EarnsmartHub

The rise of the gig economy has created numerous opportunities for people to make extra money by working as delivery drivers. With food delivery, grocery shopping, and even package deliveries in high demand, there are a variety of apps that allow you to earn money by delivering items to people in your local area. Whether you’re looking for a flexible side hustle or a full-time gig, delivery driver apps offer a way to set your own hours and make money on your own schedule.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most popular delivery driver apps, how they work, and tips for maximizing your earnings. We’ll also provide an overview of the requirements to get started and what you can expect from each platform.

1. Uber Eats

Uber Eats is one of the most well-known food delivery apps, allowing drivers to pick up and deliver meals from restaurants to customers. As a delivery driver for Uber Eats, you can use your car, bike, or scooter, depending on your location.

How Uber Eats Works:

• Drivers receive delivery requests through the Uber Eats app.
• After accepting a delivery, you head to the restaurant to pick up the order.
• You then deliver the food to the customer’s location and receive payment for each completed delivery.

Earnings:

• Uber Eats drivers are paid for each delivery, with earnings based on distance, time, and other factors such as surge pricing during busy times.
• Drivers can also receive tips from customers, which can significantly boost earnings.

Pros:

• Flexible schedule: You can choose when and where to work.
• In-app navigation helps you find the quickest routes to your destination.
• Potential for bonuses during peak hours or in busy areas.

Cons:

• Earnings can fluctuate based on demand and location.
• You’ll need to cover vehicle expenses such as gas and maintenance.

2. DoorDash

DoorDash is another popular food delivery app that connects drivers, known as “Dashers,” with local restaurants and customers. DoorDash operates in cities across the U.S. and Canada, making it a widely available option for delivery drivers.

How DoorDash Works:

• Dashers receive delivery orders through the DoorDash app.
• You pick up the order from the restaurant and deliver it to the customer.
• You get paid for each delivery, with earnings based on distance, time, and tips.

Earnings:

• DoorDash drivers can expect to earn between $2 and $10+ per delivery, depending on factors such as distance and customer tips.
• DoorDash offers bonuses during busy times or in high-demand areas, which can increase your earnings.

Pros:

• High demand in many cities, especially during lunch and dinner hours.
• Option to schedule deliveries in advance or “Dash Now” when you’re available.
• Keep 100% of your tips.

Cons:

• Earnings can be lower in rural areas or during slow periods.
• Competition from other drivers can reduce the number of available deliveries.

3. Instacart

Instacart is a grocery delivery service that allows drivers to earn money by shopping for and delivering groceries to customers. As an Instacart Shopper, you’re responsible for selecting and delivering items from local stores.

How Instacart Works:

• Shoppers receive orders through the Instacart app.
• You shop for the items on the customer’s list at a local grocery store.
• After shopping, you deliver the groceries to the customer’s home.

Earnings:

• Instacart Shoppers are paid based on the size and complexity of the order, the distance traveled, and customer tips.
• Shoppers typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, with higher earnings during peak times.

Pros:

• Flexibility to choose when you want to work.
• Potential for high earnings with large grocery orders.
• Instacart allows you to keep 100% of your tips.

Cons:

• Some orders can take a long time to shop for, especially if items are hard to find.
• Driving and shopping in busy areas can lead to delays and affect your earnings.

4. Postmates

Postmates is a delivery app that allows you to deliver not only food but also groceries, alcohol, and other goods. This makes it a more versatile option for delivery drivers who want to deliver a variety of items.

How Postmates Works:

• Postmates drivers, known as “Postmates,” receive delivery requests through the app.
• You can pick up and deliver food, groceries, or other items from local stores.
• Payment is based on the time and distance of each delivery, plus customer tips.

Earnings:

• Postmates drivers typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, depending on the number of deliveries completed and tips.
• Postmates offers “Blitz Pricing” during peak hours, which increases your earnings for each delivery.

Pros:

• Wide variety of delivery options, from food to groceries to alcohol.
• Flexible schedule: You can work as much or as little as you want.
• Postmates offers promotions and bonuses during high-demand periods.

Cons:

• Some deliveries may take longer than expected, especially during busy times.
• Tips can be inconsistent, affecting overall earnings.

5. Amazon Flex

Amazon Flex allows drivers to deliver packages for Amazon, including orders from Amazon Prime, Amazon Fresh, and other services. Drivers use their own vehicles to pick up and deliver packages to customers.

How Amazon Flex Works:

• Drivers receive delivery blocks through the Amazon Flex app.
• You pick up packages from Amazon delivery stations and deliver them to customers’ homes.
• Each delivery block lasts 3 to 4 hours, and you’re paid a flat rate for completing the block.

Earnings:

• Amazon Flex drivers typically earn between $18 and $25 per hour, depending on the region and delivery volume.
• You can also receive tips for delivering groceries through Amazon Fresh or Prime Now.

Pros:

• Higher earning potential compared to other delivery apps.
• You can choose delivery blocks that fit your schedule.
• Amazon Flex offers a wide variety of deliveries, from packages to groceries.

Cons:

• Limited availability in some areas.
• Deliveries can be more physically demanding, especially with large or heavy packages.

6. Shipt

Shipt is another grocery delivery service that allows drivers, called Shoppers, to earn money by shopping for and delivering groceries. Like Instacart, Shipt Shoppers are responsible for picking up and delivering groceries from local stores.

How Shipt Works:

• Shoppers receive orders through the Shipt app.
• You shop for the customer’s groceries at a local store and deliver them to their home.
• Earnings are based on the size of the order, distance, and tips.

Earnings:

• Shipt Shoppers can earn $15 to $25 per hour, with opportunities to earn more during busy times or for large orders.
• You keep 100% of your tips, which can significantly boost your income.

Pros:

• High demand for grocery delivery, especially during peak hours.
• Flexible schedule: You can choose when to work.
• Potential for high earnings with large grocery orders.

Cons:

• Some orders may take longer to shop for, depending on the store and item availability.
• Limited availability in certain regions.

7. Grubhub

Grubhub is one of the largest food delivery apps in the U.S., offering drivers the opportunity to deliver meals from local restaurants to customers. Grubhub drivers, known as “Grubhub Delivery Partners,” can choose when and where to work.

How Grubhub Works:

• Drivers receive delivery requests through the Grubhub app.
• You pick up the order from the restaurant and deliver it to the customer.
• Payment is based on distance, time, and tips.

Earnings:

• Grubhub drivers can expect to earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on delivery volume and tips.
• Grubhub offers bonuses during peak hours or in busy areas to help increase your earnings.

Pros:

• Flexible work schedule with the ability to accept or decline deliveries.
• High demand for food delivery in many areas.
• You keep 100% of your tips.

Cons:

• Earnings can fluctuate depending on demand and location.
• Some deliveries may require long wait times at restaurants, which can impact your earnings.

8. Caviar

Caviar is a premium food delivery service that caters to higher-end restaurants. As a Caviar driver, you deliver meals from these restaurants to customers, and since the service focuses on premium dining, the tips are often higher compared to other food delivery apps.

How Caviar Works:

• Drivers receive delivery requests through the Caviar app.
• You pick up the order from the restaurant and deliver it to the customer.
• Payment is based on distance, time, and tips.

Earnings:

• Caviar drivers can earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with the potential for even higher earnings in busy, high-end areas.
• Since Caviar delivers from higher-end restaurants, tips tend to be larger.

Pros:

• Premium restaurants often mean higher tips.
• Flexible work schedule with the ability to choose when you work.
• Opportunities for bonuses during peak hours.

Cons:

• Caviar is only available in select cities.
• There may be less demand compared to other food delivery services.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings as a Delivery Driver

While each delivery app offers different opportunities, there are some universal tips you can follow to maximize your earnings:

• Work during peak hours: Many delivery apps offer bonuses and higher pay during lunch and dinner hours, weekends, or during special events.
• Take advantage of bonuses and promotions: Keep an eye on app-specific bonuses, such as extra pay for completing a certain number of deliveries in a short period or working during peak times.
• Drive in busy areas: Focusing on busy, densely populated areas can increase the number of deliveries you receive and reduce the distance between pickups and drop-offs.
• Provide excellent customer service: Many customers tip based on service, so making sure the food is delivered promptly, and with a friendly attitude, can help increase your tips.
• Track your expenses: Keep track of your expenses, such as gas, car maintenance, and mileage, to ensure that your earnings are worth the effort. You can also use these records when filing taxes.

Conclusion: Which Delivery Driver App is Best for You?

There are many delivery apps available, each offering different opportunities and pay structures. Whether you’re interested in delivering food, groceries, or packages, the best app for you depends on your location, schedule, and personal preferences.

If you want to deliver a variety of items, apps like Postmates or Amazon Flex may be a good fit. For those who prefer to focus on food deliveries, Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub offer consistent demand. If you enjoy shopping for groceries, Instacart and Shipt can provide steady work, especially during busy shopping seasons.

No matter which app you choose, delivery driving can be a flexible and profitable way to make extra money.