DoorDash has become a household name in the food delivery space, known for getting meals from local restaurants to your doorstep in minutes. But as consumers’ demands evolve, many are asking: Can I DoorDash household items? It’s a natural question in an age where convenience is king and instant gratification is more accessible than ever. Whether you’re running low on toilet paper during a busy work week or forgot to pick up batteries before a movie night, the idea of using DoorDash to deliver everyday essentials is tempting. But is it possible, and more importantly, is it practical?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the realities of using DoorDash to order household goods, what types of non-food items are actually available through the platform, and how it stacks up against other delivery services. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or someone who just wants to maximize their time, this article will help you understand if DoorDash is the right solution for your household needs.
Understanding DoorDash’s Core Purpose
DoorDash launched in 2013 with a clear mission: to help restaurants expand their reach by delivering food efficiently. Over the years, the company has evolved into a multifaceted delivery platform. While food remains the heart of the service, DoorDash has aggressively expanded into adjacent markets. Understanding that food delivery isn’t the only avenue for growth, the company launched DoorDash Market—a feature that allows users to order from grocery stores, convenience stores, and even pharmacies.
This expansion means that while DoorDash is not designed to be a general-purpose delivery service for arbitrary household goods, it does have the capability to deliver certain everyday household items through its partnerships with stores that carry them.
DoorDash’s Expansion Beyond Restaurants
DoorDash operates several verticals beyond restaurant delivery. The most notable include:
- DoorDash Grocery – Partnering with supermarkets like Kroger, Albertsons, and Meijer to deliver food and pantry staples.
- DoorDash Convenience – Offering delivery from stores such as 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Speedway for everyday items.
- DoorDash Pharmacy – Allowing pickup and delivery of prescriptions and over-the-counter healthcare products.
While none of these are designed for large, non-standard items like furniture or electronics, they widen the scope of what can be delivered through the app, including many common household necessities.
What Constitutes “Household Items” on DoorDash?
When people think about “household items,” the definition can vary. It might include:
- Cleaning supplies (paper towels, disinfectant sprays, laundry detergent)
- Toiletries (toothpaste, shampoo, soap)
- Pantry basics (canned goods, pasta, spices)
- Pet supplies (dog food, litter)
- Office supplies (batteries, pens, notebooks)
- Diapers and baby products
- Over-the-counter medications
The good news? Many of these items are available through DoorDash’s convenience and grocery partners, depending on your location.
Examples of Deliverable Household Essentials
Let’s break down what types of everyday items DoorDash users can actually order:
Cleaning and Bathroom Supplies
Via partnerships with convenience stores and supermarkets, users can order:
– Toilet paper
– Paper towels
– Dish soap
– Laundry detergent
– All-purpose cleaners
– Hand soap and sanitizers
Personal Care and Toiletries
Many 24-hour convenience stores and pharmacies on DoorDash stock personal care essentials such as:
– Shampoo and conditioner
– Deodorant
– Razors and shaving cream
– Toothbrushes and toothpaste
– Feminine hygiene products
Pet Needs
Pet owners will find welcome relief in discovering that some DashPass partners offer:
– Dog and cat food
– Litter
– Treats and chew toys
– Flea and tick medication (in some areas)
Baby and Child Care Products
For families in a pinch, DoorDash delivers:
– Baby wipes
– Disposable diapers
– Formula (where inventory allows)
– Diaper rash cream
Office and Miscellaneous Supplies
Depending on the retailer, you might even find:
– Batteries
– Light bulbs
– Notebooks and pens
– Adhesive tape and trash bags
What You Cannot DoorDash
While the variety of deliverable items is growing, there are clear limitations to what DoorDash can and will deliver. Understanding these restrictions is crucial to setting realistic expectations.
Larger Goods and Non-Standard Items
DoorDash is not a freight delivery service. This means you cannot use the app to order:
– Furniture
– Appliances
– Electronics (like TVs or laptops)
– Tools and hardware (e.g., drills, ladders)
– Large bulk orders (e.g., 50 rolls of toilet paper)
The couriers (Dasher drivers) typically use personal vehicles and are not equipped to handle oversized or heavy packages requiring special handling.
Perishable Items with Specific Storage Needs
While groceries are a key focus, not all perishable goods are available through every partner store. Temperature-sensitive items like:
– Fresh flowers
– Frozen desserts (in some cases)
– Certain medications requiring refrigeration
…may or may not be provided depending on the retailer’s capabilities and the available delivery method (thermal bags vs. refrigerated transport).
Age-Restricted or Regulated Items
Items such as:
– Alcohol (though DoorDash does deliver alcohol in select markets with ID verification)
– Tobacco products
– Vapes or e-cigarettes
– Certain medications (require prescriptions and pharmacy compliance)
…are restricted due to legal and safety regulations. These items are only available through licensed retailers who are approved for delivery.
How to Order Household Items via DoorDash
If you’re ready to try it, ordering household goods through DoorDash is straightforward. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the DoorDash App
Launch the DoorDash app on your smartphone. Ensure you’re logged in and have your delivery address entered correctly.
Step 2: Navigate to the “Stores” or “Convenience” Tab
In the app’s navigation menu, you’ll see options labeled:
– Restaurants
– Stores or Convenience
– Grocery
– Pharmacy
Tap on “Stores” or “Grocery,” depending on what you’re looking for. The availability of these tabs depends on your geographical location.
Step 3: Browse and Select a Retailer
From the list of nearby convenience stores, grocery shops, or pharmacies, select one that stocks the items you need. Popular options include:
– 7-Eleven
– Walgreens
– CVS
– Albertsons
– Kroger
Step 4: Add Items to Your Cart
Once inside the store’s virtual inventory, browse the available products. Search functions help you locate specific items (e.g., “AA batteries” or “laundry detergent”).
Pro Tip: Use keywords related to the aisle (e.g., “cleaning,” “home”) to narrow down your search more efficiently.
Step 5: Checkout and Track Delivery
After adding all desired items, proceed to checkout. Confirm your delivery address, choose a tip amount, and review the total cost (including delivery fees, service charges, and any taxes).
Once your order is confirmed, you’ll see a real-time map showing your Dasher en route and estimated delivery time.
Is DoorDashing Household Items Cost-Effective?
While the convenience factor is undeniable, cost is a major consideration. Let’s analyze the economics:
Cost Comparison: DoorDash vs. In-Person Shopping
Ordering through DoorDash typically incurs additional fees, including:
– Delivery fee ($2–$6)
– Service fee (percentage-based)
– Small order fee (if under minimum)
– Tip for the Dasher (recommended 15–20%)
For example, suppose you order:
– $15 worth of groceries and household items
– $5 delivery fee
– $3 service fee
– $3 tip
Total: $26 — a 73% markup over the sticker price.
When It Makes Financial Sense
Despite the added costs, DoorDash for household items may be worth it in specific scenarios:
– Time is limited (e.g., work deadlines, family obligations)
– Weather or health prevents travel
– You live far from any retail stores
– You’re part of a DashPass subscription and can waive delivery fees
DashPass is DoorDash’s membership program (around $9.99/month), offering:
– Free delivery on eligible orders
– Reduced service fees
– Exclusive deals from retail partners
For frequent users, DashPass can significantly offset delivery costs, especially if combined with smart ordering habits.
Alternative Platforms for Household Delivery
While DoorDash is a capable option, it’s not the only player in the instant delivery game. Consider these alternatives:
Amazon Prime Now / Amazon Fresh
Amazon’s services specialize in delivering household items directly from warehouses or local fulfillment centers. Benefits include:
– Wider variety of non-food goods
– Fast 1- or 2-hour delivery in select areas
– Deep integration with Alexa and shopping lists
However, Amazon requires Prime membership ($14.99/month or $139/year), and stock varies by region.
Walmart+ and Walmart Grocery Delivery
Walmart’s subscription service offers:
– Free delivery on orders over $35
– Access to thousands of household products
– In-store fulfillment with curbside or home delivery
Walmart often undercuts DoorDash on pricing, especially for bulk essentials.
Instacart
Instacart partners with major grocery chains like Costco, Publix, and Safeway. It allows delivery of:
– Groceries
– Cleaning supplies
– Health and beauty products
– Pet food
It excels in volume and product choice, with comparable fees to DoorDash.
GoPuff (Now Dashing)
GoPuff rebranded in 2023 as Dashing, merging with DoorDash’s same-day delivery network. It’s a strong competitor focused exclusively on convenience goods, with delivery in as little as 15 minutes from local micro-fulfillment centers.
With this merger, DoorDash gains access to GoPuff’s extensive catalog of household items and faster delivery infrastructure.
Future of DoorDash: Toward a Full-Service Marketplace
DoorDash’s acquisition of GoPuff in 2021 signaled a strategic shift. The company is clearly investing in becoming a one-stop-shop for everyday needs, not just restaurant meals. This evolution suggests that in coming years, the ability to DoorDash household items directly will only expand.
Trends Shaping DoorDash’s Expansion
Several trends support this growth:
– Rising demand for ultra-fast delivery: Consumers increasingly expect 30-minute to 2-hour delivery windows.
– Urbanization and smaller living spaces: People buy in smaller quantities more frequently, favoring delivery over bulk shopping.
– Competition from tech giants: DoorDash must expand to keep up with Amazon and Uber’s delivery networks.
What Could Be Next?
Future enhancements may include:
– Direct partnerships with retail brands (e.g., Tide, Clorox)
– Subscription boxes for recurring essentials (e.g., monthly delivery of toilet paper and cleaning spray)
– AI-powered predictive ordering based on past behavior
– Expansion into home maintenance items (light bulbs, filters, etc.) via hardware store tie-ins
DoorDash may never replace home improvement stores or appliance retailers, but the range of deliverable household items will likely continue to grow.
Best Practices for Ordering Household Items via DoorDash
To maximize value and minimize frustration, follow these tips:
1. Use DashPass Wisely
If you order household items more than once a month, DashPass pays for itself quickly. Look for DashPass-only deals at convenience and grocery partners to stretch your budget.
2. Order During Off-Peak Hours
Just like food delivery, fees can increase during peak demand (evenings, weekends). Order in the middle of the day for better availability and lower surge pricing.
3. Combine Orders When Possible
Rather than ordering toothpaste today and laundry detergent tomorrow, bundling needs in one trip reduces fees and delivery time.
4. Check Retailer Stock and Policies
Inventory fluctuates. A 7-Eleven may have batteries on Tuesday but not on Friday. Verify stock before ordering, especially for high-demand items during supply shortages.
5. Tip Generously for Better Service
Household goods aren’t flashy, but Dashers appreciate fair tipping. A higher tip may result in more careful handling and faster fulfillment.
Real User Experiences: What People Say About DoorDashing Essentials
Customer feedback provides insight into the practicality of using DoorDash for household items. Here’s what users commonly report:
- “I forgot diapers during a weekend storm. DoorDash saved us—got them in under an hour from CVS.”
- “It’s expensive, but when I’m working late and need dish soap, it’s worth the $5 fee.”
- “Tried to order a vacuum cleaner—got a message that oversized items can’t be delivered. Makes sense, but disappointing.”
While experiences vary, most users find DoorDash reliable for emergencies or small-quantity needs, but less ideal for major household restocking.
Final Verdict: Can You DoorDash Household Items?
Yes—with caveats. You can use DoorDash to deliver many common household items, especially those found in convenience stores, grocery shops, and pharmacies. The platform excels at last-minute needs, emergencies, and small purchases where time matters more than cost.
However, DoorDash is not a substitute for bulk shopping, furniture delivery, or shopping at specialty hardware or electronics stores. Its role is best understood as a complement to your regular shopping routine, not a replacement.
If you’re someone who values convenience and speed over price, and you’re primarily looking for essentials like cleaning supplies, toiletries, or pet food, then DoorDash is a viable and increasingly effective option. With DashPass, the experience becomes even more seamless.
Bottom Line
DoorDash’s ability to deliver household items is real, growing, and increasingly integrated into daily life. While the service has limits, its expansion into grocery, convenience, and pharmacy delivery means that your next roll of paper towels might be just a tap away.
So the next time you’re scrambling for essentials and can’t make it to the store, open the DoorDash app, explore the Stores tab, and see what’s available. You might just find that your definition of “delivery” has evolved—right along with the platform.
Can I use DoorDash to deliver household items like groceries or toiletries?
Yes, DoorDash does deliver household items, primarily through its DashMart and convenience store delivery services. These options allow customers to order everyday essentials such as toilet paper, cleaning supplies, snacks, beverages, and over-the-counter medications from participating retailers. While DoorDash initially focused on restaurant food delivery, it has expanded its offerings to include a wider range of products to meet consumer demand for convenience.
DashMart locations—either physical mini-stores or dark stores operated by DoorDash—are stocked specifically for on-demand delivery of household goods. These items are not typically sourced from the restaurants that DoorDash partners with for food delivery. Instead, they come from dedicated inventory managed by DoorDash or third-party convenience retailers. Availability varies by location, so customers should check the app to see if DashMart or similar services are offered in their area.
Are there restrictions on what types of household items I can order via DoorDash?
While DoorDash offers a broad selection of household essentials, there are limitations on what can be ordered. Items like alcohol, tobacco, prescription medications, and hazardous materials are either restricted or require age verification and specific licensing. Additionally, large or bulky items such as furniture, appliances, or heavy containers may not be available due to logistical and delivery constraints.
DoorDash’s inventory is curated based on what can be efficiently stored, transported, and delivered within a short timeframe. This means niche or specialty household goods—such as specific cleaning chemicals or imported products—may not be available. Customers should also note that availability depends on local regulations and store partnerships, so while common items like laundry detergent or dish soap are frequently offered, unusual or high-value goods are generally excluded.
How do I find household items on the DoorDash app?
To find household items on DoorDash, open the app and look for the “DashMart” section, which is typically listed alongside restaurant options on the home screen. Some areas may have DashMart listed under “Convenience” or “Grocery” categories. Once selected, users can browse available items organized into categories such as snacks, beverages, cleaning supplies, and personal care products.
If DashMart is not available in your area, you may still find household goods through partner convenience stores or drugstores listed on the app, such as 7-Eleven or Walgreens. These retailers often stock basic household essentials. Simply search for a store near you and check their product catalog within the app. Availability will depend on the store’s inventory and delivery zones.
How much does it cost to have household items delivered through DoorDash?
Delivery costs for household items via DoorDash vary based on location, order size, and delivery speed. Standard delivery fees typically start around $3 to $6, but this can fluctuate based on distance, demand, and time of day. Users may also be subject to service fees, taxes, and potential markups on individual items, especially with DashMart orders.
To reduce costs, customers can subscribe to DashPass, DoorDash’s membership program, which offers reduced delivery fees and no-service fees on eligible orders over a certain amount. Some DashMart items may also be slightly higher in price than in-store due to the on-demand delivery model. It’s advisable to compare total costs, including fees, before placing an order to ensure value.
What are the delivery times for household items ordered through DoorDash?
DoorDash typically delivers household items within 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the rider’s availability and the distance to your location. DashMart and convenience store deliveries are designed for speed and convenience, so they often arrive faster than grocery delivery services. However, during peak hours or high-demand periods, delivery times may be extended.
These estimated delivery windows are provided in the app at checkout and are based on real-time data. Unlike restaurant orders, household items are often stocked nearby in DashMart warehouses or local stores, which helps reduce wait times. Customers can also track their order in real time through the app to monitor progress and get accurate arrival updates.
Can I schedule a future delivery for household items on DoorDash?
Currently, DoorDash does not widely support scheduled deliveries for household items such as those from DashMart or convenience stores. Most orders are designed for immediate, on-demand delivery to meet urgent needs. This means you’ll need to place your order when you’re ready for prompt delivery rather than selecting a future date or time.
However, some partnered retail stores may offer limited scheduling options depending on their operational capabilities. These features are not consistently available and are more commonly found with grocery delivery partners like Walmart or Kroger, which DoorDash sometimes supports. For now, advance planning for household essentials through DoorDash is generally not possible, so spontaneous ordering is the norm.
What happens if my household item delivery arrives damaged or incorrect?
If your household item delivery arrives damaged, missing items, or incorrect, DoorDash provides a customer support process to resolve the issue. You can report the problem directly through the app by navigating to the order in your history and selecting “Need help with this order?” From there, you can describe the issue and upload photos as evidence. DoorDash typically responds quickly, often within a few hours.
Depending on the situation, DoorDash may offer a refund, partial credit, or a re-delivery of the correct items. If a product is damaged during transit, responsibility usually falls on DoorDash or the delivery partner. However, it’s important to report issues promptly—generally within 24 hours of delivery—to ensure a smooth resolution. Customer service aims to maintain trust and reliability for all types of deliveries, not just food.