When your delivery status changes from “Dasher assigned” to “Looking for a Dasher,” the initial delivery person has either declined the offer or unassigned themselves. This triggers a complex, automated reassignment process behind the scenes. Understanding the driver’s decision-making and the platform’s reassignment protocols helps manage expectations and explains why a quick order suddenly becomes a lengthy wait.
Reasons Dashers Decline Orders
The primary reason a Dasher declines a delivery offer is a low total payout relative to the distance and time required. Dashers are independent contractors who evaluate each offer based on whether it meets an acceptable hourly earning rate, often looking for a minimum dollar-per-mile ratio. Orders offering low total payment for a long drive are typically rejected as unprofitable.
A driver who initially accepts an order may later unassign themselves, which also triggers the reassignment process. This often happens when they arrive at the restaurant and discover an excessive wait time, usually exceeding 10 to 15 minutes. Dashers also decline or unassign orders with complex or unclear delivery instructions, especially those leading to difficult locations that compromise their efficiency.
DoorDash’s Automatic Reassignment Process
When a Dasher declines an offer, the order is instantly cycled back into the system and offered to the next available driver. This automated process uses the platform’s algorithm to match the delivery based on proximity and route efficiency. The system operates on an incentive model to ensure the order is eventually accepted.
With each subsequent rejection, the algorithm increases the base pay offered to the Dasher, a small financial incentive commonly referred to as a “boost.” This incremental increase continues until the total payout is high enough to make the order financially appealing. The objective is to reach an equilibrium where the total earnings justify the effort, distance, and wait time for the next driver.
What Customers See While Waiting for a New Dasher
During the automatic reassignment phase, the customer interface provides limited visibility, often displaying a generic status like “Looking for a Dasher.” If a driver accepts and then unassigns, the customer may briefly see the Dasher’s location before the icon vanishes and the status reverts to searching. This cycle of assignment and unassignment causes the estimated delivery time (EDT) to fluctuate significantly.
The EDT is continually recalculated in real-time, reflecting the added waiting time and the distance of the newly assigned Dasher. These frequent time updates are a direct result of the platform cycling through drivers and incrementally increasing the offer. The reassignment process is not instantaneous and can extend the wait time substantially while the system works to find a willing contractor.
Order Cancellation and Failure to Find a Dasher
If the reassignment process continues for an extended period without success, the platform determines the order is undeliverable. This formal cancellation by DoorDash usually occurs after 30 to 60 minutes, once it is clear the increased pay is still insufficient to attract a driver. A Dasher cannot unilaterally cancel an order; only the customer or DoorDash support can perform the final cancellation.
Once the platform cancels the order, the customer receives a notification that the delivery could not be completed. DoorDash contacts the restaurant to communicate the cancellation and ensures the merchant is compensated for the prepared food. This procedure ensures the restaurant does not incur a loss for an issue beyond its control, with DoorDash absorbing the cost of the meal and the refund provided to the customer.
Understanding Refunds and Customer Credits
When an order is formally canceled due to a failure to find a Dasher, the customer receives a full refund of the purchase price, including service fees and the pre-paid tip. The platform offers two primary methods for returning the funds, each with a different processing timeline.
The fastest option is to receive compensation as DoorDash credit, which typically appears immediately or within 24 hours for use on a future order. A refund back to the original payment method, such as a credit or debit card, takes significantly longer due to required banking procedures. This process generally takes five to seven business days before the funds are reflected in the account balance. Choosing the credit option is advisable for customers who plan to place a new order right away, as it provides instant access to the money.
How to Increase the Chance of Quick Acceptance
Customers can take several actions to make their order more appealing and increase the chance of quick Dasher acceptance. Providing a reasonable tip upfront is the most effective measure, as the total payout heavily influences a contractor’s decision. A higher initial offer makes the delivery financially competitive, preventing it from entering the long reassignment cycle.
Clearly specifying the delivery location and providing detailed access instructions for apartments or businesses helps Dashers avoid delays and frustration. Placing orders outside of peak dining hours, such as lunch (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and dinner (5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.), can also reduce the competition for drivers and increase the likelihood of a fast pickup.