When you’re thinking about apps that pay you to drive, two big names come to mind: Amazon Flex and DoorDash. They’re both popular ways to earn money, but they have their differences.
With both, you’re getting paid to deliver items. Yet, what you’re delivering and how your workday looks can vary quite a bit. There’s also a difference in how much they pay, what they expect from you, and how you plan your working hours.
So, in today’s review, I’m here to give you a quick overview of Amazon Flex and DoorDash to help you decide which one might be a better fit for you. I have worked with both of these apps for years now, so I can give a clear perspective.
By the end of this review, you’ll have a clearer idea of which service suits your needs, the potential earnings, and how to get started.
Understanding Amazon Flex
If you choose to drive with Amazon Flex, you’re basically helping deliver packages from Amazon’s storage places straight to people’s homes. This is a big reason why Amazon gets its packages to customers so quickly, and it’s why they have so many drivers.
If you’re in the U.S. and you’re at least 21 years old, you can sign up. Plus, it’s not just a U.S. thing. Amazon Flex operates in many cities across the U.S. and in several other countries too.
Once you become a driver, you pick the times you want to work. These are called “delivery blocks,” and they typically last between 3 to 6 hours. One cool thing is that you’ll always know upfront how much you’ll earn for that block.
You might be wondering about the kind of deliveries you’d be making. Well, there’s quite a variety:
- You could be delivering regular Amazon.com packages.
- There’s Prime Now, which is about getting household items to people.
- With Amazon Fresh, you’d be delivering groceries.
- Store Orders are about collecting items from local shops and getting them to customers.
- Lastly, there are Instant Offers. These pop up based on where you are at the moment.
To sum it up, Amazon Flex is a bit more structured compared to DoorDash. But on the plus side, you always know your earnings for each block you choose to work.
Understanding DoorDash
DoorDash is a service that brings a world of local items to people’s doorsteps. Think of it as your go-to for having things like groceries, snacks from the corner store, or your favorite restaurant dish delivered right to you. With access to over 300,000 places, both locally loved and nationally known, there’s a wide variety for everyone. The drivers for this service are called “Dashers”, and they’re the ones who make these swift deliveries happen.
You might find it interesting to know that DoorDash holds the title as the top food delivery service in North America when we talk about how many people use it. If you’re considering this as a potential job or side gig, it’s good to know that DoorDash provides more flexibility compared to Amazon Flex. But whether that’s a plus or minus really depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re 18 or older and have a clean background/driving record, you can join. DoorDash operates in over 7,000 cities not just in the U.S., but also in Canada and even Australia.
If you’re thinking of becoming a Dasher, they’ll run a background check first and joining depends on if they have openings in your area. If there isn’t an opening, they will just add you to the waitlist.
DoorDash vs Amazon Flex
When you weigh Amazon Flex against DoorDash, here’s what I think: Amazon Flex is the way to go if you’re looking for a higher hourly rate and appreciate sticking to a set schedule. On the other hand, DoorDash might be your best bet if you want to put in more hours and desire the freedom to choose your delivery times. While they are both flexible in a sense, you will have to commit more time to Amazon Flex when you want to work.
Again, having worked with both for a long time, let’s dive deeper into comparing some key features of Amazon Flex and DoorDash, particularly in terms of payment.
Requirements
If you’re deciding between DoorDash and Amazon Flex, the requirements for drivers and their vehicles play a crucial role.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what each expects from you and your ride.
Both DoorDash and Amazon Flex are pretty clear on a couple of things. They want you to have a clean slate when it comes to driving and expect you to clear a background check. Oh, and having insurance that meets the standards of where you’re based is a must.
Diving deeper, Amazon Flex has its own set of specifics.
To get on board, you should be at least 21, equipped with a Social Security number, and hold a valid driver’s license. As for your vehicle, they’re looking for midsize sedans with 4 doors, or something roomier like an SUV, truck, or van.
On the other hand, DoorDash is a tad more flexible.
You can start dashing at 18. And the vehicle requirements is quite open. Whether you own a bike, a scooter, or a car, you’re in. The make, model, or the number of doors on your vehicle doesn’t really matter, as long as it gets the job done in your specific area.
Also, if you’re eager to hit the road ASAP, you might lean towards DoorDash. Their onboarding tends to be a smidge quicker than Amazon Flex.
While both have their own merits, it seems DoorDash might have a slight advantage when it comes to ease of joining. It just seems simpler to become a DoorDash driver compared to Amazon Flex.
Scheduling
When it comes to organizing your time and picking up deliveries, Amazon Flex and DoorDash operate a bit differently. Let’s break down how each one works, so you can figure out which might fit best with your routine.
With Amazon Flex, you’ll be eyeing “delivery blocks”, which typically last between 3 to 6 hours. To make deliveries, you’ll need to have one of these blocks. They’re up for grabs on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sometimes, snagging these blocks can be a challenge. Some drivers have even turned to bots to outpace their peers and secure a slot, but these are against the TOS, so be careful with this one.
Now, when we talk about DoorDash, it offers a touch more flexibility. If there’s a demand in your area, you can hop online and start taking orders. But if you’re someone who likes a plan, you can book a slot a couple of days ahead to ensure you have set hours. Another perk? You get to be picky. If an order doesn’t feel right, you can skip it without any worries, as there’s no pressure to maintain a specific acceptance rate. You do the orders YOU want to do.
So, are you someone who’s got just a couple of hours to spare each week? You might find Amazon Flex’s approach more to your liking. On the other hand, if the idea of jumping in whenever the mood strikes and working as much or as little as you want appeals to you, DoorDash seems like a better fit.
Given the flexibility and the ability to get started without jostling for blocks, DoorDash might have a slight edge for many. It just seems more straightforward to earn with DoorDash since you can log in whenever it suits you.
Just remember, if you’re thinking of dashing at any time, it does depend on if there’s enough demand in your area.
Pay
Both platforms can be profitable, but the way you earn differs.
Amazon Flex provides a set amount for each delivery block you commit to. DoorDash’s earnings, in contrast, vary based on the orders you pick up, customer tips, and any special deals they’re running.
For a clearer picture:
- With Amazon Flex, most drivers earn somewhere between $18 and $25 an hour. Your location and how much time it takes to make deliveries can influence this. Plus, if you get tips, you can boost that hourly rate. Sometimes, you can earn more if there are bonuses and work is in high demand.
- As for DoorDash, what a Dasher earns is tied to the estimated delivery time and the distance covered. Getting tipped by satisfied customers is a great way to add to your earnings. And there are moments when DoorDash offers promotions, extra pay during high-demand hours, and challenges that can up your earnings. However, how much you pocket depends largely on where you’re delivering and various other conditions. Plan on earning anywhere from as little as $10 to more than $30+ during peak times. Many factors are in play, however. This can include when you work, where you live and which orders you’re accepting.
Here’s a way to look at it…
If you prefer knowing exactly what you’ll make for your time, Amazon Flex might be more your style. But keep in mind, while tips might be a rarer occurrence with Amazon Flex, they’re pretty common with DoorDash, which can significantly bump up what you take home at the end of the day.
Amazon Flex generally offers a higher hourly rate. However, with DoorDash, you have the potential to complete more orders in a day, and the absence of set blocks means you can possibly earn more overall. It’s all about what works best for you.
Getting Paid
With Amazon Flex, you’ll see money in your account twice a week. They process payments on Tuesdays and Fridays, sending them straight to your bank. Generally, by the next day, you should see your earnings reflected in your bank balance. Just a heads up, if there’s a bank holiday, you might experience a slight delay.
On the flip side, DoorDash offers a weekly payment, transferred directly to your bank. If you’re based in the U.S., however, there’s an added perk: DasherDirect, which allows for daily deposits without any extra charges. And if you’re ever in a bind and need cash in a hurry, U.S. Dashers have the option of Fast Pay. For a fee of $1.99, you can access your earnings once a day.
Looking at the big picture, both Amazon Flex and DoorDash ensure that your hard work translates to a weekly paycheck, giving you a steady flow of income.
Amazon Flex seems to have a slight edge when it comes to frequency, paying out twice a week. However, they don’t have an option for immediate cash access like DoorDash’s Fast Pay.
How Amazon Flex & DoorDash are Alike
Both Amazon Flex and DoorDash grant their drivers a level of freedom that many jobs don’t. If you’re a driver with either, you’re essentially the captain of your own ship, setting your schedule on your terms. So, whether you want to work just a couple of hours or pack in full days, the choice is up to you.
Joining either platform also means stepping into the shoes of an independent contractor. A bit of heads up here: as an independent contractor, you have the responsibility of keeping tabs on your earnings and making sure taxes are in order. Plus, things like fueling up your car and any wear and tear fall on your shoulders.
For both these gigs, there’s no need to have a fancy diploma hanging on your wall or past delivery experience. They’re popular choices for those looking to earn some quick cash and have a vehicle handy.
Differences Between Amazon Flex & DoorDash
Delivery Expectations: When you drive with Amazon Flex, your trunk might be filled with packages, and you’ll be on the move, dropping off package after package. If there’s anything left undelivered by day’s end, it’s back to the warehouse they go. On the other hand, with DoorDash, it’s a different pace. You decide which orders to accept, and typically, it’s a single order you’re handling at any given time.
Setting Your Schedule: Amazon Flex drivers get a peek at their schedule ahead of time, but there’s a catch. Grabbing those shifts can be like a race since they’re available on a first-come, first-served basis. Meanwhile, DoorDash keeps things a tad simpler; you can jump into work whenever it’s bustling or plan out your working hours a few days in advance.
What’s in the Package: While Amazon Flex mostly has you transporting packages (with the exception of the now-defunct Amazon Restaurant), DoorDash has you focusing on ferrying food to hungry customers.
Your Ride: If you’re considering Amazon Flex, be ready with a vehicle that’s at least mid-sized or larger. DoorDash, however, offers a bit more variety; whether you’re behind the wheel of a car, riding a bike, zipping around on a scooter, or even just walking in certain areas, you’re good to go.
Age Matters: If you’re eager to get started with Amazon Flex, you’ll need to be at least 21. But if you’re leaning towards DoorDash and are 18 or older, you can dive right in.
Deciding Between Amazon Flex and DoorDash
If you’re seeking the ultimate in flexibility, DoorDash might just edge out Amazon Flex. It’s not only simpler to get started with DoorDash, but you also have the freedom to make deliveries on a bike and find opportunities in many more cities compared to Amazon Flex.
On the flip side, if you manage to secure the right delivery shifts, or ‘blocks’ as they’re called, Amazon Flex might offer a higher hourly rate. The challenge? Those ideal blocks are like gold dust given the fierce competition among drivers.
Perhaps you might consider using DoorDash as your primary source of delivery income and then mix in shifts from other platforms, maybe even Amazon Flex or others like Uber Eats and Instacart.
It’s essential to keep in mind that making it big with these apps demands both effort and a clever strategy. But with dedication and a bit of savvy, you could be looking at a neat income boost on the side.
Advantages of Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex offers a set rate of payment, so you’ll always know how much you’ll earn per shift, a feature DoorDash doesn’t provide. They also allow you to choose from various delivery block types. Moreover, Amazon Flex operates in more countries compared to DoorDash.
Drawbacks of Amazon Flex
If you’re hoping to make deliveries using a bike or scooter, Amazon Flex won’t be the platform for you, unlike DoorDash. Plus, drivers on Amazon Flex tend to pocket fewer tips than some other delivery jobs. Also, there’s a snag – in many cities, there’s a lengthy waiting list to get started.
Advantages of DoorDash
With DoorDash, you can hit the road whenever you feel like it. No need to lock in shifts ahead of time, a restriction you’ll find with Amazon Flex. Also, those tips? DoorDash drivers often find their pockets jingling more frequently. Waiting times? They’re generally shorter when you compare DoorDash with Amazon Flex. And yes, DoorDash gives you the green light to deliver using a bike, car, or scooter.
Drawbacks of DoorDash
Now, it’s not all rosy. Sometimes, DoorDash orders or shifts might not pay as generously as what you’d get on Amazon Flex, especially if luck isn’t on your side that day. And while DoorDash has made its mark, it hasn’t expanded globally as much as Amazon Flex has.
Final Thoughts
Here’s hoping this comparison gives you clarity on the DoorDash versus Amazon Flex debate and aids you in pinpointing the ideal fit for your aspirations and circumstances. As you can see, there’s really no right or wrong answer, as it’s going to be dependent on you and your circumstances. There are a lot of factors in play here.
Many seasoned gig workers, including myself, swear by juggling multiple delivery apps. This way, you keep the work coming in. Why not try them both?
That’s going to do it for now.
If you want to jump in on the debate, feel free to do so in the comments below.
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