DoorDash and Caviar offer similar services and are owned by the DoorDash Group. For context, DoorDash is the parent company, while Caviar is the subsidiary (previously owned by Square).
Now that a parent company owns both platforms, it is safe to say they share other features. Examples of these features include the quality of service and the payment schedule.
Both services also maintain certain uniqueness or feature a degree of differences. For example, Caviar focuses on food delivery from high-end restaurants. On the other hand, DoorDash delivers food, groceries, alcohol, and other supplies.
This guide elucidates the differences and similarities between Caviar and DoorDash. But before we delve into that, some background information on both services and their key features is necessary.
Caviar
Caviar is a platform that allows customers to order food from restaurants nearby conveniently. DoorDash acquired it in August 2019 and is available in about 20 locations in the U.S.
This includes Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Brooklyn, Dallas, and Washington DC.
Key features
- Markup prices for food – responsible for why the cost of food may be higher on Caviar than when you visit or dine at the restaurant
- Delivery fees and additional charges such as taxes and service fee
- No minimum order requirements
- Tips are allowed
- DashPass-eligible (but no Student Pass)
- Offers contactless delivery
DoorDash
DoorDash is another on-demand food-delivery service that delivers food, groceries, and other items to homes and businesses. The company launched in 2013 and operates in over 100 cities across the U.S currently.
Key features
- Markup prices for food or groceries
- Delivery fees and additional charges such as taxes and service fee
- No minimum order requirement
- More discounts and promotions
- Tips are allowed
- DashPass covers extended regions and features Student Pass
- Offers contactless delivery
9 Ways Caviar Differs From DoorDash
From the background information above, you can see that both services have similarities and differences. Here, we dive into some of the key differences:
1. Number of restaurants
Caviar leans on the side of upscale or classy restaurants than fast-food chains or regular restaurants. As a result, it partners with only a few restaurants.
Conversely, DoorDash partners with more restaurants and grocery stores. Hence, customers enjoy access to restaurants and grocery stores within their budget.
2. Delivery areas
Since Caviar prioritizes upscale restaurants, its services are mostly available in metro areas in the U.S., such as Chicago and San Francisco. On the other hand, DoorDash covers more remote locations like Nebraska and Hawaii.
3. Mode of operation and cost of items
While both food-delivery platforms can be considered affordable, Caviar remains a premium marketplace. The mode of operation and cost of items are higher compared to DoorDash.
4. Payment method
Delivery drivers on Caviar enjoy a flexible mode of payment compared to DoorDash drivers. They get paid a task-based fee for every delivery.
This means how much you earn per delivery is not usually fixed or within a range. On the other hand, DoorDash drivers only get within the base pay limit (excluding other incentives).
5. Hourly pay for delivery drivers
Drivers on Caviar generally earn more than those on DoorDash. For context, the average hourly earning on Caviar is around $25 or more, while DoorDash boasts a range between $10 to $15.
6. Delivery speed
While both platforms prioritize prompt delivery, DoorDash edges Caviar regarding delivery speed. The average delivery time for a DoorDash order is 40 minutes compared to Caviar’s 50 minutes.
DoorDash boasts faster delivery because of its extensive network and large fleet of drivers. Nevertheless, the distance between you and the restaurant primarily determines delivery speed.
7. Reward programs
DoorDash features more reward programs and promotions than Caviar. Although both services reward you with a point per delivery and are DashPass-eligible, DoorDash comes on top with the Student DashPass.
This is a program designed for university or post-secondary. It allows eligible students to pay $4.99/month instead of the regular $9.99 for DashPass benefits.
8. User experience and app design
In terms of user experience, Caviar’s app is better. It features a sleek and user-friendly interface worthy of high-end or sophisticated clientele.
On the other hand, DoorDash’s app features less sophistication and may vary slightly between regions due to its extensive coverage.
9. Customer service
Although Caviar’s representatives exhibit advanced professionalism, both services boast excellent customer service. Caviar edges DoorDash because they are tailored to high-end customers and receive fewer complaints.
Below is a table summarizing the differences between Caviar and DoorDash:
| Caviar | DoorDash |
| Prioritizes high-end and premium restaurants. This translates to fewer restaurants on the platform. | Partners with all types of restaurants. It also partners with grocery stores and delivers supplies. |
| Might come off as slightly expensive. | Budget-friendly. |
| Delivery drivers earn an average of $25/hour. | Drivers earn an average of $10 to $20 per hour. |
| Prioritizes metro cities. | Available in rural and urban locations. |
| The average delivery speed is 50 minutes. | The average delivery speed is 40 minutes. |
| Does not support DashPass for students. | Supports DashPass for students. |
| High-end and very responsive customer service. | Response to complaints may be slower during peak hours. |
| Very sleek and sophisticated user interface. | The user interface is less sophisticated. |
Similarities between Caviar & DoorDash
1. Payment schedule
By default, Caviar and DoorDash pay their delivery drivers once every week. However, both also have instant pay options.
DoorDash drivers can use Fast Pay to withdraw their earnings whenever they want for a small $1.99 fee/withdrawal. On the other hand, delivery drivers on Caviar get paid instantly via Cash App.
2. Order tracking
Both services also allow customers to track their orders via the app. You will receive a notification for every stage of delivery. These stages include:
- Order received
- Your order is being prepared or processed
- A driver has picked up your order
- Delivered
Tracking also helps you report any in-transit delivery issue(s) promptly.
3. Contact the delivery driver
DoorDash and Caviar allow customers to contact delivery drivers for specific or additional instructions before delivery. This can be handy if you need to know where your order is or if you want it dropped off at a location within your property.
Delivery drivers can also contact you to report any delay caused by gridlock or adverse weather.
4. Schedule delivery for future dates
Customers can also schedule deliveries for a future date on Caviar and DoorDash. This feature makes ordering special meals or birthday cakes in advance for a family member or loved one easier.
5. Access to order history
You can revisit your order history on the Caviar and DoorDash app. This helps you reorder food you really enjoyed from the same restaurant.
Please note that the order total for your new order may be slightly different. Order history is also downloadable on Caviar and DoorDash.
FAQs
Is there a driver app for Caviar?
Not anymore. Since DoorDash acquired Caviar, deliveries on both platforms are handled by DoorDash delivery drivers.
Which food delivery service is best?
There are a lot of excellent food delivery services out there. Popular ones include DoorDash, Caviar, Grubhub, Uber Eats, and Seamless.
Is Caviar better than Grubhub?
Both services have their pros and cons. While Caviar caters to premium restaurants and larger orders, Grubhub enjoys a better demand because it offers more budget-friendly meals.
Is DoorDash better than Uber Eats?
DoorDash is more popular than Uber Eats and most food delivery services. Its services are generally cheaper, and it delivers faster than Uber Eats.
Wrapping Up: Which is better – Caviar or DoorDash?
Both Caviar and DoorDash are excellent delivery services for affordable foods. The best option for you will depend on your order, budget, and how far the restaurant is located.
For example, DoorDash handles large and distant orders better than Caviar. This is thanks to its flat-rate payment method, vast coverage (delivery radius), and a fleet of drivers.
On the other hand, Caviar charges a percentage of the delivery fee for every order. This means delivery may become expensive if you do not stick to small orders.
I hope you found this guide helpful. If you did, please see the meaning of No Contact delivery and how it works.
Thanks for reading.
