DoorDash's terms govern three relationships: customers ordering food, Dashers delivering it, and restaurants providing it. Each group faces one-sided terms designed to maximize DoorDash's revenue while minimizing its liability. The company has faced multiple lawsuits over worker classification and fee transparency.
Beyond delivery fees, customers pay service fees, small order fees, busy area fees, and regulatory response fees. The total additional cost can exceed 30% of the order subtotal, often only visible at checkout.
All disputes must go through individual arbitration. You waive your right to sue in court or join class actions. This applies even for disputes about food quality, missing items, or overcharges.
DoorDash disclaims liability for food quality, temperature, missing items, or late delivery. Refunds are at their discretion, and excessive refund requests can result in account termination.
Dashers are classified as independent contractors despite DoorDash controlling pay rates, delivery assignments, and performance standards. This classification denies workers minimum wage protections, overtime, and benefits.
The algorithm determining pay is proprietary and opaque. Dashers cannot predict earnings, and DoorDash can change the pay model at any time. Base pay has decreased repeatedly while the company grows.
DoorDash can deactivate Dasher accounts for low ratings, late deliveries, or other algorithmic determinations with limited appeal rights. Deactivation can happen suddenly without prior warning.
DoorDash charges restaurants commissions of 15-30% per order. For low-margin restaurants, this can eliminate profitability on delivery orders entirely.
Some agreements restrict restaurants from charging higher prices on DoorDash than in-store, even though the commission makes delivery orders less profitable.