Amazon Flex Vs. DoorDash: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know!

Since both Amazon Flex and DoorDash are great courier services, you could have difficulty choosing which one to work for. In this article, we'll look at the differences and similarities between Amazon Flex and DoorDash.

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Amazon Flex Vs. DoorDash

When looking to venture into delivery driving as a career, part-time job, or a side hustle, Amazon Flex and Door Dash are the two most lucrative opportunities. Amazon Flex allows you to deliver Amazon packages, Whole Foods, or Amazon fresh orders at an hourly pay rate of between $18 to $25. As a DoorDasher, you'll mainly deliver grocery items, convenience items, and food at an average pay rate of $25.

What is Amazon Flex?

Amazon Flex is an on-demand package delivery service that lets you deliver packages for Amazon using your own vehicle. This allows you to make extra money while having the freedom to schedule when and where to work. Amazon's pre-scheduled shift model ensures that you always have packages waiting for you to deliver and makes it easy to know exactly how much you'll earn since drivers are paid at an hourly rate.

Since drivers work in blocks, you'll have to reserve a block ahead of time to get a shift. Conveniently, you can use the Amazon Flex app to schedule your blocks and manage your work. You'll need a vehicle big enough to accommodate all the packages you're required to deliver.

What is DoorDash?

DoorDash is a popular food delivery service that allows you to deliver food from local restaurants to various customers. Customers can order food from their favorite grocery stores, fast-food joints, or convenience stores through the app. A driver will then retrieve these orders and deliver them to the customer's doorstep. DoorDash allows restaurants that don't want to keep in-house staff to make more sales and expand their business.

As an independent contractor, DoorDash allows you to schedule to deliver whenever you want and earn as much as possible. To work for DoorDash, you'll have to be at least 18 years old and have reliable access to a vehicle.

Similarities Between Amazon Flex and DoorDash

There are various ways in which Amazon Flex is similar to DoorDash. These similarities include the following:

Be your own boss

Both Amazon Flex and DoorDash drivers are considered independent contractors. Therefore, you'll be responsible for your income, working hours, and expenses. You'll provide your services under a written contract with the company, allowing you to schedule your shifts and work whenever you want.

Work flexibility

Flexibility is one of the greatest features of these delivery services. Whether you're working for Amazon Flex or DoorDash, you can set your own schedules and work as much or as little as you would like.

However, Amazon Flex works with a system of shifts, with some starting as early as 4.30 AM. Drivers can also select Instant Offers, but they will have to schedule their shifts in most cases. After choosing a delivery block, you'll have to complete it first before scheduling another.

On the other hand, DoorDash offers more flexibility. This is because rather than scheduling delivery blocks in advance, all you have to do is sign onto the Dasher app, which will show you whether you can accept and deliver orders. Since people could need deliveries for lunch, dinner, and even breakfast, you can opt to deliver one order or as many as you can. Generally, DoorDash offers more flexibility than Amazon Flex.

Estimation of your earnings

Both DoorDash and Amazon Flex have mobile apps that give drivers an estimation of their earnings based on the time taken, the distance traveled, and the base rate.

Differences Between Amazon Flex and DoorDash

When looking to move into the courier business, you'll want to determine whether Amazon Flex or DoorDash suits you better. Some of the differences between Amazon Flex and DoorDash include the following:

Driver Requirements

While you do not need any special skills or education to deliver for Amazon Flex or Door Dash, the basic driver requirements for these apps are different. The basic requirements to become an Amazon Flex driver include being at least 21 years and having a valid driver's license. To deliver for DoorDash, you'll need a valid driver's license and be at least 18 years old. You'll also have to pass a background check. You'll also be required to be a responsible and safe driver, as both companies regularly screen their delivery partners.

Application process

For both companies, the application process is done online. You'll have to complete an online form and upload all the required documents. When you sign up for DoorDash, you'll start working immediately after your account is approved. On the other hand, Amazon Flex has a long waitlist for delivery drivers who might be accepted when jobs become available. Therefore, you may wait for months before working for Amazon Flex. Additionally, you may also be required to attend an interview to be accepted on Amazon Flex.

Eligible vehicles

To deliver for Amazon, you'll need a mid-sized or larger vehicle, probably an SUV, van, or truck. You can also choose to rent one if you don't own one. However, DoorDash allows you to complete deliveries using a car, bike, or scooter. In some cases, you can even deliver DoorDash orders by foot.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Working for Amazon Flex

Let's look at some advantages and disadvantages of becoming an Amazon Flex driver.

Advantages

Some of the benefits that Amazon Flex drivers enjoy include the following:

Has a higher hourly pay of around $18-$20
Bi-weekly pay schedule
You can choose when and where you want to drive
Simpler requirements to start working

Disadvantages

Some of the issues that Amazon Flex Drivers face include the following:

Having many packages that should be delivered per scheduled block
Delivery areas could be far apart
It has a complex scheduling system
The map on the app is not always correct
Failure to deliver has severe consequences

Advantages and Disadvantages of Working for DoorDash

As a DoorDash delivery driver, there are a few aspects about your job that you'll love and others that you'll not. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of becoming a delivery driver for Door Dash.

Advantages

The advantages of working for DoorDash include the following:

Flexible schedule
Lower taxes
Peak pay bonuses
Extra rewards for completing a certain number of orders
Flexible payments
You'll know exactly your pickup and drop-off locations

Disadvantages

Some of the complaints with working for DoorDash are:

No benefits
More wear and tear to your vehicle
There are no guaranteed wages
Low tips
Increases your risk of getting into an accident
Rating system has a critical impact on your account

Conclusion

Amazon Flex and DoorDash are great driving gigs for anyone looking to make extra money. You should consider various factors when choosing which one works best for you. Whether you're looking for a service that pays better or one with easier driver or vehicle requirements, this article has covered everything concerning Amazon Flex vs. DoorDash.