As a savvy shopper and food delivery aficionado, you know that not all takeout bags are created equal. So when you‘re gearing up to become a DoorDash driver, also known as a Dasher, one of your first questions might be: does DoorDash send you a bag? And if so, is it any good?
The short answer is yes, DoorDash does provide an insulated bag to every new Dasher as part of their onboarding kit. But there‘s much more to consider when it comes to this essential piece of delivery equipment. In this ultimate guide, we‘ll unzip all the details about DoorDash bags, from what‘s included in your Welcome Kit to how to choose the best bag for your needs.
What‘s Inside the DoorDash Welcome Kit?
Think of the DoorDash Welcome Kit as your starter pack for success as a Dasher. Here‘s what you‘ll find inside:
- One insulated DoorDash tote bag (more on this later!)
- A DoorDash Red Card, which is a pre-loaded credit card for paying at non-partner restaurants
- A "Getting Started" manual with app tutorials and delivery tips
While the Red Card and manual are certainly helpful, the real MVP of the kit is undoubtedly the bag. This eye-catching red tote is generously sized at 13" x 10" x 15" and features the DoorDash logo prominently on the side.
But the bag‘s good looks are secondary to its performance. The key feature is the thick layer of foam insulation lining the bag‘s interior, which helps maintain stable temperatures for hot and cold foods during transit. No one wants a tepid burger or a melted milkshake, after all! By enclosing orders fully inside the bag, Dashers can protect food quality and safety from the restaurant to the customer‘s doorstep.
DoorDash Bag Specs and Materials
Let‘s take a closer look inside that signature red tote. The DoorDash bag is constructed from durable, water-resistant polyester fabric. The interior insulation is made of 8mm thick PE foam, which provides a strong thermal barrier without adding excess bulk.
The bag‘s double zipper enclosure allows you to open it fully from either side for easy loading and unloading. It also features reinforced handles made of 20mm red webbing for a comfortable carry, even when the bag is fully loaded. And with a capacity of 16L, this bag is roomy enough to accommodate most standard delivery orders.
One important thing to note is that the DoorDash bag is not heated or cooled on its own. The insulation works passively to maintain the temperature of whatever is placed inside the bag. So for best results, always take your bag into the restaurant when picking up an order. This ensures that hot foods can be placed immediately into the bag while they‘re still at peak temperature.
Caring for Your DoorDash Bag
To keep your trusty DoorDash sidekick in top shape, it‘s important to clean it regularly. Luckily, the bag‘s polyester exterior is easy to wipe down with a damp cloth or sanitizing wipe between deliveries. For tougher spills and stains, you can hand wash the bag using mild dish soap and warm water. Just be sure to air dry it fully before using it again, as the foam insulation can absorb moisture and develop mildew if stored wet.
While the DoorDash bag is quite resilient, it‘s not immune to wear and tear. Over time and with heavy use, you may notice the insulation starting to compress or the fabric showing signs of abrasion. If your bag develops any holes or tears that compromise its ability to retain heat, it‘s time to replace it. Better to invest in a new bag than risk a negative rating from an unhappy customer who received a cold meal!
Upgrading Your Delivery Bag Game
While the complimentary DoorDash bag is perfectly serviceable, some Dashers choose to level up their gear with higher-end options. Popular brands like GrubHub and Postmates sell their own branded bags in various sizes, which can be handy if you frequently shuttle larger orders like pizzas or catering platters.
Michael R., a veteran Dasher from Seattle, swears by his Rubbermaid Commercial Executive Series bag. "It‘s a bit pricier than the standard DoorDash tote, but the quality is unbeatable. It keeps food hot for way longer and I can fit multiple orders in there easily," he said. "Plus, it‘s super easy to clean – I just wipe it down and toss it in the washing machine on gentle cycle."
Another top contender is the Ozark Trail 50 Can Insulated Cooler Tote, which boasts an impressive 4.7 star rating on Amazon. Dashers love its heavy duty construction, double zipper pullers, and large front pocket for stashing extras. At under $20, it‘s an affordable upgrade that can help you earn more tips by keeping orders in prime condition.
Dasher Hacks: Creative Uses for Your Bag
Your DoorDash bag‘s usefulness doesn‘t end once you‘ve clocked out for the day. Many Dashers have discovered creative ways to reuse and repurpose their bags off the job. Here are a few of our favorite "Dasher hacks":
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Beach Day Cooler: Planning a sunny picnic on the sand? Your DoorDash bag is the perfect size for packing snacks and drinks on ice. It‘ll keep your refreshments chilled for hours without the bulk of a traditional hard cooler.
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Reusable Shopping Bag: Ditch the disposable plastic bags and bring your insulated tote on your next grocery run. It‘s great for keeping frozen items frosty on the ride home, especially if you have multiple stops to make along the way.
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Potluck Party Essential: No more struggling to transport a casserole or charcuterie spread to your next get-together. Your trusty DoorDash bag will keep your dishes at the perfect temperature and prevent messy spills en route. Your fellow party-goers will thank you!
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Meal Prep Buddy: If you‘re into batch cooking or packing lunches for the week ahead, consider using your DoorDash bag as an oversized lunch tote. It‘s roomy enough to hold several stacked food containers and will keep your pre-portioned meals fresh until you‘re ready to heat and eat.
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Impromptu Gift Wrap: Believe it or not, some crafty Dashers have even used their old bags as reusable gift packaging. Just place your present inside, zip it shut, and add a festive bow or label. It‘s an easy way to give a unique, eco-friendly wrapped gift in a pinch!
As you can see, the possibilities are endless when you think outside the bag. Just remember to always thoroughly sanitize your tote between food deliveries and personal use to prevent any cross-contamination.
The Future of Food Delivery Packaging
As the food delivery market continues to boom, companies are seeking out new innovations to improve the transportation of takeout orders. DoorDash recently partnered with SAVRPak, a cutting-edge food packaging technology that absorbs condensation to keep fried foods crisp in transit.
"We‘re constantly looking for ways to enhance the delivery experience for our customers and merchant partners," said Chetan Jain, Product Manager at DoorDash. "Integrating SAVRPak‘s technology into our eco-friendly packaging is a game-changer for preventing soggy fries and wilted salads."
Meanwhile, some restaurants are experimenting with self-heating and self-cooling containers to maintain ideal serving temperatures without the need for insulated bags. And with the rise of plant-based and compostable packaging, we may see more sustainable solutions hitting the market soon.
Key Takeaways for Dashers
So, does DoorDash send you a bag? Yes, they certainly do! Your Welcome Kit will include a high-quality insulated tote that‘s built to keep orders at the right temperature during delivery.
To make the most of your DoorDash bag, remember to:
- Always bring it into the restaurant when picking up an order
- Keep it clean and sanitary with regular wipe-downs and washes
- Replace it if it gets worn out or develops tears
- Consider upgrading to a larger or higher-end bag if you frequently deliver big orders
- Get creative and reuse your bag for personal errands and outings
- Stay up-to-date on the latest innovations in food delivery packaging
With a trusty insulated bag by your side, you‘ll be well equipped to succeed as a Dasher. Now get out there and start delivering! Your customers (and their taste buds) will thank you.
