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DoorDash·Software Engineer·Technical Phone Screen·Intermediate

Intermediate
Jun 2026

Summary

DoorDash data engineering interview with an analytics-heavy case question about delivery issues. Pretty focused on how you'd break down two related but distinct problems rather than treating them as one.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

DoorDash has two types of delivery complaints: missing items and wrong items. How would you analyze each of them separately?

Product Analytics & MetricsRoot Cause Analysis
Author's notes

My first instinct was to lump them together which was probably the wrong move.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Start by defining each complaint type precisely and identifying the distinct stages in the delivery process where they originate. Then, for each type, outline a separate analysis plan that includes data sources, metrics, segmentation, and root cause hypotheses, emphasizing how the investigations differ.

Pro tip: Highlight that missing items often stem from merchant-side errors (e.g., forgotten items) while wrong items often result from Dasher-side errors (e.g., swapped bags), so your analysis should focus on different parts of the funnel and use different data signals.

1. Define and Scope Each Complaint

Clearly define what constitutes a 'missing item' (item not in bag) versus a 'wrong item' (incorrect item delivered). Scope the analysis to specific time periods, regions, and customer segments to ensure comparability.

2. Map the Delivery Funnel and Identify Failure Points

Break down the order fulfillment process into stages: order placement, merchant preparation, Dasher pickup, and delivery. Identify where missing items (likely merchant) and wrong items (likely Dasher or merchant) can occur.

3. Gather and Analyze Data for Each Complaint Type

For missing items, analyze merchant error rates, item-level data, and customer reports. For wrong items, examine Dasher accuracy, order swapping, and photo verification. Use separate datasets and metrics for each.

4. Segment and Compare Patterns

Segment data by merchant, Dasher, region, order size, and time to uncover patterns. Compare missing vs. wrong item rates to see if they correlate with different factors (e.g., missing items with high-volume merchants, wrong items with new Dashers).

5. Propose Root Causes and Solutions

Based on analysis, hypothesize root causes for each complaint type and suggest targeted interventions (e.g., merchant training for missing items, Dasher verification for wrong items). Prioritize solutions by impact and feasibility.

Key Points to Mention

  • Distinguish between merchant-caused and Dasher-caused errors
  • Use separate metrics: missing item rate per order vs. wrong item rate per order
  • Leverage data sources like order logs, customer complaints, Dasher GPS, and merchant ratings
  • Consider external factors: packaging, order complexity, and delivery time
  • Apply root cause analysis techniques like the 5 Whys or fishbone diagram
  • Propose A/B tests or pilot programs to validate solutions

AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.