Amazon Flex vs DoorDash: What’s The Best Side Job
If you are looking for a way to make money outside of your 9 to 5 job you have a lot of choices.
There are plenty of side hustle jobs out there. However, DoorDash and Amazon Flex are two of the biggest platforms.
The two companies have very similar business models and offer gigs opportunities to people who want to make extra cash, but far from simply looking at a company and deem one superior to the other, the goal here is to present the alternatives from each side and help those who may still be undecided to make an informed choice between Amazon Flex and DoorDash.
Amazon and DoorDash are two leading logistics companies that offer delivery services to customers around the world. DoorDash provides meal and food delivery services in the U.S., Canada, and Japan. With the acquisition of Wolt and further expansion into Europe, DoorDash is hoping to capitalize on greater opportunities for growth and gain access to new markets.
This deal comes shortly after Just Eat Takeaway.com, an Amsterdam-based online takeaway market and delivery service platform, acquired Grubhub for a staggering amount of $7.3 billion in June 2020 — making it one of the largest deals of all time in the food delivery industry.
On the other hand, Amazon Flex enables package delivery in many countries including the U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, India and Singapore. Both companies generate revenue from product sales as well as from commission from their partners.Though Amazon does not own DoorDash, the two companies do have a partnership that goes back a few years. In 2017, Doordash began to use Amazon Flex parent company's AWS solutions for its meal delivery service. This allowed Doordash to provide a more efficient service for their customers and get an edge over their competitors. Furthermore, both companies are publicly traded on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbols Dash (Doordash) and AMZN (Amazon).
Recently, DoorDash has been expanding into convenience stores (Dashmart ) which deliver everything from gifts to groceries to alcohol and even ice cream in less than 30 minutes. The company has been investing heavily in technology such as artificial intelligence, data science and robotics to make sure they can meet customer demand efficiently and accurately.
Amazon Flex is one of the Amazon side hustles. As well as providing meal delivery services around the world, the e-commerce giant also uses its logistics network to help small businesses expand their reach by giving them access to its global network of warehouses and delivery centers. The company even has its own brand of same-day delivery service, Prime Now that delivers to Amazon Prime members all sorts of items from cosmetics to electronics within two hours or less depending on your location.
Both companies continue to be some of the most innovative players in the logistics market with their commitment to providing superior customer experiences through rapid deliveries, convenient options for ordering goods online or through mobile apps along with ever-expanding networks of warehouses and retail outlets across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific regions .
First of all we want to start our article by taking a look at the similarities between DoorDash and Amazon from a delivery driver’s perspective.
At Bestreferraldriver we are a team of gig workers and we know how it works.
The good news is that both services take advantage of the development of new technologies and run via a smartphone app that is really easy to use.
It is one of the greatest advantages of delivery gigs such as Amazon Flex and DoorDash.
Workers can set their own schedules and work as much or as little as they like.
However, Amazon Flex works with a system of delivery blocks . Some early shifts start at 4:30 AM. You can also get some “Instant Offers'', but the main way Amazon Flex works is through schedule.
Doordash is a 24/7 delivery app. People can get lunch, dinner and even breakfast delivered to their doorstep. The San Francisco headquartered company works with two systems:
While you do not get a penalty for declining or ignoring delivery requests, once you accept an offer, both companies expect you to complete the delivery.
According to our experience, working with DoorDash is a little bit more flexible. Even if you are scheduled for a delivery shift, you can take a single order and then sign off.
If you accept a delivery block with Amazon, you have to complete all the deliveries.
One of the biggest complaints from Amazon delivery workers is that there are too many packages that need to be delivered & the map is not always correct. Additionally, some drivery areas are too far apart as well.
However if you are an early bird and are looking for an early morning shift, Amazon Flex will be the right job for you.
👀 Related Article: Does Amazon Pay Weekly
Amazon Flex drivers and DoorDash drivers are classified as independent contractors.
They have no access to benefits that regular employees receives including:
App-based gigs give you the power to be your own boss. However you should not forget that as a no-employee the income earned from Amazon Flex and DoorDash is taxable income.
Of course you can take advantage of tax deductions. We suggest you consult our complete guide to DoorDash taxes.
👀 Related Article: Jobs Like Amazon Flex
Both apps will give you an estimation of your earnings based on the distance traveled, the time taken, the base rate.
When it comes to customers, Amazon and Doordash have some similarities.
Amazon Prime and Doordash's Dashpass are two subscription services that waive delivery fees by offering free shipping benefits to customers.
Amazon Prime is a paid membership program that gives customers free two-day shipping on many items, as well as access to Amazon's Prime Video and Prime Music streaming services.
Dashpass is Doordash's subscription service that provides customers with free delivery on orders over $10. Both Amazon Prime and Dashpass have their own unique benefits that can save customers time and money. Amazon Prime has a wider range of benefits beyond just free shipping, while Dashpass may be a better option for those who frequently order from Doordash. Ultimately, the best subscription for each individual will depend on their needs and preferences.
In addition to the similarities, there are some differences as well.
In addition to the similarities, there are some differences as well. First of all, in the past Amazon provided restaurant delivery service via Amazon Restaurants. Amazon Restaurants was available in select cities and allowed customers to order delivery from local restaurants. Amazon shutted down the food delivery division.
Let's analyze the differences between Flex jobs and Doordash delivery jobs.
Amazon Flex and DoorDash are two delivery services. DoorDash was born as a food delivery app and recently expanded the delivery business with on-demand grocery delivery, and delivery anything.
However, working with DoorDash you will mainly deliver food that you pick up from the restaurant partners.
Working with Amazon Flex generally you will deliver packages that you pickup at the Amazon warehouse. Your main work tool is the Amazon Flex app
Amazon Flex is also one of the grocery gig companies. Indeed, with a new Whole Foods delivery program, Flex drivers can deliver groceries from Amazon Fresh or Whole foods.
👀 Related Guide: Guide to Amazon Fresh Driver
You do not need special skills or education to earn money with the delivery apps.
The basic requirements for becoming a DoorDash driver are being at least 18 years of age, having a valid driver’s license, and passing a background check.
You have to be at least 21 years old to be a delivery driver with Amazon Flex. The sign up process to become an independent drivere for Amazon is online.
Both companies want to work with people who are responsible and safe drivers. Whether you sign up for DoorDash or Amazon Flex, you have to undergo a background check process.
Recently DoorDash, very similar to rideshare companies, started to run continuous screenings on their delivery partners. Dashers with felony or other serious convictions are immediately deactivated from the platform.
👀 Related Article: Amazon Flex Deactivation
When it comes to vehicle requirements, DoorDash is one of the most lax out there.
You can Dash using different types of transportation methods including:
Any car, truck, or van in any condition qualifies, you can even deliver with a 2-door car. Take a look at our complete guide to Doordash requirements.
Delivering for Amazon Flex you need to own or rent via a gig rental platform a 4-door vehicle. Basically, you must have a mid-sized or larger vehicle (SUV, van or truck with a covered bed). Take a look at our complete guide to Amazon Flex requirements
Whether you sign up for Amazon Flex or DoorDash, you’ll need to be covered by auto insurance.
The application process starts online for both companies. You have to upload all the required documents.
While Uber and Lyft are facing driver shortage, there is an increased demand in delivery jobs.
Amazon Flex has a long waiting list for qualified applicants who might be accepted if a job becomes available.
Additionally, the on boarding process to become Amazon Flex driver may include an interview.
Features DoorDash has but Amazon Flex does not…
Features Amazon Flex has but DoorDash does not…
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Who pays more? As for all the gig jobs, the amount of money you can make actually depends on numerous factors including the type of vehicle, operational expenses, and the amount of time you spend in the activities.
Of course experience matters.
According to Amazon the hourly pay for delivery partners is between $18 - $20 per hour. We suggest you consult our complete guide with all the pros and the cons of Amazon Flex delivery job.
According to DoorDash, Dashers nationally get paid on average $25 per hour * they work (while on a delivery), including 100% of tips.
If you are new to side hustle jobs, we want to repeat that these are the average amounts that each driver can make but the actual amount is less.
No matter which company you choose to work for, if you want to maximize your earnings, you should be able to reduce your gas expense. Follow our tips:
*For illustrative purposes only. Actual earnings may differ and depend on factors like number of deliveries completed, time of day, location, and expenses. Hourly pay is calculated using average Dasher payouts while on a delivery (from the time you accept an order until the time you drop it off) over a 90 day period and includes compensation from peak pay, tips, and other incentives.
Amazon Flex and Doordash have a rewards program. Delivery partners can unlock benefits and perks delivering including fuel cards.
DoorDash offers multiple incentives, and bonuses to new applicants and Dashers. We suggest you consult our guide on how to make more money with DoorDash.
The goal of both apps is to have happy customers providing on-time delivery. To ensure the balance between the supply and the demand, Amazon and DoorDash offer incentives to workers during the busy times.
Amazing customer service is always rewarded. Doordash app has a comprehensive in-app tipping.
Amazon delivery partners can get tips only in special orders.
So, if you’re looking for tips, driving for companies like DoorDash or Uber Eats is a better option.
Through the years, these companies have expanded, you can earn money delivering with both of these delivery apps whenever it’s convenient for you.
While Amazon Flex seems to have a greater international presence, if you’re in the United States you probably will earn more with DoorDash while working during the busiest times.
On the other hand, we love to work with Amazon Flex and do not have to deal with multiple pickup locations. Pickup food in downtown areas can be a nightmare.
Since you are independent contractors and the application process is free, you can try them all out and see which works best for you. Many serial delivery drivers end up discovering that using a combination of the two apps, depending on which is busier/quieter, tends to work best.
Whichever delivery job you pick, be fast, be smart and do not forget to track your miles.
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