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Two Companies Compared
Let’s start with the basics and the necessary information every new driver needs to get started with the following companies to decide if you should work for Amazon Flex vs DoorDash.
Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex is a service offered by Amazon that allows individuals to use their own vehicles to deliver Amazon packages and orders. Drivers work in pre-scheduled blocks or shifts (on-demand or work that is not pre-scheduled is not an option) and are paid an hourly rate. Amazon’s pre-scheduled shift model ensures that there will be packages waiting for you to deliver, but they also pay the hourly rate for the shift if there are no deliveries to make. Each shift usually involves several stops, and packages for the entire shift are given out at once, so there is no driving back and forth from the warehouse to destinations, but it does mean the driver’s vehicle must be big enough to accommodate them all.
Drivers must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and have a social security number. Drivers must also have a smart phone with a data plan and a working camera to allow the app to take pictures of the delivered packages as proof of delivery. Drivers must have a mid-size sedan or bigger to deliver packages, and those driving trucks must have a truck bed cover. Couriers make between $18 and $25 an hour, and can tip. For those who don’t want smelly food or passengers in their car, like scheduling shifts ahead of time, getting assured hourly pay, and don’t need special equipment, Amazon Flex is the side hustle for you. Just remember that the hourly pay is based on the length of your time block, and the service is not as widely available in many locations as DoorDash.
DoorDash
DoorDash is one of the most popular (and oldest) food delivery apps. Clients place orders and pay within the app, and drivers retrieve the orders and deliver them. This is beneficial for restaurants who do not want to keep in-house staff to deliver food and for clients who might be unable to get their takeout orders or groceries themselves due to illness or other reasons. DoorDash allows for shift scheduling but also allows for on-demand shifts to allow drivers to work when they want to or if they unexpectedly have some free time available. DoorDash will provide a hot bag to clients after a successful first order completion, but many restaurants won’t release the order unless the driver already has a hot bag, so most drivers end up purchasing their own gear before starting work.
Drivers must be at least 18 years old, have a social security number, hold a valid driver’s license, and drive an insured vehicle. DoorDash conducts a criminal and driving background check and allows deliveries on foot, bikes, and scooters, so long as the delivery can be made in 30 minutes or less. Drivers make around $18 an hour, more in larger areas, and may keep 100% of tips. DoorDash operates in more locations than Amazon Flex, which means that, even if the hourly pay is lower, there are usually more earning opportunities. There are also usually bonuses available. However, food delivery is usually plagued by delayed orders, not ready at the restaurant when the drivers arrive, and the possibility of food spills damaging your vehicle’s interior.
Summary
Both DoorDash and Amazon Flex offer lucrative ways to make extra money, with enough work available to make it worth the price of gas. To decide which one to work for, Amazon Flex vs DoorDash,consider your own needs and how important it is to you to be able to work as needed or schedule work blocks. Have an idea of how much money you’d like to be making and consider whether these services can provide that for you. Lastly, think about how much each of these services is needed in your area and make plans based on that.
FAQ
1. Do either of these services offer gas reimbursement?
DoorDash has a cashback plan on gas for top “Dashers.” Amazon Flex does not.
2. When do drivers for these services get paid?
Amazon Flex pays out on Tuesdays and Fridays, while DoorDash pays on Mondays.
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