Today, the popularity of food and grocery delivery services has reached a new high due to availability and convenience. Consumers can choose their favorites for a variety of different reasons—logo, brand loyalty, app interface, restaurant options, and more—but what’s the best choice for a delivery driver looking to make a living from this relatively new employment option?
Much like any other job, each delivery service has its own specific advantages, as well as its unique challenges. Delivery services have created a new gig economy, and each delivery person may have a different opinion on the best delivery service to work for that matches their specific preferences. Working under the banner of the best service for you is a great way to ensure your own longevity in the food delivery service space. Here are 3 of the best delivery apps to work for.
DoorDash
Since the food delivery app boom, there’s one name that’s remained the reigning champion of market share: DoorDash. With a large customer base that supports DoorDash’s service and its impressive number of delivery drivers, it’s no surprise that this option may be the most lucrative for folks looking to break into the food delivery service industry.
As of 2019, DoorDash also owns Caviar, a delivery service focused on high-end restaurants.
Earning Potential
DoorDash presents an easy-to-understand pay model to its Dashers—the company’s nomenclature for their delivery drivers—that starts by listing a base pay for each job that ranges from $2 to $10. This rate is determined based on the distance that’ll be traveled during delivery and the estimated time that’ll be spent on the delivery. In some cases, this number may also climb higher if the delivery has been passed on by other Dashers.
On top of the base pay, earners receive challenge bonuses, as well as bonuses for delivering during peak times. These targeted times usually occur on evenings and weekends—the times when most people are ordering out from restaurants—so be prepared for an unorthodox schedule that may take you away from your usual free time. In addition to these bonuses, Dashers receive 100% of any tips they earn.
Any earnings will be subject to your own availability and experience, but Dashers report an average hourly income of anywhere from $20-to-$25. A close competitor, GrubHub, averages $12-$15 in comparison. This average hourly income falls below DoorDash—and the other services on this list. This puts DoorDash at the top of the list for pay, with only one other service coming close to its earnings potential.
Requirements
In order to become a Dasher, you must be 18 or older and provide proof of a valid driver’s license by inputting your license number. You must also provide proof of auto insurance and have reliable access to a vehicle that allows you to complete deliveries in a timely manner.
The company requires you to share your social security number and pass a background check to continue with DoorDash signup.
You’ll also need to own a device that can download and run the DoorDash driver app and complete an online orientation process.
Pros
Dashers can cash out anytime by either paying a $1.99 fee or using the free debit card provided by DoorDash. They also have the ability to choose their jobs at will, bring someone along with them during deliveries and can create their own schedules.
Cons
DoorDash’s exciting payment model does come with a caveat—no guaranteed hourly rate for delivering. Drivers also have to accept a support system that only operates via chat.
Instacart
Since its start in 2012, Instacart has grown into a well-respected grocery delivery service. What started as a great option for folks who couldn’t make it to the grocery store due to medical conditions or time constraints became a great option for everyone who was urged to remain at home for the majority of 2020 and 2021. As it became one of the public’s only options to safely obtain fresh ingredients, Instacart became more recognizable—and the perks of working for the company became widely-known, too.
Earning Potential
Instacart offers two different tracts for workers: full-service shoppers who take orders through the app, pick the orders in the grocery store and deliver the orders to the customer. The other tract, the in-store shopper, picks orders and prepares them for pickup.
Full-service shoppers are able to work at will, while in-store shoppers are limited to 29-hours a week because they’re considered part-time Instacart employees.
Pay varies based on the number of hours worked and the size of each order, but pay for an Instacart worker can range from $20 to $30 an hour. Full-service shoppers are more likely to reach the high end of that range, while in-store shoppers are limited but won’t put wear and tear on their cars. This pay range puts Instacart in competition with DoorDash as the top services for those focused on earning.
Requirements
Instacart requires workers to be at least 18 years old and to be physically able to lift 50 pounds. To deliver groceries, the company also asks that drivers be able to legally operate a motor vehicle.
Pros
Instacart operates in a unique space, so it’s able to offer workers two different kinds of employment. Workers can also make their own schedules in advance and, before accepting any orders, workers are shown estimated earnings. Workers are also able to cash out instantly for a $.50 fee.
Cons
While other delivery services usually allow for long periods of rest while driving, working for instacart often means you need to be in good physical condition.
UberEats
Rounding out the trifecta of high-paying delivery service jobs is Uber Eats—and its subsidiary, Postmates, acquired by the company in 2020. UberEats benefits from brand recognition and integration within the already-popular Uber rideshare app.
Earning Potential
UberEats drivers can earn anywhere from $15-to-$20 on a good shift, usually at night or on a weekend. UberEats should allow drivers to maximize earning due to its wide reach as part of the Uber app.
This hourly earnings may differ and depend on incentives and earned tips, but for the most part, Uber Eats is a good option if you’re already using Uber and are looking to diversify your rideshare portfolio.
Requirements
For the most part, Uber Eats drivers using their motor vehicle need to meet the same requirements as an Uber driver. They must be legally licensed and insured, have at least one year of driving experience, and own a 2-or-4-door car. If using a scooter, drivers must be at least 19, have insurance and drive a scooter under 50cc. If using a bike, drivers must be at least 18 and have a valid ID.
Pros
Uber drivers can work when they like and Uber Eats can leverage promos from Uber. Once again, there’s also a large user base already available thanks to the shared Uber app.
Cons
Uber is the largest rideshare/delivery app, and as such, it’s subject to more changes in order to maintain profit margins. Because of this, Uber may change the way a driver’s pay is calculated—be sure to keep an eye out for any shifts. Uber is also phasing out some promotions, like Quest.
Start Delivering with TJN
If you have the free time, working for a delivery service is definitely worth it. All of the rates discussed above are higher than the minimum wage in most American cities, and the ability to work as little or as much as you’d like is a benefit that many enjoy. Whether you are looking to deliver full-time or as a side hustle, visit TheJobNetwork’s food delivery job board to find opportunities in your area.
