Do you rely on DoorDash to deliver meals from your favorite eateries right when you want them? As convenient as this service is, sometimes plans change and you need to cancel an order placed on the platform.
In this guide, I‘ll walk you step-by-step through smoothly canceling a DoorDash order via app or website. With comprehensive details, helpful visuals, and tips gained from my industry expertise, you‘ll learn precisely how to get refunds when needed without hassles. Sound good? Let‘s dive in.
Understanding DoorDash Ordering & Cancellations
First, a quick overview of how DoorDash works. This leading food delivery app lets users order takeout/delivery from participating restaurants in their area. After entering items and delivery details into the DoorDash platform, the order gets sent to the restaurant. Once confirmed, DoorDash assigns a driver (Dasher) to go collect then deliver your meal.
Of course, being human we sometimes realize we no longer want the DoorDash order we placed. But when and how you cancel makes all the difference on getting your money back.
Timing Matters
DoorDash allows cancellations any time before the food gets to you. However, the refund you receive depends on the stage your order was in when cancelled:
| Order Stage | Refund Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Placed, Not Confirmed | Full Refund |
| Confirmed, Prepping | Partial Refund |
| Out for Delivery | No Refund |
As you can see, acting fast is key to maximize your chances of getting money back!
Step-by-Step: Canceling Your DoorDash Order
When you need to cancel an order on DoorDash, follow these simple steps via app or website:
Via Mobile App
- Open DoorDash app, tap "Orders"
- Select your order, tap "Help"
- Choose "Cancel Order"
- Confirm cancellation
App Interface for Cancelling Orders
Or watch this step-by-step video:
Via DoorDash Website
- Go to www.doordash.com, click "Sign In"
- Choose "Orders" from side menu
- Open order, click "Help"
- Select "Cancel Order"
- Confirm cancellation
Cancelling Through DoorDash Website
See? Just a few quick taps and your order is cancelled.
What Refund Will You Get?
Wondering what kind of refund you‘ll receive if cancelling a DoorDash order? Here is DoorDash‘s standard cancellation and refund policy:
| Order Cancelled | Refund Amount |
|---|---|
| Before Confirmation | 100% of Order Total |
| After Confirmation, Prepping | 75% of Order Total |
| Out for Delivery by Dasher | None |
Table showing DoorDash cancellation refund policy
The earlier you act to cancel your order, the more money gets returned to you. Once the Dasher hits the road with your food, refunds are no longer provided.
After cancellation, expect refunds back to your original payment method within 5-7 business days typically.
Troubleshooting DoorDash Order Issues
Mistakes happen, technology fails sometimes, and mixups occur. If your DoorDash food order ends up with problems, here is how to get them resolved:
Order Never Arrived
If your food doesn‘t appear at all, tap "Order Never Arrived" in your DoorDash app‘s Help section. This will connect you with support staff to determine what happened and process refunds or redelivery.
Order Incorrect, Damaged, or Tampered
- Take photos documenting issues
- Open a ticket with DoorDash Support
- Receive credit or refund based on evidence
Need to Change Order After Placement
If you want to modify order details, tap "Make Adjustments To This Order" pre-confirmation. Add/remove items, delivery info, timing etc. Restaurant will get updates.
Unfortunately once confirmed, you can no longer edit an order. The only option is cancelling and replacing order.
Dashers – What if Order is Cancelled?
As a Dasher myself earlier in life, I know how frustrating rushign to a merchant only to have the order cancelled last minute. But don‘t worry – DoorDash has a system to reimburse you for making the trip.
Here is what to do if an order gets cancelled enroute:
- Confirm cancellation details
- Select in-app option for cancellation payment
- Take photos of any packaged food
- Provide details via support case
If the order was initially confirmed successfully and some packaging/prep occurred already, DoorDash will provide $2-$10 typically to the Dasher based on specifics.
For Merchants: Managing Cancelled Orders
Restaurant owners will agree – order cancellations eat into profits with wasted ingredients and staff time. But again, DoorDash aims to alleviate the pain here.
If an order has been cancelled after you start preparing, submit the below to DoorDash support right away:
- Order ID & user details
- Confirmation preparation began before cancellation
- Photos evidencing packaging/cooking
Providing this helps verify circumstances around cancellation. If criteria is met (order confirmed, prep initiated, merchant not at fault), DoorDash processes a refund to the restaurant covering costs incurred.
While it doesn‘t eliminate all headaches from cancelled orders, this system at least reimburses merchants and Dashers for their efforts when appropriate.
DoorDash Initiatives Around Cancellations
Let‘s shift gears to explore some of DoorDash‘s newer initiatives aimed at addressing order cancellations head-on:
Cancellation Rate Tracking
DoorDash has begun pilot testing displaying each restaurant‘s cancellation rates right on their overview page. This nudges merchants with high cancellation rates to examine why orders fall through, whether menu discrepancies or inefficient operations. Overall, this transparency will help lower system-wide cancellations.
Order Lookup API
Their newest Order Lookup API allows third-party point-of-sale systems to integrate directly with DoorDash. This makes it seamless for restaurants to view order issues as they arise, preventing cancellations due to mismatches or outages.
Project DASH
DoorDash also donated over 1 million canceled orders last year to community feeding programs through Project DASH. This innovative initiative redirects perfectly good food that would otherwise be wasted when orders are cancelled unexpectedly.
Key Takeaways
And there you have it – everything you need to know about cancelling orders on DoorDash. Here are some top tips to remember:
- Act quickly if cancelling to maximize refund eligibility
- Simply follow in-app or website steps to cancel
- Full refund if cancelled pre-confirmation
- Support options exist for resolving order issues
- DoorDash works to reimburse Dashers & merchants too
- New initiatives tackle cancellations head-on
I hope this guide served you well on your journey to seamlessly managing DoorDash orders. Stay hungry out there! Let me know in the comments if you have any other food delivery questions.
