Earn by Time vs. Earn by Offer: Which DoorDash Mode is More Profitable?

If you have ever opened the Dasher app and stared at the "Choose Your Mode" screen, you are not alone. Deciding between Earn by Time (EBT) and Earn by Offer (EBO) is one of the most debated topics among delivery drivers today. You want to maximize your hourly rate while minimizing the wear and tear on your vehicle, but the algorithm doesn't always make the choice easy.

Many drivers feel the frustration of a slow Tuesday afternoon where they sit in a parking lot for forty minutes without a single ping. Others have been burned by accepting a "high-pay" offer only to spend an hour stuck in a drive-thru or heavy city traffic. Both scenarios eat into your bottom line.

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the mechanics of both earning structures, analyze the profitability of each, and help you determine which delivery strategy fits your specific market and driving style.

Understanding the Two Delivery Modes

Before diving into the math, it is essential to understand exactly how DoorDash calculates your pay in each mode.

1. Earn by Offer (EBO)

This is the classic way to dash. For every delivery, DoorDash presents you with a "guaranteed minimum" that includes base pay and any visible tip.

The Math: Total Pay = Base Pay + Promotions + 100% of Tips.
Control: You have the freedom to decline as many orders as you want to maintain your preferred dollar-per-mile ratio.
Risk: If a restaurant is slow or traffic is backed up, your hourly rate drops because the pay for that specific offer is fixed.

2. Earn by Time (EBT)

In this mode, you receive a guaranteed hourly rate for your active time. Active time starts the moment you accept an order and ends when you complete the drop-off.

The Math: Total Pay = (Active Hourly Rate × Active Time) + 100% of Tips.
The Catch: You do not get paid for "dash time" (the time spent waiting for an order). Additionally, you can typically only decline one order per hour before the app switches you back to Earn by Offer.

When Earn by Time is Actually More Profitable

Most veteran drivers suggest that Earn by Offer is the only way to go, but there are specific scenarios where Earn by Time is a superior financial strategy.

1. Slower Restaurants and Peak Traffic

If you are dashing in an area notorious for slow merchant prep times—think busy Wingstop locations or understaffed fast-food lobbies—Earn by Time is your best friend. Instead of getting frustrated while waiting 20 minutes for a bag, you are literally "on the clock." If your local rate is $15.00/hour, that 20-minute wait just earned you $5.00 in base pay alone.

2. Long-Distance Deliveries

In rural or suburban markets where deliveries often take you 8 to 12 miles away, the base pay on a standard offer might only be $3.00 or $4.00. Under the hourly model, a 30-minute round trip ensures you receive half of the hourly rate, which often exceeds the standard base pay for long-haul trips.

3. Boosting Your Acceptance Rate (AR)

If you are trying to reach or maintain Platinum status in the Dasher rewards program, Earn by Time is the most efficient tool. Since you are essentially forced to accept most orders, your Acceptance Rate will climb rapidly while you still receive a guaranteed floor for your efforts.

The Hidden Costs of the Hourly Model

While a guaranteed rate sounds safe, there are two major drawbacks that can negatively impact your net earnings:

The "No-Tip" Dumping Ground: DoorDash frequently uses Earn by Time to clear out orders that have been declined by EBO drivers—usually because the customer didn't tip. While your base pay is guaranteed, your total earnings might be lower because the "Tips" portion of the equation is often zero.
Increased Mileage: Because you cannot "cherry-pick" your routes, you may find yourself driving significantly more miles for the same amount of money. Always calculate your profit after fuel and maintenance costs.

When Earn by Offer Reigns Supreme

If you are an experienced driver who knows your market like the back of your hand, Earn by Offer is generally where the "big money" stays.

Cherry-Picking for Quality: In EBO mode, you can wait for those $10.00+ offers that cover short distances (under 3 miles). This maximizes your dollar-per-mile efficiency.
Peak Pay Efficiency: During "Peak Pay" promotions, every order gets an extra $1.00 to $3.00. In EBO mode, if you complete three short orders in an hour, you've earned an extra $9.00. In EBT mode, promotions are often already baked into the hourly rate, or only applied once.
Large Order Priority: High-value catering orders and large grocery hauls are almost exclusively routed to drivers in the "per offer" mode who have high ratings. These are the orders that provide the $20.00+ tips that make dashing truly lucrative.

Profitability Checklist: Which One Should You Choose?

To maximize your take-home pay, use this quick reference to decide your mode before you hit "Dash Now."

Market Condition	Recommended Mode	Why?
Late Night (Drive-thrus only)	Earn by Time	You get paid for the 30-minute wait in line.
Lunch/Dinner Rush	Earn by Offer	Higher volume of high-tip orders available.
Inclement Weather	Earn by Offer	Customers tip better; higher demand means you can be picky.
New or Unfamiliar Zone	Earn by Time	Ensures a "safety net" while you learn which areas are slow.
High Gas Prices	Earn per Offer	Critical to minimize mileage and only take high-value trips.

Strategic Summary for the Modern Dasher

The most successful gig workers don't stick to just one mode; they pivot based on the day and the data. If the sun is shining and the orders are flowing, switch to Earn by Offer and hunt for those premium tips. If you find yourself stuck in a gridlocked city or waiting endlessly at restaurants, flip the switch to Earn by Time to ensure your time is never wasted.

By treating your delivery business with this level of tactical flexibility, you can stop "guessing" which mode is better and start "knowing" how to maximize every hour you spend on the road.

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