Business Case Studies & Business Publications

DoorDash: Delivering Access to Lower-Inc...

Hagerty, Serena;Ho...

Case

DoorDash: Delivering Access to Lower-Income Consumers

Hagerty, Serena; Howard, Ray (Chuck); Sesia, Aldo

M-1078 | Published May 7, 2026 | 23 Pages Case

Collection: Darden School of Business

Product Details

This case explores strategic efforts by DoorDash, Inc. (DoorDash), to expand access to lower-income consumers in the United States. As the company deepens its reach beyond convenience-driven users, it considers whether partnering with Klarna Group plc (Klarna), a leading buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) provider, could help address affordability barriers. Through the perspective of a business development manager, the case examines the growing importance of delivery for households of lower socioeconomic status, the economics of DoorDash’s platform, and the rapid rise of BNPL as a form of consumer credit. It highlights both the potential benefits of increased financial access and the risks associated with extending credit for everyday purchases such as food delivery. Students are asked to evaluate whether such a partnership aligns with DoorDash’s mission and to consider the broader ethical, financial, and strategic implications of using fintech solutions to serve economically vulnerable populations.