AITA for giving a DoorDash driver 2 stars because he didn’t follow my instructions?
A Los Angeles resident found herself questioning her decision after giving a DoorDash driver a two-star rating. Living on a steep, busy street with no safe stopping area, she had carefully written delivery instructions asking drivers not to park directly in front of her building.
Despite sending reminders and choosing the no-contact option, the driver parked in the middle of the turning lane, knocked repeatedly on the building door, and later told her the situation was dangerous. She responded with a low rating. Now, after her boyfriend warned that poor ratings can cost drivers their jobs, she is wondering whether she went too far.
‘AITA for giving a DoorDash driver 2 stars because he didn’t follow my instructions?’
She explains the safety issue and her detailed instructions.
The delivery did not go as planned.
The confrontation led to a low rating and second thoughts.
Ratings systems in gig-based delivery services place significant power in customers’ hands. Drivers depend on consistently high scores, which can create tension when expectations are not met. In this case, the customer clearly attempted to provide safety-focused instructions and selected a no-contact option, indicating a preference for minimal interaction.
From her perspective, the driver ignored written directions, created a traffic hazard, and then blamed her for the danger. This reversal of responsibility likely intensified her frustration. Additionally, repeatedly knocking despite a no-contact request undermines the purpose of that option. Customers reasonably expect basic adherence to instructions when they are clear and safety-related.
On the other hand, delivery work in large cities like Los Angeles can be chaotic. Drivers navigate traffic, time pressure, and unclear building access. Some commenters suggested simplifying instructions to reduce confusion. Ultimately, the conflict reflects a broader issue: balancing empathy for workers in difficult conditions with accountability for professional conduct.
Take a look at the comments from fellow users:
Many commenters strongly supported her rating decision.
Others offered more mixed or critical perspectives.
![[Reddit User] − 2 stars is bit too harsh but he should have read that instructions.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/wp-editor-1772178126487-1.webp)
![[Reddit User] − YTA. You are a terrible customer and a Worse human being.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/wp-editor-1772178127183-2.webp)
![[Reddit User] − ESH that dude was outta line but you really should simplify your instructions. Door Dash in LA is a nightmare as is, I can’t imagine when/how drivers...](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/wp-editor-1772178127907-3.webp)
A few comments bluntly disagreed.
![[Reddit User] − I was prepared to judge you TA but the lecture from him makes you NTA. I think texting part of the direction and not the others is...](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/wp-editor-1772178138848-1.webp)
This situation highlights the complicated balance between empathy for gig workers and accountability for service standards. Clear instructions were given, yet they were not followed, leading to safety concerns and frustration.
Was a two-star rating fair given the circumstances, or should customers overlook mistakes during difficult times? How much responsibility falls on drivers to carefully read instructions, especially in high-pressure environments? Share your thoughts on where fairness and compassion should meet.
