As a Dasher, I have experienced first-hand the consequences of the current rating system, where unfair practices and petty customer complaints can lead to deactivation.

I know other former Dashers who were deactivated unfairly because of an unfair rating in the markets where I work. We live in constant fear of losing our livelihood because a customer decided to rate us unfairly. Yet Doordash does nothing about it. We don't believe it is just, which is why we are calling for a significant change. 

I propose that DoorDash adopts a rating policy similar to Lyft's, where if no rating is given by the customer, the Dasher receives an automatic five-star rating. Reason being that unless a lower rating is given, then  Lyft implemented this policy a few years back and we believe DoorDash should also apply this.

When a customer doesn't leave a rating, it can be assumed there are no serious complaints. By automatically allocating five stars in these situations, DoorDash will provide a more balanced rating system, raising morale among Dashers and encouraging us to continue to provide good service.

The current rating system is exclusionary and fosters insecurity among us, Dashers. If DoorDash makes this change to their ratings policy, it would not only improve conditions for Dashers, but also maintain the high level of customer service that DoorDash is known for.

We are not asking for the moon here, just a fair and reasonable evaluation scheme. A non-rating should be counted as a 5-star rating because if the customer did not take the time to rate the order, then they had no complaints. This is a totally reasonable request considering that Dashers can lose their Platinum (aka Top Dasher in some markets) status (resulting in decreased ability to Dash in many areas) if they fall below 4.7, or entirely lose the ability to Dash if they fall below 4.2. 

Counting a non-rating as a 5-star would still allow unhappy customers to leave lower ratings, but it would also give Dashers a chance to get their rating back up as they do more deliveries, since many customers never rate unless it's a negative rating, and since no rating indicates no complaints. DoorDash would still be able to find reasons to deactivate truly bad Dashers. For that matter, end the practice of deactivating for low ratings unless you are going to take into account the rating habits of a particular market. Or at least lower the threshhold to 2.99 or below if you are not going to implement the change I am petitioning for. 

Together, we can let DoorDash know this issue is important and needs to be addressed. Please support us by signing this petition.