Every Dasher’s been there — you pull up to the apartment complex, text “here,” wait… and wait… and still no reply. You call once, call twice, and now you’re sitting there wondering if you’re feeding a ghost. Non-responsive customers can slow your bag down fast — but a real Dash Pimp knows how to handle it smooth and smart.
Let’s break down exactly what to do when customers go M.I.A.
🕒 1. Always Follow the Clock
The first thing to remember: DoorDash has a timer for a reason.
Once you’ve arrived at the delivery spot, mark it as “Arrived” in the app — that officially starts the countdown. Usually, the customer has around 5 to 8 minutes to respond before you can report them as unresponsive.
Don’t rush the process or panic. Just play it cool and let the system work in your favor.
💬 2. Send a Clear Message
When you text your customer, keep it short and professional — something like:
“Hey, this is your Dasher. I’m outside with your order 😊.”
If they don’t respond in 3–4 minutes, send one follow-up:
“Still outside — I’ll wait a few more minutes before contacting support.”
No need for essays or attitude. Stay polite but firm. That message history can help you if support gets involved.
☎️ 3. Call (Once or Twice Max
After your second message, go ahead and call. If they don’t pick up the first time, wait 1–2 minutes, then call again. That’s it. Don’t spam them — DoorDash can see your attempts in the system, and that’s all you need to prove you tried.
If they still ghost you, mark them as unresponsive and proceed with the steps the app gives you.
📦 4. Complete the Delivery
If it’s a leave-at-door order, take a photo, submit it, and move on.
If it’s a hand-it-to-me and they never respond, follow DoorDash’s official “Can’t hand order to customer” steps. Usually, after a short waiting period, you’ll get permission to leave the food somewhere safe — or even dispose of it if no options exist.
Either way — you still get paid. Don’t trip.
💡 5. Pro Tips from Real Dash Pimps
Here’s how the pros keep it pushing:
- Stay calm and patient. Don’t waste energy getting mad; just follow protocol.
- Keep notes on tricky addresses or ghost customers for next time.
- Use your time wisely. While waiting, check for nearby hotspots or queue up music, podcasts, or your next route.
- Protect your rating. If customers complain later, your polite message history keeps you covered.
💰 6. When to Contact Support
If the app glitches, or you’ve waited longer than usual and can’t leave the food, hit up DoorDash Support. They’ll confirm your attempts, guide you through the final step, and make sure your pay and completion rate stay safe.
🏁 The Dash Pimp Way
At the end of the day, being a Dash Pimp means you move smooth, not sloppy. Non-responsive customers are part of the game, but how you handle them shows your professionalism — and that keeps your Dasher score, bag, and mindset right.
You don’t chase ghosts — you chase money!
