Tuesday 21 November 2023

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Postmates vs. Uber Eats: Drivers Guide

The post Postmates vs. Uber Eats: Drivers Guide appeared first on Millennial Money.

The last few years created a high demand for food delivery apps. Uber Eats and Postmates were busy and constantly needing drivers.

Today, with more restaurants and stores open and a huge demand for work for delivery drivers, there’s a lot of competition in the industry. Of the popular food delivery apps, Postmates vs Uber Eats is a common debate.

I’ve put together the research to show you how they compare.

Postmates vs. Uber Eats: Overview

Postmates and Uber Eats are both on-demand delivery services. In 2020, Uber Eats acquired Postmates, which has since shut down the Postmates Fleet app that Postmates drivers used.

They now use the Uber Eats driver’s app. However, Postmates is still ‘Postmates’ on the customer side.

During the original merger, Uber Eats strictly delivered restaurant food, and Postmates delivered almost anything, including restaurant food, grocery orders, pet supplies, and drugstore orders.

Today, both platforms offer options from restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, and pet stores.

Postmates vs. Uber Eats: How They Work

The process to work for Postmates and Uber Eats is identical for drivers since Uber Eats owns Postmates.

On the customer side, however, customers can order from Uber Eats or Postmates. The sites and apps are still separate.

Drivers all work through the Uber Eats app, though. When a customer orders, it goes to the restaurant and out to active and local drivers. If you’re active on the app and within the vicinity of the restaurant, you have a chance of receiving the order.

Drivers don’t have to accept every order they’re sent. Uber Eats is one platform where the acceptance rate doesn’t affect your ratings or number of orders you receive. This gives drivers more control, allowing them to only accept the orders that make the most of their time.

If you accept an order, you receive instructions to pick it up and a delivery destination. Uber Eats and Postmates pay drivers a flat fee per delivery. Drivers also keep 100% of any customer tips.

Who Each Is Best For

Since Uber Eats and Postmates merged, the apps don’t have much difference for drivers. All work you do is through the Uber Eats app, and you can receive orders from customers ordering Uber Eats or Postmates.

In general, though, becoming a delivery driver is best for those who want to create their own schedule, make some extra money, and enjoy customer service.

Postmates vs Uber Eats Driver: Application Process

To become a Postmates or Uber Eats driver, you must apply on the website or app and get approved. The process is fast, minus the time spent waiting for your background check to clear. However, you can apply within a few minutes.

Since Uber Eats and Postmates merged, the application process is the same. When you apply to be a Postmates driver, you automatically apply to be an Uber Eats driver and vice versa. All this means for drivers is a larger selection of restaurants/stores and more chances to earn money.

How to Apply

Click on either the Uber Eats or Postmates sign-up link. Both take you to the Uber Eats platform. Enter your email address or phone number, and follow the instructions.

You’ll provide information for Uber Eats/Postmates to identify you, check your background, and ensure you have a valid license and Social Security number.

You must consent to a background check. They’ll also need you to upload a copy of your driver’s license to prove your identity.

Getting your background check results can take a few days or longer. Once complete, you are approved to deliver for Postmates or Uber Eats.

Postmates vs Uber Eats: Driver & Vehicle Requirements

Uber Eats has stricter driver and vehicle requirements than Postmates, and any Postmates drivers must go through the Uber Eats application process to remain active.

Before the merger, Postmates allowed drivers of at least 18 years old to deliver for them. Now, with the merger, drivers of vehicles (cars or scooters) must be at least 19 years old. However, 18-year-olds can deliver via bike.

The vehicle must have two doors (not a difficult requirement to meet), and you must have proper identification, including a valid driver’s license and insurance with your name on the policy.

All drivers must pass a background check, which is the longest part of the application/approval process because you must wait for the clear background check before you can start deliveries.

Postmates vs Uber Eats: Earning Potential & Payment Structure

The earning potential is a key factor when choosing your food delivery platform. Again, because Uber Eats owns Postmates, the payment structure is the same. But here are some differences Postmate drivers may experience.

The average Uber Eats driver pay is slightly higher than Postmates, so drivers can make more money.

Uber Eats drivers earn a flat rate for the delivery plus tips, and they always know the amount they’ll earn before accepting an order. However, there are ways to make good money driving for Uber Eats.

Postmates vs Uber Eats: Coverage Area

Since Postmates and Uber Eats merged, the coverage area is the same, spanning approximately 500 cities.

When Uber Eats acquired Postmates, they were able to take on a larger share of the market (which DoorDash seems to have cornered), now serving over 6,000 cities.

DoorDash still carries 65% of the market, and Uber Eats, in combination with Post Mates, has around 25% of the market.

Postmates vs Uber Eats: Scheduling Flexibility

Uber Eats and Postmates drivers choose when they want to work and switch their status to active. You don’t have to schedule shifts and can work when you want.

There are pros and cons to this method that Uber Eats and Postmates offer. With scheduled shifts, you’re guaranteed a spot when competition is steep. That’s not the case when you can switch the app on at will.

If you want to work and the area is already saturated, you may not be able to log on, or if you do, there will be few (if any) orders available.

But it’s a nice feature because you can turn the app on or off at will, allowing you to be more spontaneous about when you work.

Postmates vs Uber Eats: Order Assignment Process

Like most food delivery apps, the orders go to active drivers closest to the area.

However, Uber uses a complex algorithm to determine which driver gets the order. Some drivers stated they were sitting in the restaurant’s parking lot waiting for orders to come, and another driver pulled in, got the order, and left.

This leads many to believe an algorithm calculates how long it would take each driver to get to the location. The parked driver may not factor into the equation because their car wasn’t moving, so the algorithm couldn’t calculate when the driver would arrive.

To be successful at Uber Eats and Postmates, drivers should play around with where they position themselves to see which area gets the most orders.

Postmates vs Uber Eats: Promotions, Tips, and Rewards

Postmates was the ‘King of Promos’ when they were separate from Uber. Since Uber Eats already had the ‘Uber’ brand, which is a household name, they didn’t have to work as hard to get drivers. This is especially true since already approved Uber drivers were automatically approved for Uber Eats.

As a result of the merger, Uber Eats has offered more promos to bring more drivers to the area to win more of the market share.

Uber Eats offers some great opportunities for bonuses, which may have come from Postmates who offered bonuses, such as:

  • Referral bonuses – One-time bonuses for referring other drivers.
  • Boosts – Higher per delivery pay for busy areas (only in dedicated areas).
  • Surge pricing – Higher pricing in all areas due to higher demand.
  • Quests – Challenges to complete a certain number of deliveries in a specified time.

Both apps allow drivers to keep 100% of customer tips, so the better customer service you provide, the more money you can make.

Postmates vs Uber Eats: App User Experience

Since the Postmates Fleet app is no longer active, Uber Eats and Postmates drivers use the Uber Eats app.

The app is intuitive, providing drivers with directions to the restaurant and the dropoff location with the most efficient route outlined. Drivers can also contact customer support, message customers, and accept/decline orders directly in the app.

The app’s only downside is that you must keep it on as your main screen while active. If you navigate to other apps while active, the app will automatically switch your activity to ‘off.’

Postmates vs Uber Eats: Ratings System

Ratings are one area where previous Postmates drivers may miss Postmates because their rating system was simply a thumbs up or down. They didn’t have a number system, which put much less pressure on drivers.

Uber Eats drivers must maintain a high average rating out of 5 stars to remain active. The actual rating you need depends on where you live. For example, you may need a 4.8 rating in one state, and others may allow a 4.6 or lower.

But the ratings directly coincide with your tips, so it’s to your advantage to provide excellent customer service.

Here are a few ways to ensure you get a good rating and great tips:

  • Communicate with customers, especially if an order, or you are running late.
  • Provide ‘extras like napkins, silverware, and condiments.
  • Be respectful to restaurants and customers.
  • Be a problem solver.
  • Be fast and efficient.

Postmates vs Uber Eats: Safety Measures

Postmates drivers had liability insurance coverage while delivering orders for Postmates, which was a great benefit, even though personal liability coverage that meets state requirements was still necessary.

Fortunately, Uber Eats offers the same benefit, covering delivery drivers while they are active on the app. Your personal insurance prevails whenever the app is not on, and you are not active.

If you are active and your personal liability insurance doesn’t cover the issue, drivers have the following coverage while waiting for an order request:

  • $50,000 in bodily injury per person/$100,000 per accident.
  • $25,000 in property damage per accident.

If you’re on your way to pick up an order, the liability insurance increases to $1,000,000 third-party liability coverage and contingent comprehensive and collision insurance with a $2,500 deductible.

Uber Eats takes safety seriously and offers many ways to contact them should you need immediate support.

Postmates vs Uber Eats: Pros and Cons

Even though Uber Eats and Postmates are one now, it’s fun to look at the pros and cons of each when they were separate to see if the merger benefits drivers as much as Uber Eats states.

Pros of Driving for Postmates

  • Wide selection of promotions and bonuses
  • Scheduled shifts allowed
  • Keep 100% of tips
  • Flexible working schedule

Cons of Driving for Postmates

  • Not in as many cities as other apps
  • Not as widely known as Uber Eats and DoorDash

Pros of Driving for Uber Eats

  • You can work on a whim, making yourself active any time
  • Higher average earnings than Postmates
  • Keep 100% of customer tips
  • A household name with a larger market share

Cons of Driving for Uber Eats

  • Still not as large of a market share as DoorDash
  • Stricter driver requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Postmates and Uber Eats are one, but weighing your options with all delivery apps is still a good idea.

Is Uber Eats a Good Company to Work For?

On Indeed, drivers rate Uber Eats with 3.4 out of 5 stars, with 4 stars for work-life balance and 3.1 stars for company culture. The ratings for pay are somewhat low, but that’s the case for most delivery apps since drivers rely heavily on tips. There’s no guarantee for the earnings they’ll make.

Is Postmates a Good Company to Work For?

Postmates is now Uber, so they are the same, giving drivers many opportunities to make money with a larger market share.

Do I Need a Car To Work as a Postmates or Uber Eats Driver?

If you live in an area where biking is sustainable, you can ride a bike or scooter for Uber Eats and Postmates. Bike riders need only to be 18, but scooter and vehicle drivers must be 19 to get approved.

Can I Work for Postmates and Uber Eats at the Same Time?

Essentially, you do work for Postmates and Uber Eats simultaneously if you work for Uber Eats since they are the same company with the same coverage now.

Can I Choose My Own Working Hours on Postmates and Uber Eats?

That’s the beauty of working for Uber Eats and Postmates. You don’t have to set a schedule. You turn the app on or off as you please, working when convenient.

Which App Should You Drive For?

The battle between Postmates and Uber Eats is simple since they are one company. There are a few things Postmates did better, but Uber Eats is constantly evolving, helping drivers maximize their earnings.

Drivers get many perks driving for Uber Eats, including the opportunity to earn tips and bonuses, have liability coverage while active, and the opportunity to use the larger market share with the merger of Uber Eats and Postmates.

The post Postmates vs. Uber Eats: Drivers Guide appeared first on Millennial Money.



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November 21, 2023 at 03:04AM

Thursday 16 November 2023

DoorDash vs. Postmates: 2023 Drivers Guide

The post DoorDash vs. Postmates: 2023 Drivers Guide appeared first on Millennial Money.

DoorDash vs. Postmates is a common debate, as they are two of the most popular food delivery apps. If you’re considering working for one or both to make extra money, you need to know all of the details.

That’s why I put together this comparison resource to help.

DoorDash vs. Postmates: Overview

Choosing a food delivery service to deliver for is a big decision. You want to work for a platform that offers fair distribution of orders, pays well, and provides opportunities to increase your earnings through promotions and challenges.

DoorDash and Postmates are among the top food delivery services for drivers. They have relaxed guidelines regarding who can work for them, and they both pay a flat fee, plus you keep 100% of the customer tips.

But, like any gig app, each service has pros and cons. You might even be able to deliver without a vehicle if you live in an area where it’s feasible.

The key is determining what you want from a gig app and comparing your options with DoorDash and Postmates to see which would provide the highest earnings.

DoorDash vs. Postmates: How to Become a Driver

When you’re ready to sign up for a gig food delivery app, understanding the sign-up process is important. While the process takes only a few minutes, it could take a few days or weeks to get approved because both platforms do a background check.

Here’s how the sign-up process for both platforms works.

DoorDash Sign-Up Process

To begin dashing for DoorDash, do the following:

  • Click the link below and provide your zip code.
  • Enter your email address.
  • Provide your personal identifying information, including your legal name.
  • Create a password.
  • Enter your vehicle information.
  • Upload a government ID to verify your identity.
  • Take a selfie on the platform to match your ID.
  • Allow DoorDash to run a background and driving record check through Checkr.
  • Select weekly or instant pay (if you choose instant pay, you’ll receive a DasherDirect prepaid Visa card). Otherwise, enter your bank information.
  • Download the Dasher app.

Postmates Driver Sign-Up Process

To begin delivering for Postmates, you must do the following:

  • Click ‘sign up to deliver on this link.
  • Enter your email address.
  • Choose a password.
  • Provide your personal identifying information, including your full legal name.
  • Upload a selfie for identification.
  • Provide your mobile number to receive a link for the Postmates driver app.

Postmates will also send you a prepaid card to pay for orders that customers haven’t paid yet. You must activate the card when you receive it.

DoorDash vs. Postmates: Company Backgrounds

You already know DoorDash and Postmates are food delivery apps, but there are nuances about each app you should keep in mind when working for them as a driver.

Getting to know a company’s background may give you a better feeling for one or the other based on their market share, number of restaurants, or mission.

DoorDash Background

DoorDash started in January 2013 with a partnership with 70 restaurants on the West Coast. Today, they partner with thousands of restaurants in 7,000 cities across the US, Australia, Japan, and Canada. They also have 65% of the market share as of October 2023.

DoorDash delivers for restaurants and grocery, pet, and convenience stores. They also work hard in the communities they serve to empower small businesses and help the community.

Postmates Background

Postmates launched in 2011 on the West Coast but not as a food delivery service. They were known as the service that would deliver anything, anytime, from anywhere. In December 2020, Uber acquired Postmates, and today, Postmates drivers work for Uber Eats in 6,000+ cities.

So essentially, if you drive for Postmates, you’re an Uber Eats driver.

DoorDash vs. Postmates: Driver Requirements & Onboarding

It’s fairly easy to get approved to be a delivery driver because there are few vehicle requirements since you aren’t transporting people, only food.

Of course, you must still meet requirements, such as passing a background check and having a clean driving record.

DoorDash Driver Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a valid driver’s license and insurance.
  • Have a reliable car, bike, or scooter.
  • Have a valid Social Security number.
  • Own a smartphone with enough room to download and use the DoorDash app.
  • Pass a background and driving record check.

DoorDash doesn’t require that your car is a certain age, make, or model. But you must prove you have valid insurance on the car, and the driver’s name must be displayed on the proof of insurance.

Postmates Driver Requirements

  • Be at least 19 years old to deliver via car or scooter.
  • Be at least 18 years old to deliver via bike.
  • Have a valid driver’s license and insurance (state-issued ID is required for bike delivery).
  • Have a valid Social Security number.
  • Drive a 2- or 4-door vehicle.
  • Own a smartphone that can run the Postmates/Uber Eats app.
  • Pass a background and driving record check.

Because Uber acquired Postmates, you may come across additional requirements. In addition, the Uber Eats background check requirements are stricter than DoorDash.

DoorDash vs. Postmates: Earning Potential

If you’re considering driving for an app like DoorDash or Postmates, the earning potential is probably the factor you’re wondering about the most.

Here’s how they compare.

DoorDash Pay

  • Base pay – All orders earn a base pay that’s determined by the time, distance, and order desirability.
  • Tips – Customers have the option to tip drivers when ordering and for a short time after delivery; drivers keep 100% of the tips.
  • Promotional pay – DoorDash often runs promotions or challenges to motivate more drivers to log in and complete orders.

Postmates Pay

  • Pickup fee – Postmates pays a flat fee for picking up orders from a restaurant, and if you pick up from multiple restaurants, they apply a multiplier to your rate.
  • Dropoff fee – Postmates pays a flat fee for every order you deliver.
  • Distance pay – Postmates calculates your pay based on the distance you must drive, paying a per-mile fee.
  • Promotions – Postmates often runs promotions to help you maximize earnings, but they vary by area.

DoorDash vs. Postmates: Accepting and Making Deliveries

Both DoorDash and Postmates make it easy to accept and make deliveries. With both apps, you have a limited time to accept an order before it goes to someone else, but DoorDash has one outstanding feature.

With DoorDash, you’ll see your guaranteed pay, which is great, especially when it’s slow.

Generally, you have 15 to 45 seconds to accept an order before it goes to someone else, so be ready to think fast.

Receiving Payment

How you receive payment is a considerable factor. Fortunately, whether you prefer weekly or instant pay, both apps have solid solutions.

  • DoorDash Payment: DoorDash pays weekly by default via direct deposit to your bank account. You also have the option to select Fast Pay and get paid instantly for a small fee. You can also sign up for DasherDirect and get instant deposits for no fee, plus earn 2% back on gas purchases.
  • Postmates Payment: Like DoorDash, Postmates offers free weekly direct deposit and Instant Pay, allowing you to cash out up to five times daily for a small fee. Also, like DoorDash, drivers can apply for the Uber ProCard and automatically get instant deposits after each delivery free of charge.

DoorDash vs. Postmates: Scheduling and Flexibility

Knowing the scheduling process for DoorDash vs. Postmates is important, especially if you live in a city with a lot of competition from other drivers.

Both apps have peak times, but they vary by area. Generally, the apps are the busiest during the dinner hour during the week and all day on the weekends, sometimes late into the night, depending on the area.

DoorDash Scheduling

DoorDash allows drivers to pre-schedule dashes to lock in their spots. To see what’s available, open the app and click on the date you want to work. If your time slots are available, you choose a start and end time and are in for that shift.

If you log on and there aren’t any available time slots when you wanted, you could log in on that day and select ‘Dash Now’ if there’s room for more drivers.

It’s up to drivers to delete or edit scheduled dashes in the app if something comes up. You aren’t penalized for canceling a shift, but not taking orders when you’re scheduled could hurt your chances of getting future orders.

Postmates Scheduling

Unlike DoorDash, Postmates/Uber Eats drivers can log into the app whenever available. This offers a little more flexibility since you don’t have to plan when you’ll deliver. So, if you discover you have nothing going on during peak time, you might as well make some money and start driving.

DoorDash vs. Postmates: Delivery Range and Demand

DoorDash and Postmates are spread out throughout the country. However, according to Bloomberg Second Measure, Postmates/Uber Eats has a total of 25% of the market share, whereas DoorDash monopolizes 65% of the market, so you may find more availability with DoorDash.

City Availability

The cities DoorDash and Postmates/Uber Eats span are close, with DoorDash covering 7,000 cities (worldwide) and Uber Eats covering 6,000 cities.

DoorDash vs. Postmates: Driver Support and Resources

Working as a DoorDash or Postmates driver, you’re bound to run into issues that require immediate customer support or professional help. So here’s who to contact when that happens.

DoorDash Driver Support

DoorDash offers an extensive online resource for drivers who don’t mind searching through frequently asked questions. They do a solid job covering common and less common issues Dashers may experience.

DoorDash also offers 24/7 support via chat and call support. You can contact them via your DoorDash app or call 1-855-431-0459 for more support.

Postmates Driver Support

Postmates/Uber Eats offers phone support directly through the app. If you have a problem with an order or payment or have any other questions, you must navigate to ‘Help’ in the driver app. Then, find the issue most similar to what you’re experiencing, and the app will line you up with the answer (if already answered in the app) or connect you with a support person.

DoorDash vs. Postmates: Ratings and Feedback System for Drivers

Ratings and feedback can make or break a driver’s career, so it’s crucial that you understand how each platform rates you.

DoorDash Rating System

DoorDash has a rating system of 1 to 5, and they consider your last 100 deliveries. You must maintain an average rating of 4.2 to prevent deactivation. Fortunately, DoorDash removes any bad reviews beyond your control, such as slow restaurant service or unexpected traffic.

In addition to the 4.2-star rating, you must also maintain an 80% completion rate, so you must complete at least 80% of the orders you accept. Fortunately, DoorDash doesn’t require a specific acceptance rate, so you don’t have to worry about deactivation if you don’t accept orders.

Postmates Rating System

Postmates/Uber Eats doesn’t have strict requirements regarding driver ratings. Instead, they keep an eye on things, looking for consistently low reviews. If they notice this, they may warn you, and if you don’t fix the issues, they can deactivate your profile. However, unlike DoorDash, they don’t have a minimum rating requirement.

Also, unlike DoorDash, Postmates/Uber Eats doesn’t consider your acceptance or completion rate when determining your eligibility.

DoorDash vs. Postmates: App User Experience

The app user experience is vital for food delivery apps because time is money. The easier it is to use the app, the faster you can accept orders and earn money.

Fortunately, DoorDash and Postmates/Uber Eats offer user-friendly apps that make running your food delivery gig a cinch. Both apps provide in-app services, including directions and maps, to reach your destinations the fastest.

Both apps also have heat maps so you can see where to best position yourself to be as close as possible to the most orders.

Postmates vs DoorDash: Pros

When choosing between Postmates and DoorDash, it helps to look at the pros and cons of each app.

Pros of Driving for DoorDash

DoorDash has many benefits for drivers, including the following.

  • Flexible Schedule and Work-Life Balance: You set your own schedule by pre-scheduling shifts or ‘Dashing now.’ You decide when you want to work and can cancel any pre-scheduled shifts if something comes up and you cannot work that time.
  • Earning Potential and Tips: DoorDash offers many promotions and challenges, making it easy for drivers to earn more money. You also keep 100% of customer tips, increasing your earnings.
  • No Micromanagement: You are your own boss with DoorDash. It’s up to you to meet the DoorDash requirements, such as maintaining a 4.2-star rating to stay active. No one will breathe down your neck, like at a traditional job.
  • Access to a Large Customer Base and Popular Restaurants: DoorDash has a tremendous piece of the market share, so almost anywhere you are located, you’ll be able to find available DoorDash shifts and make money.
  • Minimal Start-up Costs and Vehicle Requirements: DoorDash doesn’t require much to start up beside a working vehicle, and they aren’t picky about the vehicles you drive. As long as you pass a background check and have a valid license and insurance, you can drive for DoorDash.

Pros of Driving for Postmates

Postmates isn’t as well-known, but since it merged with Uber Eats, it is a household name. Here are the perks of driving for Postmates/Uber Eats.

  • Flexibility and Freedom to Choose Your Schedule: You don’t have to set a schedule with Postmates. You log on when you’re available and start picking up orders. It’s straightforward.
  • Earning Potential and Instant Pay: Postmates/Uber Eats drivers make an average of $21 to $24 an hour, depending on the area, and drivers can pay for Instant Pay and get paid up to five times a day for a small fee.
  • Diverse Range of Delivery Opportunities: Postmates doesn’t strictly deliver restaurant food. You may also get orders to pick up from convenience stores, pet stores, or even grocery stores. You won’t shop for the order, though. You pick up the already-shopped and paid-for order and deliver it to the customer.
  • No Vehicle Requirements or Expenses: Like DoorDash, there are very few vehicle requirements; they simply want you to have a reliable car with at least two doors.
  • Access to the Postmates Fleet App and Support System: The Postmates Fleet app is only for drivers and is separate from the Postmates app customers use. Drivers can access customer support directly in the app to get answers fast.
  • Potential for Personal Growth and Networking Opportunities: Driving for Postmates/Uber Eats may open up more possibilities if your vehicle meets the stricter Uber requirements. Diversifying your efforts between restaurant deliveries and driving people can increase your earnings.

DoorDash and Postmates: Cons

Like any gig app, there are downsides to driving for DoorDash and Postmates, like the below.

Cons of Driving for DoorDash

DoorDash is a popular app, so many opportunities exist to discover its downsides.

  • Inconsistent Earnings and Lack of Stability: There’s no way to predict when earnings will be high or if there will be orders. Your best bet is to watch the heat map and follow the pattern, scheduling shifts when it’s the busiest.
  • Wear and Tear on Your Vehicle: Delivering food can put a lot of wear and tear on your car, and you’re responsible for all the costs incurred to maintain it.
  • Limited Control Over Delivery Routes and Schedules: The only control you have over the delivery routes is not accepting an order, but then you don’t make money. In addition, DoorDash shifts can fill up fast, so if you don’t jump on early enough, you might miss a shift.
  • High Competition Among Drivers: DoorDash is a more popular food delivery app, so the competition is steep. To get the most orders, watch the heat map and position yourself closest to where the orders are to increase your earnings.

Cons of Driving for Postmates

Postmates has its downsides, too, but they are pretty similar to the disadvantages of DoorDash.

  • Inconsistent Earnings and Tips: No one can predict a Postmate driver’s potential earnings because you can’t predict the demand. Since Postmates isn’t everywhere DoorDash is, there might be slightly less demand.
  • Wear and Tear on Your Vehicle: Delivering for gig apps means you put the miles on your car, use your gas, and cause premature wear and tear on your vehicle that you’re responsible for handling to continue taking orders.
  • High Expenses and Low-Profit Margins: As an independent contractor, you’re responsible for all expenses incurred running your Postmates business. This decreases your profit margins and should be considered when deciding if a gig app is right for you.
  • Safety Concerns and Risks on the Road: The more you’re on the road, the higher the risks become. There are also risks of delivering to certain locations. Be sure you always know your surroundings, have proper safety measures in place, and that a loved one always knows your location.
  • Lack of Employee Benefits and Job Security: Since you’re an independent contractor, you don’t get any benefits or have job security. While you can work at will, you could get deactivated without warning if you violate too many terms.

DoorDash vs. Postmates: Which is Best?

This is the million-dollar question that everyone reading wants to know. But you might be surprised to hear that the answer is subjective.

For Drivers

Postmates and DoorDash are similar for drivers, but DoorDash takes the lead because of its ability to pre-schedule shifts and has a much larger market share. But if Postmates is more popular in your area, of course, that’s the better choice.

For Customers

Postmates and DoorDash offer similar services for customers. The better one is the one that services the customer’s area and partners with the restaurants or retail establishments they want to use.

DoorDash vs. Postmates: Alternatives

You can use many delivery services as an independent contractor, along with DoorDash and Postmates.

Instacart

Instacart is a grocery-delivery service. However, unlike DoorDash, you shop the order yourself and then deliver it to the customer. It operates similarly, though, with drivers earning a flat rate per order plus 100% tips.

Grubhub

Grubhub is another food delivery app very similar to Postmates and Uber Eats. It’s not in as many areas, but it is prevalent in those it is in.

FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions I receive when debating DoorDash vs Postmates.

Which Platform Offers Better Promotions?

DoorDash often has better promotions, and they offer them more frequently because of their larger market share; they have more orders to cover.

Can I Schedule Deliveries in Advance With Both Platforms?

You can schedule deliveries in advance with DoorDash, not Postmates. If scheduling is important to you, DoorDash is the better option.

Can You Drive for DoorDash and Postmates at the Same Time?

Neither app says you can’t drive for another simultaneously, so if you want to maximize your earnings, you can. Just be careful not to make mistakes or forget to shut one app off when delivering for the other so you don’t ruin your acceptance or completion rate.

How Does Customer Support Compare Between DoorDash and Postmates?

DoorDash and Postmates have similar customer service options, with the website FAQ as the primary resource and the option to contact customer service directly if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

How Do DoorDash and Postmates Handle Delivery Issues or Disputes?

DoorDash and Postmates are very customer-focused. If there are issues, they ensure the customer is 100% happy. However, they stand behind their drivers, too. Both platforms ignore reviews that aren’t warranted or were due to circumstances outside of your control.

DoorDash vs. Postmates: Who Comes Out on Top?

When comparing DoorDash and Postmates, both are great apps to consider working for.

The right one for you is the most popular app in your area, with available shifts when you can work. The key to both apps is to provide excellent customer service, keep up your ratings, and maintain a good completion rate.

The post DoorDash vs. Postmates: 2023 Drivers Guide appeared first on Millennial Money.



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November 13, 2023 at 08:00PM

Monday 13 November 2023

Amazon Flex vs. DoorDash: Driver’s Guide

The post Amazon Flex vs. DoorDash: Driver’s Guide appeared first on Millennial Money.

If you’re considering jumping into the gig app scene, Amazon Flex and DoorDash are two common apps that both pay well  – but work very differently.

This side-by-side comparison of Amazon Flex vs DoorDash will detail all of the information you need at one glance to help you determine the best fit.

Amazon Flex vs DoorDash: Overview

While these delivery apps have similar setups, what you deliver and how they work are very different.

For starters, Amazon Flex is a package delivery service. Drivers deliver packages from Amazon, Amazon Fresh, Prime Now, and store orders. So you might deliver packages directly from Amazon or pick up orders from a store to deliver to customers. They currently operate in 100 cities.

DoorDash, on the other hand, is a restaurant delivery service. Instead of packages, you pick up food orders that customers place. Most of the time, you pick up an order at a single restaurant, but sometimes, orders that require stops at multiple restaurants come through.

How Do They Work?

As you can tell, Amazon Flex and DoorDash offer different types of orders, but they also work differently.

Amazon Flex

Amazon Flex has shifts, or what they call blocks. The Amazon Flex app shows drivers the available blocks, duration, expected earnings, and required start time. If blocks are available, drivers can accept them and make the stated earnings.

Amazon Flex operates in select cities and actively recruits delivery partners in areas of high customer demand. However, unlike DoorDash and other gig apps, you can only apply if they are actively recruiting in your area. If they aren’t, you can get on the wait list to be contacted if the area opens up for more delivery partners.

DoorDash

DoorDash has shifts ‘Dashers’ can schedule, but they also allow drivers to log on and click ‘Dash now’ if there is a need for drivers at the time. Unlike Amazon Flex, Dashers won’t know how much they’ll make ahead of time because no one can predict the number of restaurant orders that will come through the app.

DoorDash operates in 7,000 cities, so you can find a DoorDash in most major areas. Some areas are more saturated with drivers than others, so you may want to play around with the heat map to see where the biggest potential lies.

Amazon Flex vs DoorDash: How to Start Driving

The sign-up process for both platforms is simple, so even if you try both, it won’t take up much time.

DoorDash Sign Up

  • Click here to sign up
  • Provide your email address
  • Share your personal information, including your full legal name
  • Choose a password
  • Provide your vehicle information
  • Upload your driver’s license
  • Take a selfie on the platform for verification purposes
  • Agree to the background and driving record check
  • Decide how you’ll get paid: direct deposit or instant pay via a DasherDirect prepaid Visa
  • Download the DoorDash app

Amazon Flex Sign-Up

  • You must have a valid Amazon account to sign up; if you don’t have one, sign up for a free account.
  • Review the material provided to learn what Amazon Flex expects from you.
  • Determine where you’d prefer to deliver and what type of packages you can deliver.
  • Provide your bank account information to receive future payments.

Amazon Flex vs DoorDash: Requirements

Even though you aren’t an employee, you must meet the company’s requirements to drive for them.

Here’s how Amazon Flex and DoorDash driver requirements compare.

Amazon Flex Driver Requirements

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Provide a valid Social Security number
  • Have a mid-sized or larger vehicle with four doors
  • Have a smartphone

If you deliver only Prime Now packages, you can deliver with a smaller car, such as a sedan. But if you want to take Amazon.com orders, you’ll need a larger car, such as an SUV, pickup truck, or van.

DoorDash Driver Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Provide a valid Social Security number
  • Own a reliable vehicle, which in some areas includes scooters and bikes
  • Have a smartphone
  • Pass a background and driving record check

DoorDash doesn’t have vehicle requirements as long as you have reliable transportation. The biggest concern is that you have valid insurance with your name on the policy before driving for DoorDash.

Amazon Flex vs DoorDash: Earnings Potential and Payment System

You’re working a side hustle to make more money, so of course, you want the platform that pays the best.

Amazon Flex Pay

Neither platform can guarantee pay, but Amazon Flex has a slightly easier system for calculating how much you’ll make for your time. According to Amazon, drivers make between $18 to $25 per hour delivering for Amazon Flex. The exact amount varies based on location, demand, and customer tips when allowed.

When you choose an Amazon Flex block, you’ll see how much pay Amazon guarantees and if the deliveries in that shift allow tips. If you select blocks with deliveries where tips are available, you’ll earn a guaranteed minimum stated by Amazon, plus keep 100% of the tips.

For example, if the block allows tips, Amazon will show a four-hour shift for $40 to $55. This means you’re guaranteed $40, but at least a quarter of the delivery drivers on similar blocks earned $55, including tips, so you might make more than $40.

If tipping isn’t allowed, you’ll see the block with one price, such as $75. That means you’re guaranteed $75 whether the deliveries within the block take four hours or you finish them early.

One great thing about Amazon Flex is you can decide when you want to be paid, whether weekly, daily, or some other cadence. However, deliveries eligible for tips may take slightly longer because customers have up to 24 hours to add a tip to the order.

DoorDash Pay

With DoorDash it’s a little harder to predict because your earnings greatly depend on customer tips, but DoorDash does guarantee a minimum amount for each order.

There are a few ways you can earn money with DoorDash:

  • Base pay – All orders have a base pay or the minimum amount DoorDash guarantees based on the location, time, and demand.
  • Customer tips – Customers can tip when they place the order or for a short time after receiving it, increasing your earnings.
  • Promotional pay – DoorDash runs challenges and promotions that, if you complete them, will help you make more.

DoorDash pays weekly via direct deposit unless you opt for DasherDirect, a prepaid debit card that allows for free instant direct deposits at no cost. Drivers also have the option to request Fast Pay, which is instant payment after delivery, for a small fee.

Amazon Flex vs DoorDash: Delivery Types

The delivery types may make or break your decision when choosing a platform. For instance, Amazon Flex tends to require larger or heavier orders. But, DoorDash is mainly for restaurant orders, with some areas offering delivery of store orders, such as quick grocery or convenience store purchases.

Amazon Flex Deliveries

Amazon Flex offers a wide range of delivery options, including:

  • Amazon.com – Deliver packages directly from Amazon to the customer.
  • Prime Now – Deliver household items from the Amazon location to the customer.
  • Amazon Fresh – Deliver groceries from Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods and deliver them.
  • Store orders – Pick up orders from stores in the area and deliver them to the customer.

DoorDash Deliveries

Most DoorDash deliveries come from local restaurants. You go to the restaurant, pick up the order, and deliver it to the customer. If you time it right, the order should be ready, leaving little downtime for you.

Some orders may come from a local convenience or grocery store, but it works the same. You don’t have to shop for the order. It’s already picked and paid for, so you just pick it up and deliver it to the customer.

Amazon Flex vs DoorDash: Location Availability

Your location can be important in whether Amazon Flex or DoorDash is better, or whether you’re even within driving distance. DoorDash is more widely available, while Amazon Flex is only available in certain cities.

Amazon Flex Locations

Amazon Flex is in around 100 cities and actively recruits at different times of the year, especially around the holidays.

Doordash Locations

DoorDash has 7,000+ locations and is almost always hiring. The chances of ending up on a waitlist are low unless you live in a saturated area.

Amazon Flex vs DoorDash: Scheduling & Flexibility

Flexibility and scheduling is an important factor when choosing a gig app. Most people join them to be able to work when they want versus being told when to work.

Fortunately, Amazon Flex and DoorDash offer flexible options.

Amazon Flex Scheduling

Amazon Flex requires drivers to schedule blocks ahead of time. They are first-come-first-served, so it does get a little cutthroat. You have to get into a rhythm once you determine when deliveries are posted in your area so you get the most of them. However, many drivers say it’s hard to secure enough shifts.

Amazon Flex shifts are usually three to six hours, but if you finish your deliveries sooner, you aren’t obligated to stay active and still earn the amount promised.

DoorDash Scheduling

DoorDash offers the option to schedule shifts ahead of time or to log in whenever you want if there’s room for more Dashers. Even if you’re active on DoorDash, you aren’t obligated to accept orders that come through, and your acceptance rate doesn’t impact your ability to drive for them.

The downside is even if you take a shift, there’s no guarantee you’ll have orders. Amazon Flex only offers shifts when deliveries are available, so you’ll definitely have work.

Amazon Flex vs DoorDash: Rewards, Bonuses, Tips, and Incentives

You probably don’t think about rewards when looking for a gig app, but Amazon Flex and DoorDash offer opportunities to make extra cash.

Amazon Flex Rewards and Bonuses

Some Amazon Flex deliveries allow the option for customer tips. If a customer tips, you keep 100% of it without paying anything to Amazon. Customers have 24 hours after delivery to add a tip, so provide great customer service to maximize your chances.

Amazon Flex also offers a rewards program that allows delivery drivers to earn discounts, cashback on gas and other vehicle purchases, and preferred scheduling.

The Amazon Flex Rewards program rewards drivers with points for each shift they work and each delivery they make within the shift. Each delivery is worth a different number of points, and you earn more discounts and privileges the higher you climb the Amazon Flex Rewards tiers.

  1. Level 1 – Earned at least 1 point
  2. Level 2 – Earned at least 650 points
  3. Level 3 – Earned at least 3,000 points

Depending on your level and points earned, you can enjoy rewards including:

  • Discounts on car-related purchases, such as roadside assistance, car maintenance, and tires.
  • Cashback on gas purchases.
  • Discounts on shopping and entertainment.
  • Cashback on Amazon.com and Whole Foods.
  • Preferred scheduling.

DoorDash Rewards and Bonuses

DoorDash doesn’t have the same type of rewards as Amazon Flex. However, they do offer many opportunities for bonuses, tips, and incentives.

First, all DoorDash orders are eligible for tips. You keep 100% of what customers give you and have some control over what you earn because the better the customer service you offer, the higher the tips.

Next, DoorDash often runs promotions or challenges. These usually include a certain amount or type of orders you must complete in a specified period to earn extra income on top of the base pay and tips.

Also, if you choose DasherDirect pay, you automatically earn 2% cashback on all purchases, which can help make your money go further and lower your costs.

Amazon Flex vs DoorDash: Driver Ratings and Performance Metrics

Knowing how an app handles ratings and performance metrics can motivate you to work past their standards to have better ratings than other drivers and avoid deactivation.

Amazon Flex Ratings

Amazon Flex has what they call ‘standings,’ a rating system for each block you work on. Your ratings are based on key components, including:

  • On-time arrival
  • On-time cancel
  • Delivery completion
  • On-time delivery
  • Delivered and received

The standings are rated:

  • Fantastic
  • Great
  • Fair
  • At-risk

You probably assumed that at-risk means your account is at risk of deactivation. You’ll know fairly quickly if any bad reviews make your account fall in the standings, allowing you to fix it in your next block to avoid deactivation.

DoorDash Ratings

DoorDash customers can instantly review a delivery driver. DoorDash works on a system from 1 to 5 and is an average of your last 100 deliveries. You must maintain a 4.2-star rating and complete at least 80% of your accepted orders to remain active with DoorDash or you risk deactivation.

Neither Amazon Flex nor DoorDash considers issues beyond your control that may have caused your rating to fall, which is great news since weather and traffic can affect a delivery.

Amazon Flex vs DoorDash: Driver Support

Driver support is essential during and after deliveries, which is why Amazon Flex and DoorDash put resources into supporting their drivers.

The Amazon Flex driver support line is available from 5 am to 7 pm PT daily.

DoorDash has an extensive library online to review FAQs, or you can contact customer support through the DoorDash app for immediate support.

DoorDash vs Amazon Flex: Pros and Cons

Now that you’ve reviewed a side-by-side comparison of the two apps, here is an overall summary of the pros and cons.

DoorDash

Pros:
  • Work when you want, either scheduled or on the fly.
  • Option for instant pay.
  • Opportunities for promotions and additional pay.
  • Easy work.
Cons:
  • No guarantee you’ll have deliveries even when on the app.
  • Must maintain a 4.2 rating to stay active.
  • It puts a lot of wear and tear on your car.

Amazon Flex

Pros:
  • You are your own boss.
  • You know the guaranteed pay.
  • Deliveries are guaranteed for scheduled blocks.
  • Many options for rewards and bonuses.
Cons:
  • Not available everywhere.
  • Hard to get shifts before they are gone.
  • Time blocks can be shorter than necessary to complete the number of deliveries.

What Experienced Drivers Have to Say

Reddit has a lot of conversations about Amazon Flex vs DoorDash. Here’s what some drivers have to say.

So I stopped Flexing because I have been averaging better stats with DoorDash, surprisingly. It seems demand for DD continues to skyrocket despite the price of food increasing. Which is just insane. But for reference, I have been making anywhere from $2.50-$ 5 a mile doing DoorDash, and I don't have to constantly be driving like crazy because I limit my max radius to 5 miles with the exception of the occasional $20 order that may be 6-7 miles total.
Sasha Monet
In my market in St Louis, DD is pretty volatile. It can be a crazy $ 35-an-hour day, or it can be two terrible orders an hour. So what I do is snag two blocks for the day EARLY AM and early PM, and between the two blocks, I multi-app DD/UE/GH.
RighteousGlory
Why not just do both? Both apps have different peak hours; just dip on both and hustle to make even more money.
HarMar_Productions

Amazon Flex vs DoorDash: Which Is Best for You?

Why not try both? Your best bet is to double or triple up on the gig apps to make the most money. Amazon Flex offers guaranteed pay, but it’s harder to get blocks. DoorDash offers great promotions and bonuses, but there’s no guarantee of deliveries being available.

When you diversify and try both apps, you increase your chances of reaching your income goals and can make an educated decision on which one is working out better for you.

The post Amazon Flex vs. DoorDash: Driver’s Guide appeared first on Millennial Money.



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November 13, 2023 at 07:48AM