Food delivery apps have surged in popularity, with usage in the U.S. rising from 36% in 2017 to 44% in 2021, according to Insider Intelligence. For frequent DoorDash customers, the DashPass subscription service can be an attractive way to save on delivery fees and access exclusive promotions. However, if you find you‘re no longer getting value from your membership, canceling DashPass is a straightforward process. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll walk you through how to end your subscription and share expert insights on making informed decisions as a discerning consumer.
What is DashPass?
DashPass is DoorDash‘s subscription program that offers members the following benefits:
- $0 delivery fees on orders of $12 or more from participating restaurants
- Reduced service fees (average of 11% vs. 15% for non-members, based on market)
- Exclusive promotions and DoorDash promo code discounts
- Priority customer support
Membership costs $9.99 per month or $96 annually, with a 30-day free trial for new subscribers. According to DoorDash, DashPass members save an average of $4-5 per order, which can add up for frequent users. However, as a savvy shopper, it‘s important to evaluate your usage and weigh the costs and benefits carefully.
Evaluating the Value of DashPass
To determine if DashPass is worth the price for you, consider the following factors:
Order Frequency
The more often you use DoorDash, the more value you‘ll get from DashPass. Here‘s a breakdown of potential savings based on weekly order patterns:
| Weekly Orders | Monthly Orders | Avg. Monthly Savings | Effective Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | $16-20 | $0 to -$10 |
| 2 | 8 | $32-40 | -$22 to -$30 |
| 3+ | 12+ | $48+ | -$38+ |
As the table shows, ordering 2-3 times per week is the sweet spot for maximizing DashPass savings, while infrequent users may end up losing money on the deal.
Average Order Size
DashPass only waives delivery fees on orders $12 and up, so your typical subtotals matter. Let‘s compare two scenarios:
| Avg. Order Subtotal | DashPass Savings per Order | Monthly DashPass Savings (8 orders) |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0 | $0 |
| $20 | $3-4 | $24-32 |
If your carts often fall below the $12 threshold, you won‘t see much of the core DashPass benefit. Be realistic about your ordering habits.
Participating Restaurants
While many restaurants on DoorDash offer DashPass, not all do. The program may not be worthwhile if your go-to spots aren‘t included. Before subscribing, look for the DashPass checkmark icon as you browse menus to see your local options.
Competitor Subscriptions
DoorDash isn‘t the only delivery app vying for consumer loyalty. Uber Eats has Uber One, GrubHub offers GrubHub+, and many local services have their own membership programs. Consider all your options, and avoid overlapping subscriptions that provide the same benefits.
How to Cancel DashPass
If you‘ve weighed the factors above and determined DashPass no longer fits your needs, canceling is quick and easy.
Canceling in the DoorDash App
- Open the app and tap the Account icon
- Go to "Manage DashPass"
- Select "End Subscription"
- Confirm by selecting "End Subscription" again
Canceling on a Web Browser
- Sign into your DoorDash account on doordash.com
- Click the hamburger menu and select "Manage DashPass"
- Click "End Subscription"
- Confirm cancellation
After completing these steps, you‘ll get an email verifying your cancellation. Your DashPass benefits will continue until the end of the current billing cycle, unless you cancel during the free trial period, in which case your membership perks end immediately. Note that DoorDash does not give partial refunds for canceled subscriptions.
The Psychology of Subscriptions
As a consumer behavior expert, I want to touch on the psychological aspects of subscription services like DashPass. Research has shown that memberships can lead to increased spending and overuse of a service, even when it‘s not in the customer‘s best interest. A 2021 C+R research study found that 42% of people with subscriptions forgot they were still being charged for a service.
This phenomenon is known as the "subscription effect" or "subscription trap." Businesses bet on the fact that auto-renewed payments often go unnoticed and that the perceived value of "VIP" benefits will keep members hooked.
To avoid falling into this common consumer pitfall, I recommend the following:
- Regularly audit your subscriptions and recurring charges
- Set calendar reminders to reevaluate memberships before auto-renewal
- Don‘t let "sunk cost" thinking justify an underused subscription
- Compare subscription fees to your actual à la carte spending
- Watch out for sneaky subscription tier upgrades or price increases
By staying vigilant and proactively managing your memberships, you can ensure you‘re only paying for services that deliver real value.
Understanding Cancellation Policies
Another key aspect of being a savvy subscription user is thoroughly reading and understanding the terms of service and cancellation policies before signing up. With DashPass and other delivery app memberships, here are some common restrictions to note:
- Subscriptions auto-renew unless canceled, often with price hikes over time
- Partial refunds are rarely given for canceled memberships
- Canceling may void certain account perks like promo codes or gift cards
- Reactivating after canceling may result in losing grandfathered pricing
- Free trial eligibility may be limited to one per account
Always take the time to read the fine print, even if it seems dense or boring. Knowing your rights and options upfront can save a lot of headaches down the line.
DashPass vs. Other Delivery Subscriptions
Finally, let‘s briefly compare DashPass to other popular delivery app memberships in terms of cost, benefits, and cancellation policies:
| Service | Monthly Cost | Delivery Fee Waiver | Minimum Subtotal | Cancelation Policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DashPass | $9.99 | $0 on 300K+ menus | $12 | Cancel anytime, no refunds |
| Uber One | $9.99 | $0 on 115K+ menus | $15/$30 (grocery) | Cancel anytime, no refunds |
| GrubHub+ | $9.99 | $0 on 100K+ menus | $12 | Cancel anytime, refunds for unused months |
| Postmates Unlimited | $9.99 | $0 on 300K+ menus | $12 | Cancel anytime, no refunds |
| Instacart+ | $9.99 | $0 on 55K+ stores | $35 | Cancel anytime, refunds for unused months |
As you can see, most subscriptions have similar fees and cancellation policies. Notably, GrubHub+ and Instacart+ do offer prorated refunds for unused months, while DashPass and others do not.
When evaluating which service is right for you, consider factors like restaurant selection in your area, typical order sizes and frequencies, and any bundled perks like exclusive discounts or free trials on partner apps. Don‘t feel pressured to stay locked in if your needs change.
Expert Takeaways
In summary, my advice for consumers considering canceling DashPass or any other delivery app subscription is:
- Crunch the numbers on your actual usage and savings
- Set reminders to reevaluate your subscription regularly
- Read and understand the terms of service and cancellation policy
- Don‘t hesitate to cancel if you‘re not getting value
- Shop around for the best membership fit for your needs and budget
By following these guidelines and staying informed, you can maximize your savings and minimize subscription stress. For more tips and insights on being a savvy consumer in the digital age, check out my other posts on subscription services, food delivery apps, and smart spending strategies.
