CommonCentsMom.com is advertiser-supported: we may earn compensation from the products and offers mentioned in this article. However, any expressed opinions are our own and aren't influenced by compensation. The contents of the CommonCentsMom.com website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this site (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional financial or legal advice. Always seek the advice of your Financial Advisor, CPA and Lawyer with any questions you may have regarding your situation. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website!
Food delivery apps are high in demand across the globe right now. In the recent years, we have become increasingly accustomed to having all our meals and groceries delivered right to our doorstep, and with the rise of the global pandemic, the need for these apps has only grown further.
This growth in delivery apps has allowed for a new stream of employment opportunities to open up. If you’re looking for a hassle-free side hustle, you can earn a handsome sum working as a delivery driver for DoorDash or Uber Eats today. In this article, we have compiled all the information you would need before you take the plunge. So scroll down to learn which app pays better, and which one offers a better work environment for their delivery drivers.
DoorDash At A Glance
An online food delivery business, DoorDash was founded by 4 Stanford students in Palo Alto, California, back in 2013. The app now operates in over 4,000 cities across the United States, Australia, and Canada.
DoorDash allows its customers to place real-time orders and even schedule later deliveries using the app. The app’s team of delivery drivers are known as ‘Dashers,’ and they ensure your order is delivered in a timely manner. One of the largest food delivery businesses today, DoorDash allows customers to choose from a list of over 450,000 merchants on their platform.
The pick up and drop off process is easy – all you need to do is download the DoorDash app and sign up for an account. Once you’ve registered, you can start accepting orders from customers. Payment options for DoorDash delivery drivers include both cash and credit cards. The company also offers a generous referral program, which rewards Dashers for bringing in new customers.
What we like about DoorDash:
- The DoorDash app is easy to use and navigate.
- The company offers a generous referral program that rewards Dashers for bringing in new customers.
Another thing we like about DoorDash is that the app continues to increase its offerings. In October 2022, the company partnered with Tractor Supply (they are the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the US). The partnership has allowed DoorDash customers to buy items such as poultry feed, home improvement tools, and more, with delivery direct to their homes through the DoorDash app.
In addition, the app has partnered with plenty of other businesses, including:
- Floral shops
- Gourmet bakeries
- Wine & liquor stores
- Pet supplies
- Office supplies
- Baby items
- And more
Uber Eats At A Glance
Launched by Uber in 2014, Uber Eats is an online food delivery platform. One of the most widespread food delivery apps to exist today, Uber Eats has operations in over 40 countries across the world. The service first started in California and has since grown exponentially. Uber Eats drivers deliver orders simply on foot or using vehicles such as cars, scooters, and bikes across the city.
Uber Eats pricing and delivery fees are comparable to those of DoorDash. In addition to this, Uber Eats also offers a number of additional benefits, such as the ability to earn tips and earn referral bonuses. As a result, Uber Eats is one the most popular food delivery apps on the market today.
What we like about Uber Eats:
- The Uber Eats app is very user-friendly and easy to use.
- The delivery fees are very reasonable, and the delivery service is very reliable.
Similar to Door Dash, Uber Eats also works with a wide range of businesses, not only restaurants, including:
- Grocery stores
- Ice cream shops
- Donut stores (such as Krispy Kreme)
- And more
Restaurants And Grocery Stores That Use These Apps
There are a number of restaurants and grocery stores that use these apps to deliver food to customers. Your favorite restaurant
or grocery store might not be on this list, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t use these apps. If you’re not sure whether or not your favorite restaurant or grocery store uses these apps, you can check out their website or social media page to find out.
Delivery requests on these apps are handled by drivers who are contracted by the app. This means that the drivers are independent contractors, and they are not employees of the app. This means that the drivers are not entitled to any benefits, such as health insurance or retirement savings.
Why Do Delivery Drivers Work With These Apps?
There are a few reasons why delivery drivers work with these apps.
1. Earn some extra money
The gig economy has become increasingly popular in recent years, and food delivery apps are no exception. With the growing demand for these services, there is always a need for new drivers to fill the positions. This means that you can earn a good wage while working as a delivery driver for one of these apps.
2. No need for a car
Unlike other jobs where you need to have a car to work, delivery drivers don’t need to own one. All they need is a phone and an app to get started. This means that you can work from anywhere in the world, and you don’t need to worry about having to commute.
3. Flexible hours
Unlike other jobs where you need to be available during set hours, delivery drivers can usually work whenever they want. This means that they can set their own hours, and work when they have the time to spare. This is a great option if you want to take on a side hustle while maintaining your day job.
4. Incentives
Both DoorDash and Uber Eats offer a number of incentives to their drivers, such as bonus pay and exclusive discounts. This means that you can earn a good wage while working as a delivery driver, and still have the opportunity to earn some extra money.
5. Partnerships
Both DoorDash and Uber Eats have partnerships with a number of different companies, which means that you can earn a good wage while working with one of these companies. For example, Uber Eats has a partnership with Starbucks, which means that you can earn money delivering coffee to customers.
Signing Up To Be A Delivery Driver
While the sign-up process for both DoorDash and Uber Eats is relatively similar, the requirements to drive for both companies differ from each other a little.
You can apply for both companies online or through the application itself. You need to provide information such as your social security number, consent to a background check, and then wait for your results before getting started with your very first delivery.
Driver sign up requirements for DoorDash:
1. Be 18 years or older
2. Have an active driver’s license
3. Have auto insurance
4. Have a smartphone to download the DoorDash application
5. Provide your social security number
6. Pass a background test
7. Have access to a vehicle
8. Complete an online or in-person orientation
Driver sign up requirements for Uber Eats:
1. Be 18 years or older (for couriers using bikes)
2. Be 19 years or older (for couriers using scooters)
3. Have access to a vehicle less than 20 years old
4. Have a valid driver’s license
5. Have auto insurance
6. Have a smartphone to download the Uber Eats app
7. Pass a background test
Delivery Hours
DoorDash: Dashers can schedule their working hours up to a week in advance using the DoorDash app. This allows for a more structured work week. They can also use the ‘Dash Now,’ feature to take real-time orders during peak hours to benefit from higher pay.
Uber Eats: Uber Eats drivers can enjoy a flexible work structure by opening the app and taking orders whenever they like. They don’t have to schedule their work hours in advance and can take up more work whenever they have any extra time.
Delivery Pay For Drivers
Both DoorDash and Uber Eats use a slightly different payment model for their delivery drivers. Since there is no flat rate for each delivery, it is impossible to say which app pays more. The payment for each delivery is affected by various factors such as your location, the time you take the order, and the distance you need to travel to complete your delivery.
DoorDash Pay Model
DoorDash drivers earn an average of $20 per hour. The app offers a unique payment model that adds up 3 components:
1. Base Pay: This tends to range between $2 to $ 10 and is determined by factors such as the time taken to complete each order, and the distance traveled to make the delivery. Base pay also takes in the ‘desirability’ of an order into consideration, looking at how popular that particular order was with other dashers.
2. Promotions: Promotions fall into 2 categories known as peak pay and challenges. Peak pay refers to busier periods of time in a day where dashers can earn more for each delivery, and challenges allow dashers to earn extra income by completing a certain number of deliveries in a specified period of time.
3. Tips: Finally the app adds up any tips received for making the delivery, letting you retain a 100% of the tips you make.
Uber Eats Pay Model
Similar to DoorDash, Uber Eats adds up the base pay along with any bonuses and tips for the drivers. The base pay looks at the time spent on any delivery as well as the distance traveled to make the delivery. Bonuses come from any extra income garnered by working during peak hours, known as ‘surge zones.’ Lastly, Uber Eats also lets its drivers retain 100% of the tips they make for each delivery.
Getting Paid
DoorDash: Dashers can choose 1 of 2 options to receive their earnings from DoorDash. They can set up a direct deposit, earnings for which are usually processed by Wednesday, and received by Thursday each week.
Dashers can also choose Fast Pay to cash out early if they wish to receive cash immediately. This service however charges you $1.99 for each transaction.
Uber Eats: Uber Eats drivers are also paid for their services using direct deposit. If they wish to cash out earlier, they can choose the Instant Pay option up to 5 times a day. However, they are charged $0.50 for each cash-out.
According to our research, Uber Eats drivers can earn an average of $39,448 a year, while Door Dash drivers can earn an average of $39,969 a year. So, there’s not much difference between what you can make with either app.
Door Dash vs Uber Eats Annual Average Pay Comparison
According to our research, Uber Eats drivers can earn an average of $39,448 a year, while Door Dash drivers can earn an average of $39,969 a year. So, there’s not much difference between what you can make with either app.
Driver Ratings
DoorDash
The DoorDash 5-star rating system is based on 4 different elements.
1. Customer Rating: Based on the last 100 deliveries, the customer rating looks at how many points out of 5 dashers receive for each delivery from the customer. Dashers need to sustain a minimum score of 2 in order to stay employed by DoorDash.
2. Acceptance Rate: Each time a dasher rejects a delivery, their acceptance rate is affected. While no minimum acceptance rate is required to continue delivering on the app, a low acceptance rate can affect your chances of ever joining the ‘Top Dasher Program.’
3. On Time/ Early Rate: Based on the last 100 deliveries, this scale looks at the time dashers take to complete each delivery.
4. Completion Rate: Based on the last 100 deliveries, this scale looks at how many deliveries were successfully completed by a Dasher. Orders canceled by customers don’t count and affect your completion rate. Dashers need to maintain a minimum score of 80 to continue working for DoorDash.
Uber Eats
Uber Eats drivers are rated by both the customers and the restaurant staff. The rating is based on a simple thumbs up or thumbs down system and is centered around the driver’s last 100 orders.
Customers can also leave you detailed feedback. While a few low ratings might not affect your job, maintaining a consistently low score can cause you to be fired from Uber Eats.
DoorDash vs. Uber Eats: Which one is better?
When it comes to choosing between DoorDash and Uber Eats, there is no clear winner. It’s a tie. Each app comes with its own pros and cons and while one might be better suited to your particular needs, the right pick differs for each individual.
DoorDash is great for people who are looking to schedule a few extra work hours each week in a structured manner. While Uber Eats is great for people who have random periods of free time each week and are looking to find instant work during those hours. Both apps pay relatively the same and are a great source of making some extra income that can help you boost your savings or pay off any extra debt.
If you are still undecided, you can even work for both DoorDash and Uber Eats together. This will allow you to choose from a wider variety of orders and can help you rake in even more cash.
Tips for Drivers
If you’re thinking of becoming a delivery driver for one of these apps, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.
1. Take advantage of the driver app
The first thing that you should do is to download the driver app (iOS and Android) for the app that you’re interested in. This will give you access to the app’s driver database, and it will also give you access to the app’s delivery routes.
2. Make sure that you have a reliable vehicle
You’ll need a reliable vehicle if you want to be a successful delivery driver. You’ll need to be able to handle heavy loads, and you’ll also need to be able to drive in all types of weather conditions.
3. Be prepared for long hours
Delivery drivers typically work long hours, and they are usually required to work weekends as well. If this is something that you are willing to deal with, then becoming a delivery driver is definitely an option for you. Some time of day is usually reserved for rest, but most drivers work between 10 and 12 hours a day.
4. Have at least 1 year of driving experience
If you’re looking to become a delivery driver for one of these apps, you’ll need at least 1 year of driving experience. This is because the app will require you to have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
5. Make sure that you’re prepared for potential injuries
As a delivery driver, you’re likely to be in contact with hazardous materials. If you’re not prepared for potential injuries, then you could end up with some serious injuries. Make sure that you are well-informed about the dangers of working as a delivery driver, and make sure that you have the appropriate safety gear.
6. Get Paid Weekly
Most delivery drivers are paid weekly, and they are usually paid in cash. This means that you won’t have to worry about any bills or financial obligations while you’re working as a delivery driver.
7. Make sure that you’re aware of the app’s regulations
Each app has its own set of regulations, and it is important that you know about these regulations before you start working as a delivery driver for one of these apps. You should also make sure that you are familiar with the app’s terms and conditions, and that you are aware of the app’s driver safety guidelines.
How to Earn More as a Delivery Driver
- Work during peak times: you may occasionally earn a bonus for working late nights, weekdays during lunchtime, or weekend evenings.
- Take stacked orders: allow DoorDash and Uber Eats to organize your schedule by accepting several pickups and drop-offs simultaneously.
- Add small touches to your services: customers love it when their delivery drivers take the time to make small, personal touches to their orders. For instance, if a restaurant offers a mint, take a couple to add to your order. Another idea is to text your customers to let them know you’ve delivered their order. Personal touches like these can help you earn a larger tip.
Customer Tips
Here are a few customer tips that will help you get the most out of using these delivery apps:
1. Prepare Your Bank Accounts
Credit cards, debit cards, and bank accounts are all linked to your personal information. Make sure that you have saved your delivery options and payment information in case you need to make a purchase while you are waiting for your food to arrive. Service fees can add up quickly, so it’s important to be prepared for any unexpected charges.
2. Customer Support Is Available
If you have any questions about the app or the delivery process, don’t hesitate to reach out to customer support. They are available 24/7, and they are more than happy to help you out.
3. Be Patient
Delivery times can vary depending on the location, and sometimes there can be a delay due to high demand. Be patient, and don’t get frustrated if your food doesn’t arrive right away.
Food delivery services are a great way to get your food without having to leave your house. However, when you order food through these apps, you are not guaranteed to receive the same quality of food that you would receive at a restaurant. Make sure that you read the reviews before you order, and make sure that you are familiar with the delivery process so that you don’t get stranded without food.
