Postmates Vs Instacart. Which Is Better For Drivers (Pay, Incentives, Requirements...)
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The coronavirus has changed all aspects of our lives and also caused a significant economic change. With millions of job losses, people were forced to turn into freelancers and gig workers.
In addition, we recently saw food delivery companies purchasing other companies in the same industry in order to increase reach and acquire market share.
In this article we focus on two companies that seem very similar at first glance. Pitting Instacart vs. Postmates, we take a look at the respective strengths of each delivery platform, so you can pick the right one for you the next time you are looking for a side hustle.
In this article we talk about:
If you know the etymology of the Gig Economy, this is a fairly recent term. It is born thanks to the creation of applications and websites that offer services 'on demand'. In addition to being appreciated for their services by users, Postmates and Instacart are the right solution for those who want to work as delivery drivers. Postmates and Instacart are two platforms that work respectively through the Postmates App and the Instacart App. But what are the differences?
The Postmates platform is an easy and reliable way to get the food, alcohol, and merchandise you love delivered straight to your home. You can order just about anything with the Postmates App and get contactless delivery .
Postmates deliver from a wide choice of restaurant chains including Popeyes, Panera Bread and other local restaurants.
So, does Postmates deliver groceries?
As you probably know, Uber acquired Postmates. The pandemic has hit ride-hailing companies hard and Uber consolidated its delivery and grocery delivery business by the purchase of this platform.
The process of the assimilation of Postmates from Uber technology Inc. is going really fast.
Today almost all the delivery of Postmates orders are operated by UberEats drivers. So, is Postmates Eats worth it? From now, we will not talk anymore of Postmates how it was when Bastian Lehmann was the CEO, but of the new Postmates Eats owned by Uber. Keep reading!
Instacart is a grocery delivery service founded by Mehta in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco. The company is expected to go public in 2023.
With 9.6 million users, Instacart is one of the best grocery delivery apps also offering pickup services.
Instacart users can subscribe to a monthly membership and get free delivery on orders over $35.
Basically, customers select groceries through the Instacart App or Instacart website from various grocery stores to get them delivered to their home. As an Instacart Full-Service Shopper contractor you have to shop and deliver the customer’s order.
Understanding the difference between Instacart and Postmates is the first step when looking for a side hustle. While with Instacart you will shop and deliver only groceries, with Postmates Eats you will deliver food, drinks as well as goods from all the retailers available in the on-demand delivery service app.
Related Article: Trader Joe's Delivery
The basic requirements for both side hustles are being at least 18 years of age, having a valid driver’s license, and passing a background check.
If you do not own a car, you can rent one via the rideshare rental companies.
Here is a recap of the qualifications. For more details, take a look at our guide to become Instacart Shopper and Uber Eats driver.
Our opinion: The list of qualifications is not so complicated either for Postmates or Instacart Shoppers. What changes is the flexibility that only Postmates offers, to make deliveries with any type of vehicle (motorcycles, bicycles and in some markets even just walking) without scheduling yourself.
Winner: Postmates
What is it really like working for Postmates or Instacart?
Among all the advantages of self-employment there is first of all the flexibility that only working for food delivery services, grocery delivery or ridesharing companies can offer.
However, the success of a gig worker depends on the ability to rise above the noise and find creative ways to save money.
Figuring out the best ways to save on your expenses while delivering is not so difficult. Start by tracking your miles every time you are online and save money on gas expenses by using a cash back app, finding cheap gas and also by driving using saving fuel techniques.
Additionally, set money aside because remember, as an independent contractor, you have to file taxes.
Now that we see what the two gigs have in common, what are the differences? Basically, Postmates is a driving job while working with Instacart you often have to buy groceries and deliver them to the customers.
So, Instacart is mostly a standing job while with Postmates you will spend more time sitting in your car driving.
Related Guide: Instacart Taxes
“Life is a matter of choice,” says Schwartz. “But, is this good news or bad news?” With so many choices, people find it difficult to make any decision at all. If you’re currently considering looking for a new job, perks, benefits and higher salary are so important.
If earning more is a fundamental need for you, take a few minutes to see this review of Postmates Eats drivers and Instacart Shoppers hourly pay.
Earnings when working as a Postmates driver or Instacart Shopper vary based on the number of deliveries made. The more hours you spend on this activity, the greater your chances of earning.
Drivers can freely decide the number of hours they wish to work and on which days of the week. While driving for Postmates it is a good practice to follow our strategies that will help you earn more.
But what pays more: Instacart or Postmates?
Both apps give you the opportunity of getting paid after every workday and the pay varies by cities. According to Indeed, the average hourly pay for an Instacart Personal Shopper in the United States approximately can range from $12 to $18 + tips per hour. On the other hand, the average pay for a Postmates Eats worker is approximately $14.97 per hour.
Take a look at our guide on how to make more when working with Instacart.
Winner: Instacart
👀 Related Article: Is Instacart Down
Once upon a time Postmates offered a sign up bonus to encourage drivers working for them. The bonus ranged between $150 and $1,000. Other incentives included:
Instacart Shopper have access to the following incentives:
The sign up for Postmates Eats or Instacart is free. You will work as an independent contractor. If you’re not satisfied with the pay rate you can always change. After a first analysis , we can conclude that Instacart offers more incentives to their drivers.
You can also maximize your earnings with our tips and tricks for Postmates drivers.
🛒🚘💰 Start earn money by grocery shopping, it is a part-time or full time side gig.
Providing excellent customer service is the base of every gig job. Both apps have an in-app tipping option that allows customers to tip before or after the delivery.
If you want to learn more we suggest you take a look at our guide to Postmates tipping and Instacart tipping .
The truth is that gig workers often work for multiple apps simultaneously. If you want to use a bike or make money walking, you should choose the Postmates Eats option. However, choosing Instacart is choosing a better paid job.
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