazon Key-enabled. Stand near the entrance, then tap Unlock in the app.
Once the Access Point unlocks, you may enter the building. Please enter the building alone; Amazon Key does not permit letting any other individual enter the building through the unlocked Access Point. Upon successfully entering the building, follow your usual delivery steps to complete your drop-off:
Scan the barcode before dropping off the order(s)
Take a photo of the order, including its surroundings, showing it has been placed somewhere safe
While accessing a property through an Amazon Key or when interacting with Property residents, staff, or owners, Amazon Key expects that you follow the property’s non-solicitation policy.
If, for any reason, Amazon Key doesn’t work, you can still complete your delivery as you usually would without digital access. Try ringing the apartment or contacting the customer through the Dasher app for assistance.
Troubleshooting Amazon Key Deliveries
As always, if you are having trouble accessing a drop-off location or finding a secure location to drop off an order, Runners are recommended to call or text the customer for help.
Return the order if it can't be delivered, as losses or thefts reported by customers may make you ineligible to receive DashLink offers in the future. If you are ever in doubt about whether or not an order will be safe upon drop-off, Runners are recommended to return the order to the pickup site.
