Does Acceptance Rate (AR) Matter for DoorDash Driver Earnings and Offers?

Unlocking the DoorDash Mystery: Understanding Acceptance Rate (AR) and Its Impact on Your Earnings

As a DoorDash driver, you’ve probably heard about Acceptance Rate (AR) more times than you can count. It’s that elusive metric that seems to hold the key to better offers and higher earnings. But what exactly is AR, and how does it affect your bottom line? Strap in as we take a deep dive into the world of DoorDash AR and explore its significance—or perhaps, lack thereof.

Demystifying Acceptance Rate: What is it Really?

Acceptance Rate, or AR, is the percentage of delivery offers that you accept compared to the total number of offers you receive. In essence, it reflects your willingness to take on deliveries assigned to you by DoorDash. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, not quite.

You are rated on the last 100 deliveries you were offered. DoorDash recommends keeping your AR at 70 or above. This is also one of the qualifications to receive Top Dasher benefits. Above 50 AR still entitles you to first access for some higher paying offers according to DoorDash. As you accept or decline new offers, your acceptance rate will rise or fall. The oldest offer, the 100th back, will fall off. If it was a denial and you just accepted an offer, your AR will rise by one. If it is vice-vera, then the opposite is true and your AR would fall one point.

Does DoorDash Punish You for Having a Low Acceptance Rate AR or Declining too Many Orders?

Although, it may feel this way to some, no DoorDash does not officially punish dashers for having a low Acceptance Rate or declining orders. However, it is likely that if two dashers are close enough in proximity to receive the same offer, the higher AR driver would theoretically get the order first. If there were two or more orders, AR would be a determinant in who would receive the best paying offer. Some may feel this is a form of punishment, but does not technically qualify as it would behoove the company to use the highest quality dasher available for the highest paying customer. Afterall, DoorDash is no longer an inexpensive service.

So Does DoorDash Even Care About Acceptance Rate?

Yes, DoorDashcares a great deal about Acceptance Rate, but does not require a minimum.

There is no minimum requirement for an acceptance rate, but consistently declining delivery opportunities negatively impact the experience for other Dashers (who will have less time to complete the delivery), the customer (who is more likely to get a late delivery), and even the merchant (whose food will sit for longer). 

DoorDash.com

The Importance of Acceptance Rate: Advocates Speak Out

1. Maximizing Earnings: Proponents of maintaining a high AR argue that it’s essential for maximizing your earnings. According to DoorDash, a higher AR can lead to more frequent and lucrative offers. In theory, accepting more orders means more opportunities to earn.

2. Access to Better Orders: DoorDash is believed to prioritize drivers with higher ARs when assigning orders. Drivers with a track record of accepting orders are often rewarded with access to better-paying deliveries, bonuses, and incentives.

3. Building Trust with DoorDash: Maintaining a high AR is also seen as a way to build trust and reliability with the platform. By consistently accepting orders, drivers demonstrate their commitment to providing excellent service, which could result in preferential treatment from DoorDash and less likely to experience deactivation.

4. Playing the Long Game: Some drivers view maintaining a high AR as a strategic move for long-term success. Building a positive reputation with DoorDash can open doors to exclusive opportunities and benefits down the road, such as the Large Order or Catering Program.

The Counterargument: Why AR Might Not Matter as Much as You Think

1. Freedom and Flexibility: One of the primary appeals of gig work is the freedom to choose when and where to work. Drivers who prioritize flexibility over maintaining a high AR may opt to be more selective about the orders they accept, focusing on maximizing their earnings per hour rather than their AR. Many claim this is the “smart” way to do the gig. Taking only orders that make financial sense for them.

2. Cherry-Picking Orders: Accepting every order that comes your way isn’t always the most profitable strategy. Savvy drivers often cherry-pick orders based on factors like distance, payout, and time of day, bypassing low-paying or inconvenient deliveries in favor of more lucrative opportunities. Afterall, you can’t get a high paying offer if you are constantly running around $3.00 to $5.00 orders up to 10 miles away or more.

3. Impact on Efficiency: Accepting every order regardless of its payout or feasibility can negatively impact your efficiency and overall earnings. Spending time on low-paying or time-consuming deliveries can eat into your profitability and limit your capacity to complete the more lucrative orders. DoorDash cares about speed and good solid service. Other factors determine orders as well and a driver with high AR may not be around to accept the offer anyway because they will be delivering by time or running a $2.00 no tip order.

4. Rewarding the Non-Tippers: This is a no-no for many dashers. Accepting a no tip order is enabling and encouraging the non-tipper to continue their poor behavior. These dashers argue that DoorDash is a premium service and it is generally expected that one will need to pay for premium service, such as having food delivered from so many restaurants where delivery was impossible before.

5. Market Variability: Some say that AR weighting is market specific and still being adjusted by the DoorDash algorithm. AR requirements and their impact can vary widely depending on factors like market demand, time of day, and geographic location. What works for drivers in one area may not necessarily apply to drivers elsewhere.

The Numbers Game: What Do the Stats Say?

While DoorDash doesn’t disclose specific data on how AR affects offer assignment and earnings, anecdotal evidence and driver testimonials offer some insights. According to a survey conducted by The Rideshare Guy, 64% of drivers reported that they believe AR does affect the number and quality of offers they receive. However, the correlation between AR and earnings isn’t always straightforward, with many drivers achieving success using a variety of strategies.

Conclusion: Finding Your Balance in the Gig Economy

In the ever-evolving landscape of gig work, striking the right balance between Acceptance Rate and earnings is more art than science. While maintaining a high AR can open doors to better opportunities and incentives, it’s not the sole determinant of success. Nor is it the only metric which matters. Ultimately, each driver must weigh the pros and cons of prioritizing AR against their individual preferences, goals, and market conditions. Whether you’re a staunch advocate for maximizing AR or a proponent of flexibility and autonomy, one thing remains clear: the gig economy offers boundless opportunities for drivers to chart their own course and define success on their terms.