When you hit your 60s, flexibility and extra income can feel like finding that long-lost remote—pure joy! As a proud non-drinker, I discovered that DoorDash isn’t just for college students or busy parents—it’s the perfect side gig for women over 60 who want to boost their earnings, stay active, and still have time for family, fitness, and building a business. Grab your keys (and maybe a mocktail), and let’s dive into how I juggle DoorDash with my coaching work, why my small-town setting is a secret weapon, and my top strategies for maintaining Platinum status so you nab the best delivery jobs.
Why DoorDash Works for 60+ Non-Drinkers
1. Unmatched Flexibility
- You choose your own schedule—no boss breathing down your neck.
- I block Dash shifts around filming days, workouts, and my beloved Sunday Sip prep.
- Guilt-free time off for grandkids’ soccer games (or dogs needing playtime), doctor appointments, or—dare I say—nap time.
2. Leveraging Your Non-Drinker Superpower
- While friends are swirling wine at 6 pm, I’m out earning tips.
- Evening “cocktail hour” and weekend dinner rushes equal peak orders (and higher pay!).
- Keep in mine that those imbibing during the peak dinner hour of 5-8 are MUCH better tippers.
And my Clear head, full energy and those later shifts are more fun sober and profitable! You can find so much humor in human quirkiness while dashing!
3. Small-Town Secret Sauce
- Though there is quite a bit of competition from other Dashers, there is so much less traffic! And keeping your rating high means higher paying jobs, faster pickups and happier customers (and bigger tips).
- Recognize regular customers and restaurant staff—building rapport often leads to a tip bonus.
- I must again state the enormity of minimal traffic and easy parking: you’ll zip from order to delivery much quicker than trying to navigate bigger cities (like the madness of Nashville near me!)
Stay Platinum: Mastering the 5-Star Rating System
DoorDash’s Platinum status is like gold on gold—priority orders, higher payouts, and scheduling perks. Here’s how to keep your rating gleaming:
- Be On Time, Every Time
- Aim to arrive at the stores by the in-app ‘pick-up’ time. And only accept those you know you will complete. (Penalties for cancellations)
- The customer can see your progress in their app, however, if you run into snags it’s better to communicate why.
- Communicate Proactively
- And talking about communication, a simple “On my way” message builds customer confidence.
- Use the chat or call feature sparingly—and politely—though if you hit a snag.
- Accuracy Is Key
- Double-check orders (yes, those guacamole extras matter!). Most bags of delivery come sealed by the restaurant, but if asked by the customer for specific additions, be sure to ask.
- Make sure you have the completer order (sometimes in 2 or more bags) before you dash away to avoid the dreaded wrong-item or missing drinks blame game. Hint: affects your ratings!
- Handle Food with Care
- Insulated bags are your best friend—keep hot items hot and cold items cool.
- Secure beverages upright; soggy fries and spilled soda are recipe for a low rating.
- Professionalism Counts
- A friendly greeting and a cheerful “Enjoy your meal!” go miles.
- A clean car? Most customers never see it. But sometimes that meet you at your car door and notice. And personal hygiene and a neat appearance? Customers notice—and reward—those details.
Scheduling Hacks for Maximum Earnings
Prime “Cocktail Hour” Shifts
- Reserve evening slots from 5–7 or 8 PM on weekdays, but def on Friday/Saturday. Even Sunday evenings can be a winner!
- Orders spike right around dinner time—exactly when you’re wide awake and ready to roll.
Weekend Warrior Mode
- If your a vampire, I can’t speak from experience. I’ve heard some say that in a small town Late-night Friday and Saturday shifts = jackpot.
- As a non-drinker, you’ll happily tackle the late rush others dread and in my small town? It feels like I’m the only one on the roads compared to dashing near Nashville.
Don’t Overlook Off-Peak Wins
- Late-morning or early-afternoon in a small town can still be busy and are part of my fave times to dash.
- Lunchtime (11 AM–1 PM) offers steady orders as workers need food but can’t leave the job. This is when you will always find me dashing for dollars!
Beyond the Dash: Fueling Your Business Dreams
DoorDash doesn’t compete with your entrepreneurial journey—it enhances it:
- Mindful Downtime: Use quieter moments between deliveries to draft blog posts, brainstorm video ideas, or answer quick emails. I have a hotspot for internet on my phone so I’m always connected to do research or even film and upload quick shorts!
- Mindset Fuel in the Fast Lane: Also use the downtime moments between deliveries to listen/watch a brief mindset or business podcast—turn your car into a mobile classroom. And some of those podcasts can teach you a thing or two while driving!
- Financial Freedom Fuel: The extra income can fund new coaching program materials, software subscriptions, or that Canva upgrade you’ve been eyeing
Ready to Dash?
If you’re 60+, alcohol-free, and keen to turn spare hours into extra income, DoorDash is your hidden gem. Keep your Platinum rating, dash during prime times, and leverage your small-town setting for maximum tips.
Let’s Connect!
- 💬 Join the Conversation: Share your DoorDash experiences or ask questions in the comments—what’s your top tip?
- 🔔 Join me on YouTube: Hit that subscribe button for over-60 side-gig strategies, non-drinker lifestyle hacks, and self-renovation tips.
- 🥂 Sunday Sip: Sign up for my weekly inspiration—mocktail recipes, motivation, and more—at The Sunday Sip!
- 🎁 Free Mocktail Recipes: Keep your shifts refreshing with my sugar-free mocktail PDF—download here: [FREE Mocktail Recipes
Here’s to thriving after 60—one dash (and one mocktail) at a time! 🚗💨
All my love,
Lisa Renee