Caviar Drivers’ Guide to Savings and Success

What is Caviar?

Caviar started as a gourmet food delivery service and has since evolved into a significant player in the food delivery industry, now under the umbrella of DoorDash. It specializes in delivering meals from high-end and popular local restaurants to customers’ doorsteps. So, why opt for Caviar over others? Simply put, Caviar often targets a more upscale clientele, which can translate to higher earnings and tips for delivery drivers.

Caviar Delivery Jobs: Pros and Cons

Working with Caviar comes with its set of benefits and challenges. Caviar delivery drivers appreciate the flexibility of choosing their hours and the higher potential for tips due to the nature of the orders. However, the job is not without its hurdles, such as dealing with peak meal times and navigating through traffic, which can test your patience and time management skills. Additionally, there might be fewer orders from Caviar, as there might be a higher demand for more affordable meals and fast food.

Earnings and Benefits

How Much Can You Earn as a Caviar Driver?

The earnings for a Caviar driver can vary widely based on several factors, such as the city, the time of day, and the number of hours worked. Generally, Caviar promotes a competitive pay structure up to $25/hr, especially when demand is high. Couriers earn money per delivery plus tips, and since Caviar tends to serve higher-end restaurants, tips can be substantial.

Drivers receive payment via direct deposit, which makes the process straightforward and convenient.

Tips to Maximize Earnings

• Work during peak times: Lunch and dinner rushes, especially from Friday to Sunday, are typically the busiest times and can help increase your earnings due to higher demand and more generous tipping.
• Participate in promotions: Doordash often offers promotions where food delivery drivers can earn extra money for completing a certain number of deliveries within a specified timeframe or during busy hours.
• Provide excellent service: Customer tips can make a significant difference in earnings. Friendly, efficient service can lead to higher tips.
• Maximize you tax savings: Caviar drivers are self-employed, which means they are eligible for several tax deductions, which we will explore in detail in this article.

Requirements to Become a Caviar Driver

Legal and Age Requirements

To drive for Caviar, you must meet the following criteria:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Legal Right to Work: You need to have the legal right to work in the U.S.
• You must have at least 2 years of driving experience.
• Background Check: A clean driving record and a criminal background check are mandatory. The background check covers driving history and criminal background nationwide.

Vehicle Requirements

The type of vehicle allowed can vary by city, but generally, the requirements are as follows:

• Car, Scooter, or Bicycle: In some cities, Caviar allows deliveries by scooter or bicycle in addition to cars. This is particularly beneficial in densely populated urban areas where navigating traffic and parking can be challenging.
• Insurance: Adequate vehicle insurance is mandatory.
• Safety: The vehicle must be in safe working condition.

Detailed Application Process for Caviar Drivers

Step 1: Online Application Submission

• Initial Sign-Up: Begin by visiting the DoorDash website (as Caviar is now part of DoorDash) and navigating to the application section. To apply, you will need to provide basic information such as your name, address, and contact information.
• Vehicle Information: Depending on the city, you’ll also need to input details about the vehicle you plan to use for deliveries, including make, model, and year. If you’re delivering by bike or scooter, you’ll indicate that here.

Step 2: Interview

• Orientation: Once your application has been submitted, a representative from Caviar will get in touch with you. This contact will be followed by an interview and a face-to-face session. Depending on local regulations, a background check may be conducted either after your interview or once you’ve received a conditional offer. Once you agree to the Courier Terms and Conditions with Caviar, you’ll be able to set yourself as available to start making deliveries.
• Delivery Gear: Doordash may provide you with delivery gear, such as an insulated bag, which is either given during the onboarding session or mailed to you.

Step 4: Download and Set Up the Driver App

• App Installation: After clearing the onboarding process, you’ll need to download the DoorDash driver app if you haven’t already. This application is where you’ll receive food Caviar delivery requests, manage deliveries, track your earnings, and communicate with customers.
• App Setup: Set up your profile in the app, including linking your bank account for direct deposit payments. The app will guide you through how to accept delivery offers, manage delivery routes, and handle customer interactions.

Step 5: Start Accepting Deliveries

• Going Live: Once your app is set up, and you’re familiar with how it works, you can start accepting delivery assignments. You can log into the app and set yourself as available to take orders during the times that work best for your schedule.
• Accepting Orders: When an order comes in, the app will notify you. You’ll see information about the delivery, including pick-up and drop-off locations, estimated time, and earnings. You can then choose to accept or decline the delivery request based on your availability and preferences.

Advanced Tips for Caviar Couriers

Everyday Strategies

To really excel at this job, consider these strategies:

• Increase your tips by providing exceptional service and maintaining a positive attitude.
• Choose your delivery times wisely; peak meal times can mean more orders and higher tips.
• Plan your routes efficiently to save time and fuel.
• Always be courteous and professional to ensure a good customer experience.

Keep track of your Earnings and Expenses

As an independent contractor, managing your finances is crucial. Keeping track of your earnings and understanding your expenses will give you a clear overview of your profits and help identify aspects of your business that need improvement. Moreover, precise records are essential in managing your taxes and deductions.