New research published today in the Community Impact Report (CIR) commissioned by DoorDash provides insights into how Dashers, merchants, and customers leverage app-based work and convenience in crucial ways.
In Illinois, researchers found:
- Dashers in Illinois were nearly unanimous (87%) in saying the flexibility, including the ability to make their own schedules, is one of the main reasons they deliver with DoorDash over other opportunities.
- Dashers in Illinois overwhelmingly prefer (86%) to maintain their status as independent contractors.
- 45% of Dashers in Illinois say dashing has helped them avoid applying for government benefits or taking out a payday loan.
- 66% of Dashers in Illinois say they feel more financially stable since before they started dashing.
- Overwhelmingly, 96% of Illinois Dashers reported that it is important to protect the ability of drivers to choose when, where, and how they work, and 39% of Dashers in Illinois say they would not choose an alternative way to replace their dashing income were it to go away.
These Illinois Dasher findings were consistent with national trends.
Nationwide, the CIR found that flexibility and increased financial stability ensure that Dashers don’t have to compromise on their priorities. Over 6 million people dashed in the U.S. and, across the globe, Dashers earned over $15 billion through the DoorDash platform.
- 88% of Dashers say that one of the main reasons they dash is because of the unique flexibility it provides, and 91% of Dashers prefer to remain independent contractors.
- If flexible work were not available, 58% of Dashers say they would spend less time caring for loved ones, and 76% would cut back on household spending.
- 79% of Dashers feel less stressed and anxious about their financial situation because they can dash whenever they need to.
- 40% of Dashers say they would not choose an alternative way to replace this income were it to go away. Extrapolating to the 6 million people who dashed in 2023, this suggests that 2.4 million people might not choose to generate incremental earnings without the platform.
“DoorDash connects local businesses, Dashers, and consumers to what they need, when they need it,” said DoorDash’s Head of Policy Research, Cheryl Young. “Our data-driven Community Impact Report demonstrates how people have leveraged DoorDash to achieve their goals. Whether that’s dashing for extra money for that very special occasion, using DoorDash to grow their customer base, or sending a warm meal to a loved one who’s sick, DoorDash’s community impact is felt every day.”
Researchers also engaged the merchants DoorDash partners with and the customers who use the platform.
DoorDash partners with hundreds of thousands of businesses, connecting millions of customers to local eateries and stores nationwide. In fact, in 2023, merchants earned nearly $50 billion through sales on the DoorDash and Wolt Marketplaces across the globe and, in 2023, over 100,000 independent stores joined the DoorDash Marketplace globally. Nearly 1 in 5 independent merchants surveyed (19%) said that, if not for DoorDash, their business would not exist today.
- 73% of meals delivered might not have existed at all without delivery options like DoorDash
- 70% of surveyed merchants say DoorDash has helped to increase profits
- 94% of surveyed merchants plan to continue partnering with DoorDash for at least a year
- 87% of surveyed merchants say that DoorDash helps them reach new customers they would otherwise not be able to reach
Consumers value how DoorDash gives them access to their neighborhood restaurants and stores, ensuring that they can purchase the goods they need from local businesses in their neighborhood.
- In total, DoorDash saved users an estimated 446 million hours in 2023. 80% agree that DoorDash helps them to be more productive or gives them time back for other activities.
- 44% of consumers have used DoorDash to order items they need when they couldn’t buy them themselves, rising to 50% for consumers with disabilities.
- 85% of consumers feel good about supporting local merchants by using DoorDash.
- 73% of consumers feel good about creating earning opportunities in their community by using DoorDash.
DoorDash connects millions of people with local businesses, businesses with customers, and Dashers across the country with flexible earning opportunities. For more information on the 2023 findings, please find the full Community Impact Report here.
About DoorDash
DoorDash (NASDAQ: DASH) is a technology company that connects consumers with their favorite local businesses in more than 25 countries across the globe. Founded in 2013, DoorDash builds products and services to help businesses innovate, grow, and reach more customers. DoorDash is your door to more: the local commerce platform dedicated to enabling merchants to thrive in the convenience economy, giving consumers access to more of their communities, and providing work that empowers.
***Courtesy of DoorDash***
