DoorDash Review: Customers, Drivers & Merchants

DoorDash Review: Customers, Drivers & Merchants – The Full Scoop

If you live anywhere from downtown Toronto to the snowy streets of Calgary, chances are you’ve seen that little red bag zipping around on bikes, cars, or even the odd e-scooter. That’s DoorDash, eh — the food delivery giant that rolled into Canada back in 2015 and has been steadily carving out a place in our daily lives.

Why’s it such a big deal here? Well, let’s face it: Canadians are busy folks. Between long commutes, unpredictable weather (one minute it’s sunshine, the next it’s a blizzard), and the “I’d rather stay in and watch hockey” vibe, getting food dropped at your doorstep just makes sense.

Now, DoorDash isn’t the only player on the rink. Uber Eats and SkipTheDishes are skating hard too, and in certain cities like Vancouver or Montreal, competition is as tight as a Leafs playoff game. Still, DoorDash has managed to stick around by offering tons of restaurants, solid promos, and a delivery network that stretches from big cities to smaller towns.

This review isn’t just about the usual “Is it good or bad?” kind of thing. Nope. We’re diving deep from three angles:

Customers who just want their poutine hot and their bubble tea on time.
Drivers (Dashers) hustling in all sorts of weather to make that extra cash.
Merchants (restaurants) juggling dine-in orders and DoorDash tablets like it’s a circus act.

And because this is Canada, we’ll also look at the not-so-glam stuff like bilingual service, winter driving hazards, and even how to get help when things go sideways with DoorDash customer service.

So grab a double-double, kick back, and let’s dig into what DoorDash really feels like north of the border.

How DoorDash Works in Canada

Before we get into reviews and hot takes, it’s worth breaking down how DoorDash actually works up here in the Great White North. Think of it like hockey positions — everyone’s got their role: customers, drivers, and merchants. If one drops the ball (or puck, eh), the whole play falls apart.

1. Customer Flow – Ordering Like a Pro

Fire up the DoorDash app or website.
Punch in your postal code — yup, whether you’re in downtown Vancouver (V6Z) or chilling in a Halifax suburb (B3L), the app shows what’s nearby.
Browse restaurants, from big chains like Tim Hortons or McDonald’s to local gems slinging shawarma or butter chicken.
Add food to your cart, check the fees (delivery fee, service fee, maybe a small-order fee), and hit checkout.
Pay cashless — credit, debit, or even Apple Pay/Google Pay.
Sit back, track your Dasher in real-time on the map, and wait for the knock on your door (or buzz code if you’re in a condo).

2. Driver Flow – Life of a Dasher

Dashers open the Dasher app, see available orders in their zone.
Accept an order (you’ve got seconds to decide).
Navigate to the restaurant, pick up the order — pro tip: always double-check the bags so you don’t get dinged with a missing item complaint.
Deliver to the customer, follow instructions (front door, lobby, or “leave it by the garage”).
Get paid: base pay + tip + possible peak pay bonuses during busy hours.

3. Merchant Flow – Restaurant’s Side of the Story

Merchants get an order on their DoorDash tablet or Merchant Portal.
Confirm the order, prep the food, and pack it up.
When the Dasher shows up, hand it off and pray they don’t get stuck in traffic.
Keep an eye on ratings — one bad review about cold fries can hurt the restaurant’s rep.

4. The Rating & Review System

Customers rate both food and delivery.
Dashers get rated by customers (late deliveries, missing items, or attitude can drop the score).
Merchants are judged on food quality, accuracy, and prep time.
These scores aren’t just for show — they affect promos, visibility in the app, and whether a driver gets good order offers.

At the end of the day, it’s a three-way dance: customers order, drivers deliver, merchants cook. When it clicks, you get hot food, happy customers, and everyone walks away with a smile (and hopefully a tip). When it doesn’t? Well, that’s where customer service comes in — but we’ll get to that later.

DoorDash from the Customer’s Perspective

From a Canadian customer’s point of view, DoorDash can feel like both a lifesaver and a bit of a wallet-buster. Let’s break it down, eh.

The Pros – Why Customers Love It

Restaurant Selection

DoorDash hooks you up with everything from big-name chains (Tim Hortons, A&W, McDonald’s) to hidden gems (that local shawarma spot, sushi bar, or vegan café).
Smaller towns may not have as many choices, but in cities like Toronto or Vancouver? The variety’s huge — you can get pho, poutine, bubble tea, and tacos all in one app.

Cashless Convenience

Canadians love a good “tap and go.” With DoorDash, you don’t need cash — everything’s done through debit, credit, or digital wallets.
Especially handy during hockey nights when you don’t wanna miss the game to run out for food.

Deals and DashPass

DashPass is like your Costco membership for food delivery: monthly fee, free delivery, and reduced service fees.
Plus, there are often promos for first-time users, or seasonal discounts (think: “free delivery if it’s snowing tonight!”).

Real-Time Tracking

Watching your Dasher icon crawl across the map is oddly satisfying.
You’ll know if your food is still being prepped, if the driver is stuck on the Gardiner Expressway, or if they’re already outside your condo lobby.

The Cons – Where It Falls Short

High Fees

Delivery fee + service fee + tax = surprise total.
Sometimes your $12 burger ends up costing $25 after all the extras. Ouch.

Food Quality Issues

Fries that arrive soggy.
Ice cream that turns into milkshake in July.
Pizza that’s lukewarm after a 40-minute snowstorm dash.

Address Hassles

Condo buzz codes, locked lobbies, or confusing rural driveways — all can lead to delays or mis-deliveries.

Inconsistent Timeliness

In Toronto, orders might be quick. In smaller towns, if there’s no driver nearby, you could be waiting way longer than the app says.

The Canadian Context – Why It’s Unique Here

The Weather Factor

Winter deliveries are rough: snowstorms = longer wait times, but ironically also more orders because nobody wants to leave the house.
In summer, it’s smoother — except when your ice cream melts.

Bilingual Expectations

In Québec, French is a must. DoorDash provides bilingual app support, but sometimes customers still run into English-only drivers or CS.

Urban vs Rural Divide

Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal = tons of options.
Small-town Saskatchewan? Maybe just one pizza place and a Chinese takeout spot.

Tips for Canadian Customers

Use DashPass if you order often — it pays for itself in a few orders.
Pick closer restaurants — less travel time, hotter food.
Check ratings before you order — low-rated merchants can mean cold food or missing items.
Leave clear instructions — buzz codes, gate codes, or “leave it by the garage.” Saves you a headache later.
Tip fairly — remember, Dashers are out there braving -20°C for your poutine.

At the end of the day, customers stick with DoorDash for the convenience. Yeah, fees sting sometimes, and your fries won’t always survive the journey, but when you’re curled up during a snowstorm with a warm meal delivered right to your door? Feels pretty darn worth it, eh.

DoorDash from the Driver’s (Dasher’s) Perspective

For thousands of Canadians, DoorDash isn’t just about eating — it’s also a way to make extra cash. Dashers come from all walks of life: students, full-timers picking up side hustles, even retirees looking to keep busy. But like driving through a snowstorm on the 401, being a Dasher has its ups and downs.

The Pros – Why Drivers Like It

Flexibility

No schedules. Open the app, go online, and start working when you want.
Perfect if you’ve got classes during the day or another job.

Side Hustle Potential

Many Canadians use DoorDash to top up income. Whether it’s saving for a trip, paying rent, or just grabbing extra gas money, it fits in.

Peak Pay & Busy Hours

During lunch (11 AM – 2 PM), dinner (5 PM – 9 PM), or rough weather, DoorDash often throws in extra bonuses.
Snowstorm? Rain? Hockey playoff night? Orders flood in, and that’s when Dashers can clean up.

Pick Your Zone

In big cities, you can choose which neighbourhood to dash in — downtown, suburbs, or near campuses where hungry students live.

The Cons – The Not-So-Pretty Side

Unstable Earnings

One night you’re busy non-stop, the next you’re sitting in your car waiting with no pings.
Earnings can swing like Canadian weather — sunny one minute, blizzard the next.

Rising Gas & Car Costs

Gas isn’t cheap in Canada, especially in Vancouver.
Add car insurance, maintenance, parking tickets — your take-home shrinks fast.

Weather Hazards

Driving in -20°C with icy roads is no joke.
Bike couriers in Toronto winters? Mad respect.

Limited Customer Support

Unlike merchants, Dashers don’t have a dedicated phone line. Most help requests go through the app or chat — and sometimes you wait longer than your customer does for their pizza.

Realities of Dashing in Canada

Traffic Jams: Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway or Vancouver’s rush hour can turn a 10-minute trip into 40.
Tip Culture: Canadians usually tip decently, but not always. Some Dashers rely heavily on tips to make it worth it.
Seasonal Differences: Summer dashing is easier, winter feels like survival mode.

Tips for Dashers to Survive & Thrive

Use Heatmaps — the app highlights busy zones, so chase the red areas for more orders.
Track Your Expenses — keep a log of gas, car wear, parking fees. Tax season will thank you.
Winter Gear is Non-Negotiable — snow tires, gloves, insulated delivery bags, maybe even a blanket in the car.
Stay Professional — polite texts and clear communication with CS can speed up issue resolution.
Know When to Dash — Friday nights, snowstorms, or game nights = money-making hours.

Being a Dasher in Canada isn’t always maple syrup sweet. It’s freedom mixed with unpredictability, convenience paired with icy roads. For many, it’s worth it — but you’ve gotta play smart, plan expenses, and sometimes brave a snowstorm just to deliver someone’s late-night poutine.

DoorDash from the Merchant’s Perspective

Restaurants are the unsung heroes of DoorDash. Without them, there’s no food to deliver, no orders to accept, and no hungry Canadians getting their late-night poutine fix. For merchants, partnering with DoorDash can feel like joining a hockey league — there are big wins, but also a lot of penalties.

• The Pros – Why Merchants Sign Up

Bigger Exposure

Small local restaurants suddenly show up beside big chains in the app. That means new customers who might never have walked through the door.

Extra Revenue Stream

Especially handy during tough times (like lockdowns or slow seasons). Delivery orders can keep the kitchen busy when dine-in traffic slows.

Marketing & Promotions

DoorDash often runs promos: “$0 delivery fee from this restaurant” or “buy one, get one free” — all designed to bring eyeballs (and wallets) to your menu.

Data & Insights

Merchants get reports on popular dishes, busy hours, and repeat customers. It’s like having a mini business analyst baked into the partnership.

• The Cons – The Tough Reality

High Commission Fees

DoorDash can take up to 30% on each order. For small mom-and-pop shops, that’s a big bite out of slim margins.

Delivery Quality Depends on Dashers

If a driver’s late or rough with the food, the customer blames the restaurant — not DoorDash. One bad review about soggy fries can tank a merchant’s rating.

Menu Management Hassles

Ran out of chicken wings? Too bad — if you don’t update your menu in the portal, customers can still order, leading to refunds and angry phone calls.

Payout & Disputes

Delayed payouts or charges merchants don’t agree with? Sorting it out with DoorDash support can take time.

• Canadian Context – What Makes It Unique Here

Small-Town vs. Big City

In Toronto or Vancouver, DoorDash can bring hundreds of orders in a weekend. In small-town Saskatchewan? Maybe just a handful, making the commission sting more.

Bilingual Menus in Québec

Restaurants in Montreal or Quebec City need to provide French menus. DoorDash supports bilingual uploads, but mistakes happen, which frustrates francophone customers.

Tech Reliance

Orders come through the DoorDash tablet or Merchant Portal. Internet goes down? Tablet crashes? That’s a recipe for chaos on a Saturday night.

Tips for Merchants to Stay Ahead

Keep Menus Updated — avoid cancelled orders and refund headaches.
Train Staff — designate someone to watch the tablet and prep DoorDash orders fast.
Use the Hotline — don’t just rely on the portal; call if things get messy:

English: 647-957-7219
French: 855-643-8439

Track Every Case Number — when dealing with support, always record the ticket ID for follow-ups.
Balance Orders — don’t let DoorDash cannibalize dine-in service. Find a rhythm that works.

For Canadian merchants, DoorDash can feel like a double-double at Timmies — comforting but not perfect. It brings more customers and exposure, but at the cost of commissions and the occasional headache when things go wrong. For some, it’s a lifeline; for others, just another bill to pay.

Customer Service & DoorDash Office in Canada

When things go sideways with DoorDash — missing food, late deliveries, or tech glitches — Canadians naturally want to know: “Who do I call, eh?” DoorDash support is meant to be the lifeline for drivers, customers, and merchants. But sometimes, calling them feels like being stuck in a Tim Hortons drive-thru at rush hour — you’ll get through, but it takes patience.

1. For Customers

In-App Help

Open the order → click Help → choose the issue (missing item, wrong food, late delivery).
Refunds or credits usually appear right in the app.

Chat & Email

24/7 chat available inside the app.
Email support can take longer — not great if you’re waiting on your dinner.

Phone Support?

In Canada, customers usually rely on the app/chat. A dedicated number isn’t openly promoted.
Many frustrated Canadians end up searching “DoorDash Canada phone number” — or ranting about it on Reddit.

2. For Drivers (Dashers)

Dasher Help via the App

Hit the Help button while on delivery for real-time issues (like locked building entrances, missing items, etc.).
For account-related problems (background checks, deactivation), the Dasher Portal has guides.

No Dedicated Phone Line

Unlike merchants, Dashers can’t just call up a hotline.
Many vent on r/doordash (Reddit) to share stories, hacks, or even get unofficial advice faster than official support.

3. For Merchants

Merchant Portal

Dedicated Phone Numbers (Canada)

English: 647-957-7219
French: 855-643-8439
These hotlines connect merchants directly with DoorDash support — a lifesaver when an order’s stuck or refunds need sorting.

Case Numbers

Always note the case ID after talking to support. Otherwise, you’ll end up explaining the same problem over and over.

4. DoorDash Office in Canada

DoorDash has a Canadian HQ in Toronto (King Street West area).
It’s not a walk-in centre — don’t expect to show up with your burger complaint. It’s more for corporate, sales, and regional management.
For regular users, all support still runs through the app, portal, or phone lines.

5. Community Support – DoorDash Reddit

When official support feels like molasses in January, many Canadians head to Reddit. Subreddits like r/doordash or r/ontario are packed with:

Drivers sharing hacks: best times to dash, how to deal with picky customers, or tax advice.
Merchants venting: frustrations about high commissions or unreliable drivers.
Customers ranting: about cold fries, missing bubble tea, or delivery gone wrong.

Sometimes, Reddit gives faster real-world solutions than official channels — though, of course, it’s all unofficial advice.

Customer service in Canada is a mixed bag. Merchants have direct numbers, drivers are stuck with in-app support, and customers rely heavily on chat. For many, Reddit becomes the unofficial customer service desk where Canadians share, complain, and problem-solve together.

Key Challenges in Canada

Using DoorDash in Canada isn’t always smooth sailing. Sure, it’s convenient, but living north of the 49th parallel comes with its own set of quirks that make delivery life… interesting, to say the least.

Extreme Weather

Winter in Winnipeg or Calgary isn’t just cold, it’s bone-chilling. Drivers often deal with -20°C temps, icy sidewalks, and whiteout conditions.
Customers sometimes get cold food simply because driving through a blizzard takes longer than the app predicts.
On Reddit, Canadian Dashers joke about “earning battle scars” just from winter shifts.

Bilingual Hiccups in Québec 🇫🇷

Restaurants in Montréal or Québec City must list menus in French, but translation errors happen.
Customers have reported ordering “hot chicken” and getting confused looks from drivers when the French menu didn’t match.
Merchants often share frustrations on Reddit about needing to re-upload bilingual menus to stay compliant.

High Delivery Fees

By the time you add service fees, delivery charges, and tips, your $12 poutine can easily hit $25.
Many Canadians are split: some say it’s worth it for convenience, while others stick to picking up food themselves.
DashPass helps, but not everyone wants another monthly subscription.

Driver Shortages in Smaller Cities 🚗

In Toronto or Vancouver, orders fly in like pucks on game night. But in smaller towns, delivery can take ages because there simply aren’t enough Dashers around.
Customers complain about orders getting cancelled last minute because no driver accepted the job.

Tough Competition

DoorDash isn’t the only player in town. Uber Eats dominates in big cities, SkipTheDishes is strong in the Prairies, and Fantuan rules the Asian food delivery niche.
This competition pushes DoorDash to offer promos, but also splits the driver pool and merchant partnerships.

Using DoorDash in Canada sometimes feels like driving through a snowstorm on the 401 — it’ll get you where you’re going, but expect a few bumps, delays, and maybe some icy patches along the way.

Overall Rating

DoorDash in Canada is a bit like ordering a double-double at Timmies — most of the time, it hits the spot, but once in a while, you get the wrong lid. Here’s how it stacks up for each group:

⭐ Customers – 4/5

Pros:

Wide selection of restaurants, from local gems to big chains.
Smooth ordering process with real-time tracking.
DashPass helps cut down on delivery fees.

Cons:

Service and delivery fees can double the bill.
Cold food is common in winter or with longer routes.
Apartment and condo deliveries can be tricky.

⭐ Drivers (Dashers) – 3.5/5

Pros:

Total flexibility: work whenever you want.
Busy times like snowstorms or hockey playoffs can mean higher pay.
Great as a side hustle to earn extra cash.

Cons:

Income can swing wildly from day to day.
Rising gas prices and car maintenance costs eat into earnings.
Customer support is mostly through the app, with no dedicated phone line.

⭐ Merchants – 3/5

Pros:

Increased exposure to new customers.
Reliable extra sales during slow dine-in periods.
Access to DoorDash marketing and promos.

Cons:

High commissions (up to 30%) cut into already slim margins.
Delivery quality depends heavily on drivers.
Tech issues with tablets or the merchant portal can cause chaos.

DoorDash brings convenience, flexibility, and visibility — but it comes at a cost. Customers love the variety but hate the fees, drivers enjoy the freedom but struggle with costs, and merchants gain exposure but pay for it in commissions.

Overall, DoorDash has become stitched into Canadian life, eh, but it’s far from flawless. It’s handy, it’s popular, but like winter driving in Winnipeg, you’ve gotta expect a few bumps along the way.

Conclusion

DoorDash has carved out its place in Canada’s busy cities and even its quieter towns. Whether you’re ordering poutine at midnight in Montréal, hustling deliveries during a snowstorm in Calgary, or running a small diner in Halifax, DoorDash has become part of everyday life.

It isn’t perfect — customers pay extra for convenience, drivers face the ups and downs of gig work, and merchants balance exposure with steep commissions. But for many Canadians, it’s still the easiest way to connect kitchens, couriers, and hungry bellies.

So, is DoorDash worth it in Canada? The short answer: yes, but with trade-offs. Like winter in Winnipeg, you take the good with the bad — bundle up, plan ahead, and you’ll manage just fine.

At the end of the day, eh, DoorDash isn’t just a delivery app here — it’s stitched right into Canadian routines, from hockey nights to snow days.