DoorDash introduces package pickup service

DoorDash is now delivering prepaid packages from consumer homes to select third-party parcel carriers.

The on-demand delivery provider is rolling out a new offering called Package Pickup. Timed for holiday returns season, Package Pickup enables consumers to request a DoorDash delivery associate to pick up their prepaid packages from their home and drop them off at a local delivery service, including UPS, FedEx, and USPS.

Here’s how Package Pickup works: 

• Customers select the Packages hub on the top of the DoorDash home page and select the carrier (such as UPS, USPS, or FedEx) that corresponds to the package(s) they are sending, with a five-package maximum per delivery. Alternatively, customers can type “package” into the site’s search bar for access. 
• Customers then attach a prepaid shipping label to their package(s). If they have a shipping QR code, they can send the QR code directly to their delivery associate in the DoorDash app, with no printer or box for the item required.
• Once customers request a package pickup, a delivery associate will be offered and assigned to pick up their package(s).
• The delivery associate will send a confirmation photo after dropping off a customer’s package(s) to the designated store.

Package Pickup costs a flat fee of $5, or $3 for DashPass subscription program members.

Consumers nationwide can take advantage of the service, with DoorDash estimating that Package Pickup reaches 95% of U.S consumers. The company is leveraging its existing logistics infrastructure in what it says is an effort to create a new use case for consumers and simplify the package returns process.

DoorDash also says it will continue to explore new ways to offer more convenience for consumers through its on-demand platform offerings, while providing delivery personnel with additional chances to earn on DoorDash.

DoorDash pursues tech platform status
DoorDash has made a few moves during 2022 that suggest it wants to expand beyond offering on-demand delivery and evolve into a more broadly-based tech platform, like fellow on-demand delivery providers Instacart and Uber have been doing. In March 2022, the company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Bbot, a start-up offering hospitality solutions such as in-store digital ordering and payments. 

And in October 2022, DoorDash introduced new self-serve ad solutions designed to give its CPG partners more flexibility and options. The most dramatic step DoorDash has taken toward becoming a tech platform is its recent launch of Merchant Benefits, a new initiative designed to make discounted benefit products and services available to its retail partners.

“We are excited to introduce Package Pickup as a seamless and efficient offering for those looking to make returns during the busy post-holiday season and throughout the year,” said Gagan Gupta, product manager at DoorDash. “The extensibility of our platform allows us to power all local commerce and local delivery needs, with this newest offering enabling us to meet time-starved shoppers wherever they are.”