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I have a been doing Doordash in Downtown Vancouver, Canada on bicycle for awhile now. Here's a couple takeaways;


Your questions;

-The delivery distances are generally shorter, usually less than <3 miles (<4.82km), however you can and will be bounced from pretty deep in the West End (Nando's and Juke for example) on Davie out of the Downtown zone to Canada Post over by Commercial & East Hastings. Another one is delivering from Downtown to somewhere around South Granville or Shaughnessy, you either have to suck it up and go over the Granville bridge directly or take a more circuitous route.

-Per delivery payment is the same, however in my experience compared to a car or a scooter / motorcycle you will get up to 40%~ less orders on average. You'll also get way less stacked orders and I think there's a hard limit of two (2) at a time for anything without a motor.

-I don't believe you need to open a second Dasher account, I thought you could talk with the gentleman at the Dowtown office and they can just switch your vehicle type around. Doesn't hurt to ask them, even if they are pretty overworked most of the time.


General comments;
-E-Bikes are pretty nice, however doing deliveries on a bicycle are a pretty fundamental lifestyle change from doing it with a car. If you can afford the inconvenience I would try doing a handful of deliveries first on a normal bike before you commit a not insignificant amount of money to a good E-Bike and everything that entails.

-Invest in a good lock, anti-tamper system (Pinhead for example) and register the bike you do buy with garage 529 at any local community police centre. Bike theft is unfortunately a chronic issue in Vancouver and its not going to change - Take reasonable steps to protect your property.

-Consider getting a rear or front rack that can handle a caddy for drinks. It might not be perfect, but the algorithm with sadistic pleasure will send you on coffee runs to Waves with alarming regularity during 7am - 12pm. Otherwise you'll probably need to decline those orders as without at least a cardboard drink handler to put in your thermal bag it's a gamble if those drinks make it intact.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006ICOT/

-Cycling in traffic is dangerous, don't ever forget it, always remain focused and try to mentally route yourself along streets like Hornby, Union, E Pender and Haro whenever possible to minimize your exposure to serious traffic.

-Generally your overall margins are higher due to not having to pay insurance, gas, parking and basic maintenance you will need to learn yourself. But your total revenues will be much lower, whether that trade off is worth it is up to you.

I wish you the best of luck out there, stay safe.

If you decide to add other apps I like to use Favor's bag for other deliveries. Larger, can stretch, the material looks better and best of all, it has a shoulder strap as well and that makes deliveries so much easier.

If you don't want to work Favor, that's also understandable. I found some bags on Amazon:

• these are a little bit larger, probably twice the size of Doordash's bags. They fit most standard bags fine, but larger carry outs that cant be placed sideways may be a problem. No shoulder strap though :/ I personally use two of these.
  
• This one looks good for the 20 inch pizzas, if it was maybe $20 I would consider getting one but $30 is a little pricey for me. Peeps will have to settle for the boxes it comes in for now I guess.
  
  I honestly don't know why it's so damn hard to find a bag sold commercially with a shoulder strap. I guess you could buy another bag and if you have some sowing skills add a strap yourself. Would anyone else be interested in something like this? Shoot, maybe I should start up my own business, selling gear for DD or other drivers that they won't sell :)
  
  Edit: I found a $23 22 inch carrier for pizzas! Beeeeeeet! As for shoulder straps just buy a replacement one and DIY it like I mentioned :)

I've got a Honda 919 (hence the name :D). Naked standard with a retro 'hoodlum' look. I got a nice size tank bag that holds the CamelBac backpak and other stuff.

They are kinda like these: https://www.amazon.com/Cortech-8230-0305-36-Black-Super-Saddlebag/dp/B008Q5J6UG

But bigger and square shaped. The outer part of them expand with a zipper to about 2X the size. If you put a bracket between them, below the seat where the rear fender would be, they can handle some pretty good weight. I lock mine under the seat and have a net and straps in case things are larger.

What I want now, is a fold down cloth bag that has rigid foam that folds out to cover the rear seat and attaches to the bags, for things like pizzas and larger orders.

Basically if you look at a truck organizer, but with rigid foam board for the side and have it break down for storage.

Like this: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Collapsible-Folding-Trunk-Organizer-Caddy-Car-Auto-Truck-Storage-Bin-Bag-New/107440840?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=709&adid=22222222227042534523&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=107048086637&wl4=aud-566049426705:pla-172685740638&wl5=9032530&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=112343202&wl11=online&wl12=107440840&wl13=&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAiA7vTiBRAqEiwA4NTO67bl_-NI_2bkPKGVcqfSdeBWjlj5e9VwqcxFAD3_xZcaUMIjvy6bahoC4z8QAvD_BwE

But smaller and add some foam sides and straps.

Here's the deal. It costs me about $0.08/mile or so to ride for gas. We get $0.58/mile for tax write off for regular maint. So far, it looks like most of my earnings are tax free, meaning (if I understand it correctly) I have about as much write offs as I have earnings. So the game is, best MPG you can get and most orders in the least time you can get.

If you get to $15/hr after taxes, account for gas, etc... You're close to maybe the $20 gross earnings range. Meanwhile, I'm riding around listening to music and getting food for people... Laughing at people stuck in traffic :D

I recommend one of these three mid-range phones, from cheapest to cheaper. Definitely bang for the buck.

1. Blu Life X2: I have 6 apps opened, little-to-none lag. Can handle multi-apping cherry picking. This phone has super fast charging, 0-100% in 30 minutes.
   
2. Samsung Galaxy A50: Hot and new 2019 phone with the latest O.S. Android 9 pie. Some say it's a cheaper version of the flagship S10. Definitely fast, more than enough for the job.
   
3. Samsung Galaxy A70: Planning this for my next upgrade. $100 more than the A50. Has longer screen, higher battery capacity, faster charge time, higher ram, slightly faster speed and higher storage capacity. A better version of the A50.

I paired this https://www.therestaurantstore.com/items/231065 with this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006ICOT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 . The caddie fits perfectly and you can put cold packs underneath. This caddie can only effectively hold large drinks, however. But I find it still useful for most drinks and any items that need to be cold like salads, etc.

Splurge a little bit $21 on Amazon (including shipping) I've been using it for a few months now and love it. If course there are a few mom and pop joints here partnered with UberEats that I regularly get orders from, so it's really worth it to me. Plus once in a while I like to bring home some pizza for myself too, and you'd better believe I use the bag for that. :D You'll also look a lot more professional for when the pay model switches and tips really matter.

I invested in a pizza bag and a better food bag. Between them, I can take almost everything and both restaurants and customers really appreciate them.

New Star 50097 Insulated Pizza Delivery Bag, 20 by 20 by 5-Inch, Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009LOZKWE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_-.EEBbKZ59GD8

And

Winco BGDV-12 Delivery Bag, 12-Inch by 12-Inch by 12-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UBBCLA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2aFEBbP2DK7Q1

There's a lot of people on here that think spending your own money on stuff like this is a waste, but to me it's more professional. The pizza bag is great for everything also. Asian restaurants most of the time have them in boxes and you can just slide them in. If you get a larger bag, you can stand the pizza one on end and keep them warm. Cheap and multi use. Oh, it also carries pizzas. Two or three stacked high.


If you signed up for more then one gig, you should have multiple bags and can just use them too. Walmart has some cheap big thermal bags also.

Use the hotbag to prevent your car smelling like delicious food you aren't allowed to eat. Make sure the customer always sees the food coming out of the hotbag to get your 5 stars.

And use something like this to keep drinks stable. Put the carrier in the backseat and buckle it up.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006ICOT/

That one looks pretty solid and 10 bucks is a good price. I got this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IDNCYSW/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and it’s really good for big orders, a little more expensive though...

I got mine on Amazon, it's meant to be a cleaning caddy for pine sol bottles and stuff but it works great as a cup holder, especially for big fast food drinks.

https://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Commercial-Deluxe-Cleaning-FG315488BLA/dp/B00006ICOT/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=plastic+cleaning+caddy&qid=1562385742&s=gateway&sr=8-3

If the link doesn't work, just search plastic cleaning caddy on Amazon.

It's all good, I actually found exactly what I was looking for , just wish it was cheaper 😭. I better get tipped more for it lol.

I used to deliver for GrubHub.. they sent me a big red food service bag and a pizza bag. I think this is the one:

https://www.amazon.com/Insulated-Food-Delivery-Bag-Carrier/dp/B00YVDP4KS/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1539746888&sr=8-9&keywords=food+service+bag

It has lasted me years.. I really like using the pizza bag too for pizza. Customers have made comments on it and I truly believe it helps my rating using a pro level bag.

As a paramedic and firefighter. I fucking agree. I feel your plight brothers and sisters. PS: buy this [Cigarette Lighter DC Flashlight for $20 on amazon] (https://www.amazon.com/Brinkmann-800-2705-0-Million-Spotlight-Cigarette/dp/B0046ODC6K/ref=sr_1_13?hvadid=78615134045258&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&keywords=cigarette+lighter+spotlight&qid=1565061538&s=gateway&sr=8-13) It's $20, lots of delivery drivers use a maglight, this is a lot more powerful and will light up the front of a house/mailbox. Also look for the curbside numbers.

Unless you were planning on doing GrubHub anyway, don't be a sleazebag. Go ahead and invest in quality hot bag(s) that don't have another company's branding all over it.

for pizza: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EKK25E4

for everything else: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PHKGOW (drinks can be stored in the side pockets)

if you need a dedicated drink carrier: https://www.michaels.com/assorted-6-cup-caddy-with-handle-by-creatology/10554271.html (or you can stock up on drink carriers from fast food restaurants like Taco Bell)

​

you can write these off as business expenses

Not bad at all.

Remember to decline shitty offers, and orders from restaurants that are slow and waste your time. Wingstop, Buffalo Wild Wings, Applebees, and Cheesecake Factory have the worst reputations for making dashers wait. But in my area Buffalo Wild Wings aren't bad. So up to you if you wanna give the others a chance.


And when you have multiple orders you can deliver them in any order you want.

Also, if you get a fast-food red card order, sometimes there is another location much closer than the one DD is trying to send you to. So in those cases it pays to check and then go to the closest location.

Also, you should totally buy yourself one of these to make it way easier to deliver orders with multiple drinks.

Lastly, get the Stride app for tracking your mileage and deductions.

Good luck and drive safe.

I've been a huge fan of this automatic mileage tracker that plugs into your car: https://www.amazon.com/Automatic-Connected-Diagnostics-Detection-Compatible/dp/B00UZ0OHIQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1510018485&tag=rigubl0f-20&sr=8-4

You can deduct the cost of it on your taxes since you're solely using it for work.

Sorry don't feel sorry for u. Look at my past drives maybe then I'll think ur remotely my equal. Also like people on this forum taught me get a cart. 40 bucks ant worth a pulled back or worse. Cosco Shifter 300-Pound Capacity... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LMH8CCS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Cosco Shifter 300-Pound Capacity Multi-Position Heavy Duty Folding Hand Truck and Dolly, Green

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EKKJOCU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Well worth the $22 price. Deluxe, heavy duty, holds two large pies, has a flap with Velcro and can be held underneath with strap to open. Plain black, can use with any delivery app.

Sure thing!

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01EKKJOCU?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07FFC91JZ?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

I keep my old DD bag flat in the pizza bag in case I need a hot bag while out with pizzas.

Earthwise Insulated Food Delivery Grocery Bag Carrier (Set of 2) Collapsible Extra Large Waterproof Reusable Shopping Tote Zipper Top Lid for Hot or Cold Food Reinforced Bottom Panel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZGX3KQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_037GDbVY6YYVT
New Star Foodservice 50073 Insulated Pizza Delivery Bag, 18" by 18" by 5", Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009LOZHW2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_T47GDbBMTR5YB

These bags have paid for themselves many times over

SCOSCHE MAGDMB MagicMount Universal Magnetic Phone/GPS Mount for the Car, Home or Office in Frustration Free Packaging https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I608BJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7RROCbA9QF2TH

This is the one i have. So far so good. I dont have it on the top of my dash, but in front, by my radio. Made using my gps so much better!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RRC8DNM/ref=sspa_dk_detail_6?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07RRC8DNM&pd_rd_w=JKL1b&pf_rd_p=45a72588-80f7-4414-9851-786f6c16d42b&pd_rd_wg=79Of1&pf_rd_r=0ST1D2EEJYQD0QXG3XTT&pd_rd_r=b2334217-55a4-48f0-ad76-c823fe99cdc3&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExTk1IRFZDQzNJMEVSJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjIyMjQ5MjBXQlpLQUJFVFAzSyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDgzMDQwM0xFNlVHSU1CRVdEOCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Was it this one?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RRC8DNM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_KCSUDbWVZQ6E1

Also depends on the phone, but you could always grab a power inverter that fits in the cup holder and use your standard brick charger (like you would at home).

Tripp Lite 200W Car Power Inverter with 2 Outlets & 2 USB Charging Ports, Cup Holder Design, Auto Inverter (PV200CUSB) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010R7ELLY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DSpDDbSBJ3WPR

Upgraded IPOW One Button Installation CD Slot Phone Holder, IPOW Car Mount Cradle Stand for iPhone X 8 8P 7 7P SE 6s 6 6P 5S, Galaxy S8 S7 S6 S5 S4, Google, LG, Huawei, Nexus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VEAF6SG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_k63FDbGZE78RH

Bought this. Works great. $10. Rubbermaid Commercial Deluxe Carry Cleaning Caddy, Black (FG315488BLA) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006ICOT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_skkpDb9GJWAW1

I got enough to buy a car, too.