DoorDash now paying drivers an hourly wage, but there’s a catch

DoorDash drivers mostly made their money via tips plus base pay and compensation for miles traveled. But if someone wasn’t willing to tip, they didn’t make all that much. Well, that’s about to change with the delivery services’ new payment plan.

DoorDash just announced that it will now be offering hourly pay to its drivers and that they will also be receiving 100% of their tips. Unfortunately, the clock doesn’t start until they are actually delivering the food. It’s a step in the right direction, but there is still a long way to go for gig workers.

There is still the option to be paid per offer, but the app will now display the minimum amount the driver can guarantee to make before they ever select the job. As for the hourly pay, once they select a job, the hourly clock starts and then stops once they deliver it.

And there is another caveat. To start, the “Earn by Time” feature will only be available in certain markets. So if you’re not in that market, you’re stuck with the old way of doing things. And guess what? The new pay program isn’t available in any of the cities that have recently passed legislation to help boost the earnings of those working in the gig economy. Really good, DoorDash. Really good.

DoorDash changing up how they pay their drivers

But there are other new features as well. Now, drivers can share their location in-app with up to five contacts. And their friends will be notified if 911 is ever contacted while they are on the job. It’s a pretty good safety feature.

A new feature for those using the app is also coming soon. The delivery service app will be allowing SNAP and EBT online payments through multiple different stores including ALDI, Albertsons, Safeway, Meijer, and some 7-Elevens. This feature is supposed to start in July but it’s already available for some participating Albertsons and Safeway locations.

DoorDash will also be offering a two-month benefits program for SNAP and EBT users with certain perks like $0 delivery fees for certain orders.

There is also a new Universal Search addition coming to the app in the next couple of months. The new search feature will let you shop at multiple stores for groceries and meals at once. It makes it a lot easier than putting in multiple orders. And it might be cheaper with only one fee on the order.