Why is DoorDash Pickup only? When delivery isn’t available, DoorDash’s pickup-only option lets you order from your favorite restaurants.
For many of us, food delivery has become a way of life. Having your favorite restaurant food delivered without the hassle of dinner prep and still being able to eat from the comfort of your own home, is the perfect end to a hectic work day. But what if your delivery service isn’t delivering?
DoorDash is a popular food delivery service. But occasionally DoorDash customers find that DoorDash pickup is the only option. This may lead you to ask “Why is DoorDash pickup only right now?” There are several reasons why DoorDash is showing pickup only.
What is DoorDash Pickup?
Before we talk about why DoorDash is only doing pickup, let’s talk about what DoorDash pickup is. Most people are aware that DoorDash is primarily a delivery service.
You order food from a local restaurant and a little while later a Dasher delivers it to your doorstep. But DoorDash has another option: pickup service. As it sounds, instead of having your food dropped off at your door, you head over to the store or restaurant after placing your order and pick it up.
It is particularly useful if you want to pick up food on your way home from work.
How Does DoorDash Pickup Work?
DoorDash pickup is simple. You place your DoorDash order through the app or online. There are so many DoorDash restaurants to choose from. Once you have ordered, head on over to the restaurant and pick up your food.
Easy! You don’t have to wait in line or wait on the premises while the food is prepared. This is a great time-saver. Pickup is also a nice option for saving a few bucks on tips or delivery fees.
Why is DoorDash Pickup Only?
Now that you know what DoorDash pickup is, let’s look at the most common reasons why DoorDash may be pickup only.
DoorDash App Is Down
If for some reason the DoorDash app crashes or isn’t working properly it may be necessary for DoorDash to limit orders to pickup. Doordash delivery drivers, known as “Dashers,” rely on the Dasher app to receive orders, so when the app isn’t working, Dashers can’t deliver.
However, customers are still able to make online orders. Without reliable communication with Dashers, DoorDash may offer pickup only.
There is also a chance that the DoorDash app on your phone has a glitch, in which case there are a few steps you can take. First, make sure that you have the most current version of the DoorDash app on your phone.
If you don’t, go ahead and update it. You might also try uninstalling the DoorDash app and reinstalling it. Finally, try turning off your device and restarting it. Then check to see if delivery is available or if DoorDash is still saying pickup only.
If the problem persists, there is probably another issue at hand.
Only a Few Dashers Are Working
You can not have delivery without Dashers. A Dasher is an independent contractor and can therefore make their own schedule. This offers wonderful flexibility for the driver and is a perk of the job.
Unfortunately, though, when there aren’t enough Dashers available in an area, DoorDash will limit services to pickup only.
Your Area Has a Curfew
While rare, sometimes government-mandated curfews are put in place for special situations. This was something we saw happen during the beginning of the pandemic in 2020.
If curfews are put in place, it may affect the times that Dashers can deliver. In these cases, DoorDash will limit food deliveries or offer pickup orders only.
There’s Bad Weather Or Some Other Event
Inclement weather can significantly affect the availability of Dashers. Winter storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes can make for hazardous driving conditions. Even a bad rain storm may cause Dashers to take the night off. When this happens, DoorDash may offer pickup only.
Other events come into play as well. During holidays or school breaks, Dashers may be out of town or at home celebrating with their families. Regardless of the weather or the event, it again comes down to whether or not there are enough Dashers available to keep up with demand.
Unsafe Driving Conditions
Like inclement weather, unsafe driving conditions due to weather, traffic, or road construction may hinder the amount of Dashers available. If this happens, DoorDash may offer pickup only. In this case, take caution and heed any safety concerns.
How to Fix the ‘DoorDash Pickup Only’ Issue
Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to “fix” this issue, unless you want to become a Dasher yourself! But you do have a few options.
Pickup Your Order
The first option is to go ahead and select the pickup option. It is not always ideal, but it is still incredibly helpful to preorder something and have it available right when you show up.
Use A Different Food Delivery App
If DoorDash pickup isn’t your thing and you are set on delivery, you can always try a different food delivery app. UberEats, InstaCart, and GrubHub are common in most areas. This option is best when the DoorDash delivery app is down, or there aren’t Dashers available.
Wait Until Delivery Comes Back
Finally, you can simply wait until delivery is available again. In cases of inclement weather or unsafe driving conditions, it is sometimes smarter and safer to just wait it out.
If it is a matter of the DoorDash app being down, know that DoorDash is doing everything it can to remedy the situation as quickly as possible.
Conclusion
Whether you have a late-night craving for Taco Bell, or want food delivered while you work through a lunch meeting, food delivery is pretty fantastic. Delivery services like DoorDash are incredibly convenient, making our lives a little easier.
It can be frustrating when the typical delivery service that we have become accustomed to is unavailable. While picking up an order is not always ideal, it is still pretty convenient.
It is certainly better than skipping a meal. However, if safety is a concern, it is probably best to wait until delivery is available again.
