DoorDash Brings ‘Instant’ Grocery Deliveries & A New Kind Of Employment To NYC
Image via DoorDash
Grocery delivery services have been on the rise, accelerated by the pandemic and the introduction of drones. Many food delivery companies have thus started expanding into the scene, and DoorDash is no exception.
Its new “ultra-fast grocery delivery” service operates out of a newly-opened Chelsea, New York City, location called the DashMart. Customers within the selected radius will be able to order items to be delivered via e-bike in around 10 to 15 minutes. This will be free of charge for those with a DashPass, and US$1.49 for those without.
This promises customers a “reliable and convenient way” to “instantly” restock on any items they’re running low on, which is surely a welcome way to tackle a missing ingredient in the middle of holiday cooking.
DashMarts were introduced in 2020, serving as “ghost” grocery stores: a virtual experience stocking quick-and-easy grocery items. According to a press release, this model helps local business to reach consumers online with ease, while offering convenience to the customers.
“Hundreds” of local convenience stores work alongside DashMart, with the company stating its aim to support local merchants through partnerships with small businesses, including New York City’s trademark bodegas.
Deliveries from the DashMart will be made by a new fleet of employees, dubbed full-time couriers. Employed by a new subsidiary called DashCorps, they’ll be working regular schedules with hourly earnings, a benefit of traditional employment.
However, this poses the question of how fair it is to existing DoorDash drivers. As Fast Company points out, the two different “tiers” of workers are vastly different: the new DashCorps group gets a living wage with benefits, while the existing “contractors” earn small amounts per delivery, alongside having to be responsible for vehicle damages.
DoorDash has said in a blog announcement that the “instant delivery” model from DashMarts is “fundamentally different” from the regular food delivery, with employees completing “a variety of tasks beyond delivery.”
Additionally, there are more plans in place for DashCorps to expand its services from delivery to logistics, especially focusing on small businesses and bodegas.
“Many New Yorkers already turn to DoorDash for their next meal or essentials purchases, which puts us in an exciting place to deliver on the promise of ultra-fast delivery,” Christopher Payne, President of DoorDash, states.
“Consumers increasingly expect an effortless, enjoyable experience, so while we are starting with DashMarts, our goal is to expand this offering to select grocery and convenience partners.”
[via Fast Company, cover image via DoorDash]
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