Food delivery apps have become an integral part of the modern market, offering a convenient and efficient way for consumers to order food from their favorite restaurants. These apps provide a platform for restaurants to expand their customer base and increase their revenue by reaching a larger audience that may not be able to dine in person.
By partnering with delivery apps, restaurants can tap into the growing trend of online food delivery and capitalize on the increasing demand for convenient meal options.
Furthermore, as evidenced by the success of restaurants in Los Angeles, Calif., establishments that have partnered with food delivery apps have experienced a significant increase in orders and a substantial growth in revenues.
The inclusion of delivery apps in the restaurant industry has proven to be a lucrative venture, with restaurants in Los Angeles experiencing notable financial benefits. The use of delivery apps to increase sales revenue has become a prevalent strategy in the restaurant industry.
This blog will explore the top delivery apps to make money and how you can maximize your earnings.
Factors to consider when choosing a delivery app
Before diving into the world of delivery apps, it’s important to consider a few factors to ensure you choose the right one for you. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
- Commission structure and fees: Different apps have varying commission structures and fees. Some may take a percentage of your earnings, while others charge a flat fee per delivery. It’s important to understand these costs and how they may impact your earnings.
- Availability in your area: Not all delivery apps are available in every location. Before signing up, make sure the app operates in your area to ensure a steady stream of delivery opportunities.
- Delivery options (food, groceries, packages): Some apps specialize in food delivery, while others focus on groceries or packages. Choose an app that aligns with your preferences and skills.
- User-friendly interface: A user-friendly interface can make your delivery experience more enjoyable and efficient. Look for apps with intuitive navigation, clear instructions, and responsive customer support.
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12 best delivery apps to make money
#1. Uber Eats
Uber Eats is one of the most popular delivery apps, connecting customers with local restaurants and delivery drivers. As an Uber Eats driver, you’ll have the flexibility to choose when and where you want to work. The app provides detailed instructions for each delivery, making it easy to navigate and complete orders efficiently.
How to sign up as a delivery driver
To sign up as an Uber Eats driver, you’ll need to meet certain requirements such as being at least 19 years old (in most cities) and having a valid driver’s license and insurance. You’ll also need a smartphone that meets the app’s requirements. Simply download the Uber Eats app, create an account, and complete the registration process. Uber Eats will conduct a background check, and once approved, you can start accepting delivery requests.
Pros and cons of Uber Eats
Pros:
- Wide availability in many cities
- Flexible schedule
- Easy-to-use app interface
- Regular payouts
Cons:
- High competition for deliveries in busy areas
- Surge pricing during peak times
- Wear and tear on your vehicle
#2. DoorDash
DoorDash is another popular food delivery app that operates in over 4,000 cities across the United States, Canada, and Australia. As a Dasher (DoorDash driver), you’ll receive delivery requests through the app and have the option to accept or decline them based on your availability. However, As a Dasher, you’ll have the opportunity to earn money by delivering food from local restaurants to customers’ doorsteps.
How to Become a Dasher
To become a Dasher, you’ll need to meet the requirements set by DoorDash, such as being at least 18 years old, having a valid driver’s license, and passing a background check. The registration procedure is straightforward and completed online. Once approved, you’ll receive a welcome kit with a delivery bag and a prepaid card to pay for orders when necessary.
Pros and cons of DoorDash
Pros:
- Flexible schedule
- Ability to earn tips
- Easy-to-use app interface
- Fast and reliable customer support
Cons:
- Limited availability in some areas
- Distance between deliveries can be long
- High competition for delivery requests
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#3. Postmates
Postmates is a delivery app that connects customers to local couriers who can deliver food, groceries, and other goods. Customers can order items from any store or restaurant in their area and have them delivered to their door in minutes.
Customers also have the option to pay for their order with cash or credit card. Postmates offers a variety of delivery options such as same-day delivery, next-day delivery, and scheduled delivery.
The company has grown rapidly since its launch in 2011 and is now available in more than 3,500 cities across the United States.
How to Become a Postmate
To become a Postmate, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and pass a background check. The sign-up process can be completed online, and once approved, you’ll receive a delivery bag and a prepaid card. The app will provide you with delivery requests, and you can choose which ones to accept based on your preference.
Pros and cons of Postmates
Pros:
- Wide variety of delivery options
- High earning potential during peak times
- Flexible schedule
- Fast and reliable customer support
Cons:
- Limited availability in some areas
- Wear and tear on your vehicle
- Potential for long wait times at restaurants or stores
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#4. Instacart
Instacart is a grocery delivery app that allows customers to order groceries and have them delivered straight to their doorstep. As an Instacart shopper, you’ll have the opportunity to earn money by shopping for and delivering groceries to customers in your area.
To become an Instacart shopper, you’ll need to sign up on their website or app. You’ll also need a reliable mode of transportation, such as a car or bike.
Pros of Instacart:
- Wide availability in many cities
- Flexible schedule
- Option to deliver by car or bike
Cons of Instacart:
- High competition for delivery requests
- May require heavy lifting of grocery bags
#5. Grubhub
Grubhub is a popular food delivery app that partners with thousands of restaurants across the United States. As a Grubhub driver, you’ll have the opportunity to earn money by delivering orders from local restaurants to customers in your area.
How to join as a driver
To join Grubhub as a driver, you’ll need to meet certain requirements, including being at least 19 years old (in most markets) and having a valid driver’s license and insurance. The sign-up process can be completed online, and once approved, you can start accepting delivery requests through the app.
Pros and cons of Grubhub
Pros:
- Wide availability in many cities
- Flexible schedule
- Ability to earn tips
- Regular payouts
Cons:
- High competition for deliveries in busy areas
- Surge pricing during peak times
- Wear and tear on your vehicle
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#6. Amazon Flex
With Amazon Flex, you can deliver packages for Amazon and earn money on your own schedule. This app provides a flexible way to make money while helping customers receive their orders quickly.
Pros of Amazon Flex:
- Flexible working hours
- Competitive pay and tips
- Variety of delivery options
- Exploration of different areas
Cons of Amazon Flex:
- Fluctuating demand
- Reliance on personal vehicle
- Time management for deadlines
- Variable shift availability
#7. Caviar
Caviar is a food delivery app that focuses on delivering meals from local restaurants. As a Caviar courier, you can earn money by picking up orders from restaurants and delivering them to customers.
The app provides detailed information about each delivery, including the pickup location, drop-off location, and estimated earnings.
Caviar also offers the option to schedule shifts in advance, allowing you to plan your deliveries and maximize your earnings.
Pros of Caviar:
- A curated selection of premium restaurants
- Potential for higher delivery fees
- Option to earn tips
Cons of Caviar:
- Limited availability in certain areas
- Possible lower demand compared to larger platforms
- Fluctuating income due to variable order volume
- Reliance on personal vehicle for deliveries
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#8. Favor
Favor is a Texas-based delivery app that operates in several cities across the state. As a Favor runner, you can earn money by delivering food, groceries, and other items to customers.
As a Favor Runner, you can earn money by completing various delivery tasks requested by customers. The app allows you to choose the type of delivery you prefer and provides you with all the necessary information to complete each task.
Favor offers guaranteed minimum earnings, flexible working hours, and the ability to keep 100% of your tips, making it a popular choice among delivery drivers.
Pros of Favor:
- Flexible schedule for drivers
- Opportunities for earning in peak demand times
Cons of Favor:
- Fluctuating order volume affecting income
- Wear and tear on personal vehicle
- Reliance on the app for order assignments and communication
#9. GoPuff
GoPuff is a delivery app that specializes in delivering convenience store items, snacks, and beverages. As a driver for GoPuff, you can earn money by delivering these items to customers’ doorsteps.
The app provides a user-friendly interface that allows you to easily accept delivery requests, navigate to the customer’s location, and complete the delivery.
GoPuff offers guaranteed hourly pay, tips, and bonuses, making it a great option for earning money on your own schedule.
Pros of GoPuff:
- Specializes in delivering convenience store items
- Quick and efficient delivery service
- Wide selection of products available
- User-friendly app for easy order management
Cons of GoPuff:
- Limited to specific areas and cities
- Possible delays during peak demand periods
- Reliance on personal vehicle for deliveries
- Availability of shifts may vary based on location
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#10. Roadie
Roadie is a unique delivery app that connects drivers with people who need to transport items from one location to another. Whether it’s a small package or large furniture, Roadie allows you to make money by providing delivery services.
As a Roadie driver, you can earn money by picking up and delivering these items to customers’ requested locations.
The app matches you with delivery tasks based on your location and availability. Roadie offers competitive pay rates and the opportunity to earn extra money through special promotions and bonuses.
Pros of Roadie:
- Diverse delivery options
- Potential for higher earnings on longer routes
- Flexible schedule
- Opportunity for travel
Cons of Roadie:
- Inconsistent demand
- Reliance on personal vehicle
- Time management for deadlines
- Variable gig availability based on location
#11. Deliv
Deliv partners with retailers to offer same-day delivery services. As a Deliv driver, you’ll pick up packages from stores and deliver them to customers’ homes or offices.
Pros of Deliv:
- Focus on same-day and next-day deliveries
- Opportunity to earn tips
- Flexible work schedule
- Potential for higher earnings during peak times
Cons of Deliv:
- Limited availability in certain markets
- Reliance on personal vehicle for deliveries
- Need to manage time effectively to meet delivery deadlines
Commission structure and fees
- Uber Eats: Uber Eats charges a service fee for each order, and delivery partners receive a portion of the delivery fee and tips.
- DoorDash: DoorDash offers a base pay-per-delivery, which can vary based on factors like distance and complexity. You also keep 100% of your tips.
- Grubhub: Grubhub calculates earnings based on a per-order fee, mileage, and tips. They also offer a program called Grubhub+ that provides additional benefits for a monthly subscription fee.
- Postmates: Postmates pays a base delivery fee, plus additional earnings based on factors like distance and time. You keep 100% of your tips.
- Instacart: Instacart offers both full-service and in-store shopper options. Full-service shoppers earn a batch payment, plus tips. In-store shoppers receive an hourly wage.
- Shipt: Shipt pays shoppers a percentage-based commission, plus tips. They also offer incentives for completing a certain number of orders within a specified timeframe.
- Amazon Flex: Amazon Flex pays a base rate per delivery block, which can vary based on location and demand. You may also receive additional earnings for tips and peak-time deliveries.
- Deliv: Deliv partners with retailers to offer same-day delivery. Earnings vary based on the number of packages delivered and the distance traveled.
- GoPuff: GoPuff pays a base rate per delivery, and you also receive 100% of your tips. They offer flexible scheduling options.
- Caviar: Caviar pays a base delivery fee, plus additional earnings based on factors like distance and time. You keep 100% of your tips.
- Favor: Favor offers a guaranteed minimum per delivery, plus tips. They also provide an opportunity for runners to earn bonuses.
- Roadie: Roadie pays drivers based on factors like distance and the size of the item being delivered. You can also receive additional earnings for longer trips.
Each app has its own fee structure, so it’s important to research and compare them to find the best fit for you. Keep in mind that fees may vary depending on your location and the demand for deliveries in your area.
Tips for maximizing earnings on delivery apps:
Once you’ve chosen the best delivery app for you, here are some tips to help you maximize your earnings:
- Choose peak delivery hours: Delivering during high-demand periods, such as lunch or dinner time, can increase your chances of receiving more orders and earning more money.
- Optimize your route: Plan your deliveries efficiently to minimize travel time and maximize the number of deliveries you can complete in a given timeframe. Use navigation apps to find the most optimal routes and avoid traffic congestion. By optimizing your route, you can save time and increase your earning potential.
- Provide excellent customer service: Be friendly, professional, and timely when interacting with customers. Positive reviews and ratings can lead to more delivery opportunities.
- Take advantage of promotions and bonuses: Many delivery apps offer promotions or bonuses for completing a certain number of deliveries or working during specific time periods. Keep an eye out for these opportunities to boost your earnings.
- Maintain a high rating and positive reviews: Customers’ feedback matters. Strive to provide outstanding service to maintain a high rating and positive reviews, which can lead to more orders and higher earnings.
Summary
Delivery apps offer a flexible and convenient way to make money in today’s gig economy. By choosing the right app and implementing some smart strategies, you can maximize your earnings and turn your delivery gig into a profitable venture.
Remember to consider factors such as commission structures, availability in your area, and the type of deliveries you prefer. With the 12 best delivery apps listed here, you’re well on your way to making money on your own terms.