What is doordash
Last updated: April 1, 2026
Key Facts
- DoorDash was founded in 2013 by Tony Xu, Evan Moore, Stanley Tang, and Kristin Michaels, and is headquartered in San Francisco, California
- The platform operates in thousands of cities across the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and other countries
- DoorDash generates revenue through commissions from restaurants, delivery fees from customers, and advertising services to restaurants
- The company went public on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in December 2020 under the ticker symbol DASH
- DoorDash offers various delivery options including standard delivery, scheduled delivery, and expedited delivery services
What is DoorDash?
DoorDash is a leading food delivery service that operates on a three-sided marketplace model connecting consumers, restaurants, and delivery drivers. Founded in 2013, the platform has grown to become one of the largest food delivery services in North America. Users download the DoorDash app or visit the website, search for nearby restaurants, browse menus, place orders, and have meals delivered to their doorstep.
How DoorDash Works
The process is straightforward for customers: they specify their delivery address, search available restaurants, select items, and checkout. Restaurants receive orders through the DoorDash system and prepare the food. Independent delivery drivers, known as Dashers, pick up orders and deliver them to customers. Customers can track delivery progress in real-time through the app.
Business Model and Revenue
DoorDash operates on a commission-based model. Restaurants pay a percentage commission on each order, typically ranging from 15% to 30%. Customers pay delivery fees that vary based on distance and demand, plus may be charged service fees. DoorDash also generates revenue through advertising, allowing restaurants to promote items and gain visibility on the platform. This three-sided marketplace approach allows DoorDash to scale without owning inventory or restaurants.
Services and Features
Beyond basic food delivery, DoorDash offers various services including DashPass, a subscription membership providing reduced delivery fees and exclusive discounts. The platform supports scheduled ordering for future deliveries and offers catering services for larger orders. Customers can customize orders, add special instructions, and rate both restaurants and Dashers. Promotions and discounts are frequently available through the app.
Growth and Market Position
DoorDash rapidly expanded from a local San Francisco service to national and international operations. The company went public in December 2020 at $102 per share and became profitable in 2021. It has acquired competitors and expanded into complementary services. Today, DoorDash holds a significant market share in the food delivery industry, competing with Uber Eats, Grubhub, and regional services.
Related Questions
How much does DoorDash cost?
DoorDash charges delivery fees that vary by location and distance, typically ranging from $2 to $8. A service fee (usually 10-15% of order total) and small order fees may apply. DashPass membership ($9.99/month) reduces delivery fees and service fees on qualifying orders.
How is DoorDash different from Uber Eats?
Both are food delivery platforms, but DoorDash has stronger presence in smaller cities and suburban areas, while Uber Eats integrates with Uber's ride-sharing service. Pricing, restaurant availability, and delivery speeds vary by location, making direct comparison difficult.
Who are Dashers and how do they make money?
Dashers are independent contractors who use their own vehicles to deliver orders. They earn through a combination of base pay per delivery, tips from customers, and incentive bonuses. Earnings vary by location, time, and demand, with flexibility to choose when they work.
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Sources
- Wikipedia - DoorDashCC-BY-SA-4.0
- DoorDash Official WebsiteProprietary