DoorDash launches ultrafast delivery service
DoorDash is leveraging its DashMart online convenience channel to support delivery of grocery and CPG items in 10-15 minutes.
The on-demand delivery platform is introducing ultrafast grocery delivery in New York City via its DashMart online convenience storefront. Introduced in August 2020, the DashMart banner offers both household essentials and local restaurant products for on-demand delivery. DashMart stores are owned, operated, and curated by DoorDash, and stocked with inventory from both national and local convenience, grocery and food service retailers.
To start, DoorDash will offer ultra-fast deliveries of an assortment of more than 2,000 products from a new DashMart location in the Chelsea section of Manhattan, with more locations and partners coming over the next few months.
Starting Monday, Dec. 6, customers within the delivery zone can visit the DoorDash app or website and place an order from DashMart for a delivery. Customers who have DashPass will see $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on their orders. The DashMart Chelsea location will be open from 7 am to 2 am daily.
DashCorps, a DoorDash company, will employ full-time courier employees who will work regular schedules, be actively managed, and use a new app designed specifically for their work, which includes job responsibilities beyond delivery. Roles will also come with such as hourly earnings and medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Ultrafast delivery is rapidly growing niche within the broader online delivery space, with New York City as a popular location for U.S. launches. Ultrafast delivery platform Jokr, which initiated U.S. operations in New York City in July 2021, recently closed a $260 million Series B funding deal that put its valuation at $1.2 billion (unicorn status) and made its service is available in several neighborhoods around Boston.
In addition, European fast delivery startup Gorillas, which fulfills online grocery orders in 10 minutes or less, debuted in Brooklyn at the end of May. And Philadelphia-based Gopuff, which provides speedy delivery (in as little as minutes) of immediate everyday needs, is expanding on the West Coast. And Buyk recently launched operations in Manhattan with a promise of fulfilling online and mobile orders in 15 minutes or less, while Turkish company Getir recently made its U.S. debut in Chicago.
[Read more: Ultrafast delivery is gaining momentum]
"As the largest and most reliable logistics network in the U.S., DoorDash is positioned to enter this emerging industry and provide consistent quality, speed and convenience that customers know and trust. 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," said Christopher Payne, president of DoorDash. "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.
"Millions of people across the country turn to platforms like DoorDash to earn supplemental income when, where and how they choose, providing them with unique flexibility and choice that is so valuable," said Payne. "We're proud to be a leader in providing economic opportunities that fit the lives of so many people. And now, we're excited about the new employment opportunity that DashCorps offers for a different type of work."
Founded in 2013, DoorDash is a technology company that connects consumers with their favorite local and national businesses in more than 7,000 cities across the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and Germany.