Thanks to a partnership between DoorDash and Walmart, some Walmart orders are now delivered by DoorDash—and Uber Eats, too. Convenient, right?
But there’s a problem: Many DoorDash drivers hate doing Walmart orders. Take one visit to the DoorDash subreddit you’ll see daily posts like these by drivers complaining about Walmart orders.
- “Walmart orders are making me lose money”
- “I decline all Walmart orders”
- “200 items up to a 3rd story apartment and no tip”
- “Just remember, Somewhere in the world right now….someone is on a $3 Walmart order”
The disdain for Walmart orders is so strong that some drivers even request to block all Walmart orders (pic).
So what are the main complaints from drivers? Low pay, slow service at Walmart, infrequent tipping, and simply too much work for too little money.
Just check out these estimated payouts to see why drivers are upset: $3-$5 to spend 30+ minutes hauling heavy groceries, with no guaranteed tip. Normal food deliveries are faster, easier, and typically pay more.
Haul 43 items for $5 with no guarantee of a tip. Would you accept?
It’s clear that DoorDash drivers don’t like Walmart orders. To get to the root of the issue, let’s look at how Walmart orders on DoorDash work, and what DoorDash and Walmart can do to improve the situation.
How the pickup and delivery process works for Walmart orders on DoorDash
Here’s what the overall delivery process looks like for a Walmart order:
- Accept or decline the Walmart order request
- Navigate to the Walmart pickup area
- Wait for Walmart employee to load the order into the car
- Navigate to the customer
- Drop off the order at the customer’s door
Walmart orders might not look too different from a typical DoorDash food delivery, but the problems lie in the execution.
Problems with the DoorDash/Walmart delivery process
A Walmart order request looks similar to other requests: Drivers see the location of the Walmart, the customer drop off location, and a payout amount that includes a base payout and any electronic tip.
Walmart customers can now tip when they place an order, and DoorDash updated the Dasher app to include tips in the overall estimated payout on the order request screen.
A lot of complaints are with the pickup experience. Drivers say that pickup areas can be disorganized, and wait times vary wildly. It’s not supposed to take more than 5 minutes to get the groceries, but DoorDash drivers regularly report that it can take 20+ minutes.
Drop offs are another point of friction for drivers: Food deliveries are typically just a light bag or two, but Walmart orders can contain dozens of heavy items that must be hauled to the customer’s door.
Imagine taking several trips to the car to haul cases of water up the stairs at an apartment complex. It’s a lot more work than a food delivery for the same, or sometimes less, pay.
6 stops? This is more like a UPS delivery route. Credit essejpatterson on Reddit
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- DoorDash Deactivations: How to Get Reactivated
How DoorDash Drivers Get Paid for Walmart Orders
Payouts for DoorDash orders work the same way as a typical food delivery order: Drivers receive base pay + promotions + 100% of tips. Base pay is an algorithm that accounts for time, distance, and ‘desirability.’
The issue is that base pay can be quite low, sometimes as low as $3, and tipping for these orders seems to be less frequent than regular orders. Many DoorDash drivers share screenshots of orders in the $6 – $8 range, which isn’t terrible as long as the entire order doesn’t take too long. But when wait times are 20+ minutes with a long drive & delivery to follow, $6 doesn’t look so great.
It used to be that Walmart customers could only tip after an order was completed, but that has changed. Walmart customers can now leave a tip when they place an order, and the tip will be included in the order payout estimate that drivers see.
Which would you accept: A food delivery that shows a $10 payout to deliver a bag of food, or a Walmart grocery order with 25 items that shows a $5 payout?
Controversy: Does Walmart ‘Keep’ Tips on DoorDash Orders? (No)
Tips on Walmart orders can be so few and far between compared to food delivery that some drivers suspect an issue with the payment might be preventing them from receiving tips.
The way payments for Walmart orders are handled might also cause a delay in tipping, or potentially missed tips. With a typical food delivery order, payments are directly handled by DoorDash. With a Walmart order, payments are first handled by Walmart, then are completed by DoorDash. Walmart seems to settle orders more slowly than DoorDash, so the extra step can cause delays.
I asked DoorDash for more clarity on how the payment system for DoorDash/Walmart orders works, and if it’s possible for Walmart to ‘keep’ tips that are intended for drivers.
A DoorDash rep said, “[Walmart order pay] is the base pay plus 100% of the tips. However, for Drive and Grocery order, the customer’s are placing the order directly to the store. We cannot see here in our system if there’s a customer’s tip or none. It still depends on the store if they will provide the tip or not.” [Pic of conversation]
Some DoorDash customers have complained that they tried to tip DoorDash drivers, but an app bug prevented them from doing so. One customer said, “The app will show that the tip went through, however, the following day after delivery there’s an error message in the app that says “sorry your order is no longer eligible for tipping, your tip has been removed.”
My take: Walmart isn’t keeping tips, but they might be slow to deliver them, and app issues may prevent them from going through.
Some Walmart Customers are Unhappy with DoorDash Deliveries Too
Down in the comments section of this article, you’ll find comments from Walmart customers who were unhappy with a DoorDash delivery. The main complaint is that they weren’t notified that their order would be delivered by DoorDash. Some orders are split between shipping companies, so some items in the order are delivered by DoorDash others are delivered by FedEx.
Many Walmart customers don’t feel that they need to tip DoorDash because they were never notified that DoorDash would be fulfilling the order. If they didn’t request DoorDash, why would they tip? And if they don’t tip UPS or FedEx, why would they tip DoorDash? This is a common customer outlook on the DoorDash/Walmart situation.
One customer said, “The current system is not set up to even make customers aware of HOW/WHEN their items will be delivered. Most will just assume it’s through USPS FedEx or UPS.”
And it’s hard to argue with this customer’s logic: “I can’t justify a tip for something I was not advised was going to happen.”
Walmart Workers Chime in
DoorDash drivers don’t like Walmart orders, and it turns out that the feeling is mutual for Walmart workers. Walmart employees complain of impatient DoorDash drivers who become rude when wait times are longer than a few minutes. And then there’s the time a frustrated DoorDash driver dumped a load of groceries in the Walmart loading area without telling anyone.
Another point of friction is that Walmart instructs workers not to load an order into a car if the driver or vehicle appears disheveled or unclean, or if the driver has young children in the car who can’t be left unattended. Imagine how uncomfortable it is for employees to turn a driver away, or to be turned away as a driver!
How DoorDash and Walmart Can Improve The Situation
DoorDash drivers don’t like them, Walmart workers aren’t big fans either, and customers feel like they are in the dark too. What can be done?
Walmart should let customers know that their delivery is being completed by DoorDash. Too many Walmart customers have no idea what DoorDash is, or why part of their delivery was done by DoorDash when another was done by FedEx. If customers know what to expect, they’ll be a lot more satisfied.
Walmart orders are much less appealing for Dashers compared to restaurant orders, so Dashers either need more tips or higher base to make it worth their while. Walmart could try to encourage tipping, but it’s understandable that adding a new cost won’t go over well with Walmart customers who already pay for shipping or delivery memberships.
The remaining option is a higher delivery fee for drivers that is paid for by Walmart and DoorDash, or their customers. In the end, someone will need to pay more.
Another necessity that’s easier said than done: Improve logistics. One of the major complaints from DoorDash drivers is that they have to wait far too long at Walmart to pick up an order. Some type of logistical upgrade is needed to streamline the process, but there’s no guarantee that DoorDash and Walmart will be able to sort that out.
DoorDash drivers: If the payout doesn’t look right, decline it! You can’t be deactivated for a low order acceptance rate, so you’re free to decline any order that doesn’t meet your standards.
Rhonda Romero says
I have been a costumer of Walmart, a very long time. I did my own shopping, at this point, I can’t do my shopping anymore, due to health problems
Because of this, I found out though my daughter about this service. I was over joyed, so since 09/2020 I started the delivery service with Walmart and Doordash. I had no problems until 11/2020, the driver from Doordash,well was so rude, and said if I want my groseries, to go get them, mind you this was my Birthday, and I can’t go down. The building where I reside, is a Senor Building, so we have to very 2 elevators, in the time I have been living here they have had 2or3 problems, other then that NO! Thanks to a young Lady that was here, she went down to get the groceries. Well he started throwing things into the cart and at her, this was terrible, so I did not tip this person, and placed a complaint. 1st and so far the only one. The problem that I see here is Walmart, not Doordash, I have been trying to place an order 3 weeks, no slots available, I spoke to DD, they are working on this.
Till this is taken care of I can’t get my groseries delivered or place an order!
Very disappointed with this whole PROBLEM! Yes Problem! Walmart work this out!
Jae says
My biggest problem with DD has been them not reading the delivery note to ring the bell so I know they arrived. I work from home so don’t always notice the time and in Phoenix, if groceries are just left in the heat for too long, everything spoils quickly.
Kream says
If you use doordash the app will notify you that the driver has arrived & that the delivery was completed even if the driver doesn’t call you or ring the bell. I’m a dasher and follow the instructions. A lot of customers don’t want contact probably because of covid and want the delivery to be left at the door.
I ignored all walmart orders. Doordash got mad and ended my dash for that day. The main reason I rejected them I thought I have to go to the store pick the items and pay using the red card they gave us. I didn’t know the items are already picked and we have to just load them. Next time I’ll be picking Walmart orders too.
My rule is at least $1 per mile for the trip from the store to the customer whether you tip or not. For example if an order pays $10 but I have to drive 15 miles and another pay $3 but I have to drive 2 miles I will take the $3 order and ignore or decline the $10 order.
Jeff says
Doordash sends a notification when the delivery is dropped off. I understand that some don’t read the directions, but a notification is still sent.
Kenny says
So, it happens I just had Doordash deliver Walmart groceries. The driver had my food in the back seat with a dog in the back atop a mountain of dirty blankets. I don’t know who is more to blame, Walmart for loading food into a car like that or Doordash having no control of their employees.
Never again to either DD and WM for me.
Melissa says
DoorDash era are not employees of DoorDash. We are independent contractors. This means I own my own business and I allocate my services to DoorDash. Therefore DoorDash cannot tell me what or who I can have in my vehicle. The problem here is 1. The Dasher accepted the order to keep their acceptance rate higher, knowing they had a pet in the vehicle and 2. MAIN ISSUE: Walmart did not adhere to their own policy “must have an are free from pets and odor, Walmart reserves the right to request a new driver”
Mark says
I agree with Brian I also am a dasher, I live near a Walmart and I get multiple Walmart orders a day. I have remembered the customers that tip in my area so it has became pretty profitable. Only at times when Walmart is not very busy. If they are busy forget it. They take sometimes an hour to bring out an order in my area. Bkg thank you to the Walmart customers that tip on their grocery orders. You make it worth while! As for these shipping orders some can be not worth it but then again sometimes you get lucky and get a $60 8 stop order for 21 miles and thie usually come out pretty quick although have had them take an hour as well lol.
Fed Up says
I have had HORRIBLE experiences with Walmart using Door Dash. I’m sorry it’s rough for the drivers…you should band together and refuse Walmart. Make them pony up and use Fedex, mail or UPS. But Walmart’s continuing lies are not my fault. Like other commenters have said, I’m not going to tip on a 50 cent can of cat food that I thought was coming in a BOX of other items via UPS/Fedex. Walmart now “allows” you to choose pickup, delivery or 2/3 day shipping on many items.
Copy/paste from Walmart.com The Liar Store: (you choose one)
–Shipping
Get your order shipped fast via FedEx or UPS.
And you order ten things, nine come the right way, but one thing is delivered by an unlucky DD driver. So far, it’s been (at different times) a can of cat food, a bottle of shampoo, can of soup, a pack of three cheap pens, and so on. The DD drivers seem to have a thing going where they call you (I’ve stopped answering) and pretend to be lost. You didn’t know they were coming anyway, and then you look, and they’re sitting right outside your door. It’s because they’re trying to guilt you into a tip. AND I FEEL GUILTY. But I’m standing my ground. What am I going to do, give them a dime on a can of soup that was 89 cents?
I’m really fed up with Walmart, but I’ve got some months before my annual membership runs out.
Samantha says
If I place an ordering for shipping at Walmart, and I place the order for the $35 minimum in order to get free shipping, and then WALMART changes my order to “delivery” and assigns is to door dash, I’m not going to turn around and pay $5+ for a tip, for something I literally didn’t even ask for. When I specifically choose shipping and not delivery, don’t assign me to delivery from the local store, and then expect to pay for that without even being informed in advance. I usually don’t even have cash on me in order to tip someone. I can certainly see why Door Dash workers would turn these orders down as well. It sounds like Walmart! and the DoorDash company, need to up the pay for these employees since they’re probably not receiving tips for most of these orders. A lot of people have never used DoorDash and do not even know what it is.
JB says
When I order grocery delivery from Walmart they recommend a tip amount and I just agree. But when I order something that’s being shipped there isn’t an option to tip. I thought the problem was me and didn’t buy anything for shipping that also said it was available for delivery or pickup, this didn’t solve the problem at all. I was again inundated with calls, texts, and DD delivery drivers banging on my door like the cops after I’d gone to bed, or while I was at work. Bringing a box of candy, or a shower head, or my daughter’s Christmas present leaned up in all its glory against the front door when we all got home one afternoon. I know they just want a tip, and I know by the haphazard delivery photo of some random blur accompaning my missing order or the flurry of attempted contact that they aren’t pleased. It’s unsettling to imagine how many angry people my impulsive online shopping spree has directed right to my front door. I feel tricked by Walmart, I feel bad for the drivers. There is no possible way I could even afford to pay a tip for the 10 different deliveries initiated by Walmart to plop some various Christmas candy or a box of tampons in front of my door. I used Amazon for a long time but had to stop because I never got my orders, I was hoping Walmart+ could replace Amazon and they just can’t. I really enjoy shopping online but all good things must come to an end, as they say.
Brian says
I deliver for doordash and I will say that the multi single item orders we receive, atleast in my area we get $6.25 per item so if I grab 9 deliveries, it pays great for a route that takes less than 1hr. Those I never expect a tip because its a direct walmart order to fulfill items not in a larger order due to stock ect.
Melissa says
Agreed. I don’t have an issue with those either, but with the delivery requests, which in my area people KNOW are being fulfilled by DD. Last week I took my last Walmart order and I vow to refuse every one I get from now on. 18 gallons of water, 3 of the 2.5 gallon containers of water, 2 cases of 40. (water), 2 of the 12 oz 24 packs of water, and miscellaneous extra items. It ended up being 15 trips to and from my truck to deliver at the customer, and took Walmart 20 minutes to load after the 30 minute wait for them to start loading. In 1.3 hours I made $8 total between tip and DoorDash pay. I get that some orders aren’t expressly informed to the customer that DoorDash will be delivering, but the minimum wage where I live is $12.50 per hour. If you hired me as a personal shopper you’d have to pay me (by law) $16.67 for the time spent on that order. Bottom line is, we work for our money too. Be kind when you KNOW we are using our time to keep your family safe from exposure to a pandemic, because we risk our health so you don’t have to…