Uber Eats is a well-known delivery app that connects you with a wide range of local businesses, including restaurants, grocery stores, and more. It operates in over 6,000 cities across the U.S., powered by a network of independent contractors who can deliver your order within an hour.
If you’re considering joining the gig economy as a delivery driver, Uber Eats could be a great way to make some extra money. All you need is a vehicle (a car, bike, or scooter will do) and a bit of hustle.
Curious about how to make the most of your time with Uber Eats? Here’s what you need to know.
As an Uber Eats driver, you’ll be an independent contractor, which means you’re not guaranteed a minimum wage or other benefits that full-time employees get. However, during peak delivery times, you could earn $25 per hour or more. Not bad for a job that doesn’t require a college degree or extensive training.
To get started, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements. You should live in or near an Uber Eats market, be at least 19 years old (or 18 if you’re delivering by bike), be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and have a functional vehicle with valid insurance. You’ll also need a valid driver’s license, even if you’re only delivering by bike.
The application process is straightforward. You’ll need to provide some basic information, consent to a background check, and wait for your delivery bag and prepaid debit card to arrive in the mail. Once you’ve got those, you’re ready to start making deliveries.
When you’re ready to work, just open the app and indicate that you’re available. The app will show you the details of each order and where to pick it up. It’s a good idea to call ahead to make sure the order is ready and to check that everything is correct when you arrive.
In some areas, Uber Eats also offers Shop & Pay opportunities, where you shop for a customer’s order at a grocery or drug store and then deliver it. To do this, you’ll need to apply for a Plus Card, which you’ll use to pay for orders.
For each delivery, you’ll receive a payment that includes a flat fee for each pickup and dropoff, a variable amount for time spent waiting for the order, a per-mile rate for the distance between the pickup and dropoff locations, and 100% of tips from the customer. Payments are made via weekly direct deposits, but you can also cash out to a linked bank account if you need your funds sooner.
While Uber Eats is a great option for many, it’s not the only game in town. Other services like Instacart, Amazon Fresh, DoorDash, and Grubhub also offer delivery opportunities.
Uber Eats has several advantages, including the fact that you don’t need a car to work on the platform, potentially attractive pay, delivery fees that increase with distance, and surge pricing during busy periods. However, there are also some downsides, including the fact that you’re an independent contractor, potentially high overhead costs if you’re using your own car, and limited availability in smaller cities and metro areas.
In comparison to other delivery apps like Instacart, Uber Eats offers similar potential pay and more vehicle options. However, the items delivered are more varied, including restaurant food, groceries, and sundries.
In conclusion, working as an Uber Eats courier can be a good way to earn extra income. All you need is a vehicle, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to hustle.
